What to Feed an Australian Cattle Dog
You should feed your Australian cattle dog high-quality dog food. Make sure your vet supervises or approves the food before feeding it to your dog. In most cases, it doesnât really matter whether you prepare it at home or if its made commercially. Also, make sure that the food and the amount you feed your dog is age and size-appropriate. Only give puppies puppy food, and adults, adult dog food.
Since Australian cattle dogs are always active and very athletic, make sure that they get adequate nutrition according to their needs. Always provide fresh, clean water for them to drink whenever they get thirsty. Never feed your dog human food before finding out if its safe for them to eat or not. If you think your Australian cattle dog has some weight issues, talk to your vet about it for diet advice.
Australian cattle dogs are prone to hereditary conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and primary lens luxation (PLL). You can detect or predict these conditions by doing DNA testing when breeding. That way you can avoid them.
Other conditions that also affect Australian cattle dogs include:Â
For deafness, consider getting a BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) performed in an BAER testing center. Taking your dog for screening tests like hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, and ophthalmologist evaluation may also help detect conditions like dysplasia when breeding. Make sure to take your Australian cattle dog for ear check ups regularly to get rid of foreign material and wax build-ups.
While their first love is any kind of activity, the Australian Cattle Dog is equally devoted to family, sometimes choosing one family member as her person and following that person everywhere, a trait that has earned ACDs the nickname “velcro dogs.” ACDs cherish spending time with people and should not be left alone for long periods since they might develop separation anxiety which will almost always be exhibited in destructive behavior. An ACD is the quintessential buddy dog, and would love nothing more than to accompany you everywhere, from errands around town to doing the laundry.
While the personality and needs of every dog are unique, typical ACDs are very smart, high energy dogs best suited to active people who view training and working with a canine companion as a way of life. Leisurely strolls around the neighborhood wont satisfy the average cattle dog. Plenty of room to run is essential, and mental workouts are equally, if not more, important than physical exertion alone.
And because ACDs tend to live long, they tend to mature late. Diverse and ongoing socialization with different dogs and people as well as training for young ACDs often requires a concerted effort for the first two years of a dogs life. After they have matured, learning new tricks or having added responsibilities can be a lifelong joy for human and pup alike!
Please consider that Cattle Dogs may not always an ideal choice for families with small children. While they will bond closely with the children in their own families, they can be wary of strange children and take on protective attitudes, and wee ones who run around may inspire herding! They can also be impatient with children, even their own human siblings, so families should take extra care to teach kids how to approach a Cattle Dog.
ACDs were bred to be tough, independent working dogs, valued for their ability to make decisions while wrangling untamed cattle in the Australian outback. If not provided with what they need, they might create their own idea of “what needs doing” and it may very well be not to your liking!
Australian Cattle Dog Dog Breed Picture
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Theyre also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Youll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they cant pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and youll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if theyve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isnt the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by whos on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas arent always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and theyre not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if theyre love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If youve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if youre a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesnt mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that theyre at an increased risk.
If youre adopting a puppy, its a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed youre interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pups parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed thats prone to packing on pounds, youll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dogs diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the worlds smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if theyre compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “Whats in it for me?” attitude, in which case youll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they dont get the mental stimulation they need, theyll make their own work–usually with projects you wont like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesnt puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that its fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy thats been stuffed with kibble and treats.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and youll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally arent a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally wont chase, but youll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If youre considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If youre considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, theyll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and theyre more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether youll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone whos elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you dont like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Australian Cattle Dog: What You Need To Know Before Getting One
The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, intelligent and active breed of dog. Australian breeders develop this breed to herd their large flocks of cattle and they still use this breed to herd cattle. These cattle dogs are involved in different jobs and family activities.
ACD (Australian Cattle Dog), or simply Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized short-haired breed whose black or brown colors are evenly distributed on its white coat, the dog appears as a “blue” or “red” one.
In this Australian Cattle Dog Owner’s Guide, you will learn about its history, personality, temperament, health, and care.
This breed originated in the 1840s. Thomas Hall, a native of Queensland, crossed Dingoes with Blue Merle Collies which resulted in the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed became famous due to its good working capacity. After sometime, nearby ranchers bought the Australian Cattle Dog because of its working skills.
This extremely active Australian Cattle dog demands regular physical and mental activity. They can become destructive if left alone or bored. If you’re thinking of having an Australian Cattle Dog, be prepared to provide lots of stimulation to keep them busy and tired.
Australian Cattle Dog love their owner and family so much. If you are going to punish ACD, the physical separation from their loved ones is what they hate very much. Although they are smart but can be stubborn and willful, getting their independent streak under control requires constant positive training.
Early socialization helps them expose to different sounds, sights, people, and experiences that will lead your dog to being a good family dog.
Australian Cattle Dogs are friendly, loving and extremely affectionate towards their owners. These versatile working dogs are the ones that can learn easily. Don’t stop training or raising them because they have an independent mind.
Like all other breeds and dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog is also prone to health problems. When owning an Australian Cattle dog, you should be aware of those issues.
First of all check the health clearance certificates of both parents before getting a puppy. This will help you get the best one that is free from genetic diseases and other inherited problems.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): In this condition, the photoreceptors in the back of the eyes are lost. This results in blindness. This is a degenerative eye disorder, but dogs with this condition can live happy lives because they compensate for their blindness with their other senses.
Deafness: This hereditary condition can occur at a very young age of the puppies, these dogs should not be bred. The researcher also discovers that this problem is related to colour. Puppies with white hair or fur are related to deafness. These hearing problems can be determined by BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response), but it is not a treatment or a cure.
The Australian Cattle Dog lives happily when they receive a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They cannot live in an apartment and leaving them alone is not a good option either because they can be destructive. You should also provide your dog with a well-fenced yard, ranch, or rural farm.
If you are considering the Australian Cattle Dog, be sure to provide him with activities according to his high energy level. Since this breed was bred for herding and hunting, if you’re not a farmer, consider dog sports. This breed also loves challenges, sports, and activities.
With professional training and their friendly behavior, they have proven to be a solid family pet. Professional training is required for your dog to understand their limits. Australian Cattle Dog are not ideal for people who are having a dog for the first time.
The Australian Cattle Dog is the aggressive one. They show aggression to gain dominance over other dogs of the same sex. It is also being noted that they have a strong instinct to catch or chase cats and other fleeing creatures.
Australian Cattle Dog are extremely intelligent and alert and barks when they senses an approaching sound, sight, or danger. These fiercely protective Australian Cattle Dogs don’t bark much except when something unusual happens or when they play fetch or chase.
Due to their independent nature, they don’t like to snuggle up on the couch, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like spending time with you. They really enjoy spending time with their owner but in a different way than hugging.
Australian Cattle Dogs are known as the most energetic breed, so staying calm can be a battle when their excitement and exuberance is overwhelming. Handling them with patience and many mental and physical activities can calm the Australian Cattle dog easily.
It is seen that they like to bite, but if they are trained properly they can restrict themselves to bite. Australian Cattle Dog begins to bite gently while playing, but over time it becomes a persistent habit and aggression.
Australian Cattle Dogs love training and challenging situations from which you will see that they will learn very quickly. Proper motivation can help in training Australian Cattle Dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog is active and intelligent dog breed. This smart breed was bred to handle cattle herds over long distances. Today, farmers still use them as herding dogs.
Average Australian Cattle Dog puppy cost is $700 AUD. They can be up to $2000 AUD, but when purchased from a known breeder with specs, they will cost up to $3,300 AUD.
The practice of pinching the heels of reluctant moving cattle and their color gave them the nickname “Blue Heeler” or “Red Heeler”. Additionally, these names are now occasionally used to differentiate their bloodline that was raised in Queensland, Australia, from the bloodline that was raised in New South Wales.
Australian Cattle Dogs are perfect puppies for those families that are related to farming, but that does not mean that they are not family dogs. Proper training and socialisation can make Australian Cattle Dogs perfect family dogs.