Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 35-45 lbs. Female: 35-45 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 19 in.
Female: 18 in.
Becker believes biologically-appropriate food and an Australian cattle dogs immediate environment are the most important factors in determining health, vitality, and lifespan. To understand his future, you have to investigate his past.
Australian cattle dogs will not only run circles around you, but also herd you down the sidewalk, across the driveway, and into your car. ACDs, as theyre also called, know theres work to be done, and their agility, brainpower, and efficiency make them extremely good at it.
Becker also recommends a beginning scent-work class immediately after they graduate from obedience class. “These super-smart dogs excel in this interactive, brain-stimulating game you both can enjoy for a lifetime,” she says.
Australian cattle dogs are, by nature, efficient and dutiful. When he thinks someone is out of line, hell nip at their heels—this includes you, children, and other dogs. While this behavior is simply instinctual due to his herding inclinations, its not acceptable in the family. Proper positive conditioning and redirection learned in obedience training will help curtail this habit.
Double-coated dogs “blow their coats” twice a year, which causes a lot of shedding, usually in the spring and fall. The Australian cattle dogs care during this time is no exception: Hell require brushing and combing multiple times a week to remove loose, dead hair.
What to Feed an Australian Cattle Dog
With a wide variety of diet options, it can be daunting to choose the right food for your Australian Cattle Dog. An AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)-approved food is a good place to start to ensure your selected food meets standard nutritional requirements and regulations for pet foods. You should also be sure you are feeding a diet that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Other considerations for Australian Cattle Dogs are their athletic, active lifestyle, so high-quality, calorically dense diets may be ideal. However, be sure to consult with your veterinarian regarding your pet’s specific needs when selecting a diet.
7 Reasons you SHOULD NOT get a Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)
Descended from the dingo and bred to herd animals, Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their extraordinary intelligence and go, go, go personality. Australian Cattle Dogs come in two colors—blue and red speckle—frequently referred to as a “Blue Heeler” or “Red Heeler.” The term is in reference to how they nip at the heels of animals when herding.
Australian Cattle Dogs are medium-sized dogs weighing in at 35-50 pounds and 17-20 inches tall. Classified in the herding group of dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs should not exceed 50 pounds in weight or 20 inches in height.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest living dog was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who lived to be 29 years old.