The Australian Cattle Dog dates back to the early 1800s, originating in Australia. As the name suggests, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to help herd cattle on farms and ranches. Australian settlers needed a herding dog that was extremely alert, intelligent, watchful and active. Still today, Australian Cattle Dogs are used for herding. The Australian Cattle Dog is a cross between the Blue Merle and the Australian Dingo. They’re often referred to as "Blue Heelers" in Australia. The Australian Cattle Dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980.

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Australian Cattle Dog Appearance 

The Australian Cattle Dog is medium-sized with a solid, muscular frame. Their height ranges from 17-20 inches and their weight ranges from 35-50 pounds. Australian Cattle Dogs have a square shaped head with a muzzle that tapers to the nose. They have a keen expression and pointed ears that are always on alert.

Australian Cattle Dog Temperament 

Australian Cattle Dogs are high energy and independent in nature. They’re naturally cautious of strangers and new situations but very loyal to their owners. Australian Cattle Dogs make great watch dogs and are most happy when they have a job to do. They can be difficult for first-time owners because of their herding instincts and need for mental stimulation. However, Australian Cattle Dogs make great family pets when given the proper amount of care and attention.

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Grooming Your Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs have a dense double-coat that comes in two main colours, blue and red. They have a coarse undercoat and a short, weather-resistant outer coat. Australian Cattle Dogs shed a moderate amount and “blow” their coat once or twice a year. They need regular grooming to remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Brushing can be done every other week with a natural bristle brush. Australian Cattle Dogs also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning and dental care.

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Training & Exercise for Australian Cattle Dogs

The Australian Cattle Dog is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise but is also prone to obesity because of the high-calorie diet they require. It's important to find the right balance between exercise and food intake so that they don't become overweight.

Australian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train and they love to work. Since they’re naturally independent and can be stubborn at times, consistent positive training is essential. The Australian Cattle Dog has a high prey drive, which means they will chase anything that moves, so it's important for them to be on leash or in a fenced area.

Health Considerations for Australian Cattle Dogs 

The Australian Cattle Dog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. To ensure your Australian Cattle Dog gets the most out of these years, it’s important to be aware of some of the common health issues Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to, including deafness, hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Deafness

Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to heritable deafness. This can be tested while the puppies are young using the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test (BAER). This test helps evaluate an animal’s auditory response to sound stimulation. If you notice that your Australian Cattle Dog is not responding or reacting to sounds, this could be a sign that they’re deaf. Although there’s no treatment for deafness, if provided the proper care, your Australian Cattle Dog can go on to live a long and happy life.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most common canine ailments. It’s a genetic condition that causes an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can eventually lead to lameness and arthritis of the joints. Elbow dysplasia occurs when a dog's elbow does not fuse properly during their development.  

Dysplasia is typically a hereditary disease that can be magnified by factors including excessive growth rate, age, types of exercise and improper weight and nutrition. While mild conditions can be managed with prescription medication and physical therapy, more severe cases could require surgery. To prevent or reduce the severity of hip dysplasia, it’s important to ensure your Australian Cattle Dog gets a proper diet and the right amount of exercise. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occurs when the retina of an Australian Cattle Dog’s eye starts to deteriorate. Some dogs may experience total blindness, while others remain unaffected but can be carriers of the gene. There is currently no treatment that can cure this disease; however, you can learn to spot the signs early to ensure your Australian Cattle Dog continues to live a fulfilling life. Some common signs to look for include night blindness, bumping into objects and inability to follow hand signals/commands.

It’s important to monitor your Australian Cattle Dog’s vision to detect these eye conditions early on, especially in the first years of their life. It’s recommended that you have your Australian Cattle Dog’s eyes checked by your vet on a regular basis. 

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What Makes an Australian Cattle Dog Unique? 

Australian Cattle Dogs are born white

Australian Cattle Dogs are born with a solid white coat. It’s not until around 6 weeks that they start to grow into their unique coats. It’s suspected that this trait comes from their Dalmatian heritage. 

An Australian Cattle Dog holds a Guinness World Record

The oldest living canine ever recorded was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. Bluey was born in 1910 and lived to the grand old age of 29 years and five months. After being brought in as a puppy, Bluey spent almost 20 years herding cattle and sheep before retiring.

Australian Cattle Dogs are nicknamed “shadow dogs”

Australian Cattle Dogs are known to develop a deep attachment to their family. A common nickname for an Australian Cattle dog is “shadow dogs” because they want to be wherever their owners are.

Australian Cattle Dogs have stumpy-tailed cousins

Although closely related to the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a distinctly different breed. These dogs are naturally born bobtailed or tailless.

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