An Aussie icon, the legendary Australian Cattle Dog, commonly known as the Blue Heeler, is a classic, hardworking dog. They love a purpose (and a job), bucket-loads of exercise and an experienced human family to call their own.
Personality and temperament
Bred to manage livestock ten times bigger than themselves, Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent, confident working dogs who suit experienced dog owners. Their face is always scanning yours for direction and intent, and they’ll follow you around the house looking for a job to do – earning the nickname “shadow dogs”. Highly-driven and loyal, Aussie Cattle Dogs are also loving and very affectionate with their humans. They can be wary of strangers and protective of their human pack, and without proper stimulation they can take their frustration out on your furniture and backyard!
Size and appearance
This medium-sized pooch is built for function, endurance, agility and strength. Males tend to weigh around 25kgs, and females weighing in slightly less. They have sturdy, muscular frames, a dense double coat and upright, alert ears that move like satellite dishes. Curiously, puppies are born white with black or red markings only, however, their true colours develop within the first month, where they appear ‘blue’ or ‘red’ and are sometimes called ‘blue heelers’ or ‘red heelers’.
History
Developed in the 1840s, Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to be able to meet the demands of the unruly livestock, raw territory and vast distances in the Australian outback. They had to be able to take commands from their humans but also make quick independent decisions as they herded large groups of cattle. They also had to protect their drovers (owners); hence they are fiercely loyal to their humans. They became house pets for city dwellers in the late 1800s but gained US popularity after American soldiers brought them home after being stationed in Australia in World War Two. Blue Heelers are famously depicted in the children’s cartoon ‘Bluey’ which first aired on Aussie TV screens in 2018 and is now seen (and loved) by millions of kids globally.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Aussie Cattle Dogs are very robust dogs, however they can be prone to some common conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss
- Deafness (inherited deafness occurs in some bloodlines)
- Patella luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Dental disease
- Obesity (a risk for high-energy breeds if they don’t get enough exercise)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Australian Cattle Dog healthy.
Food and exercise
Being a working dog, Australian Cattle Dogs need nutrient-dense food to fuel their stamina and muscles. However, if under exercised, these pooches can gain weight easily, so set mealtimes and portion control is recommended
Not surprisingly, Australian Cattle Dogs need loads of exercise. Around 60-90 minutes a day will keep them happy, with another 20-30 minutes of mental stimulation. Don’t forget, these are dogs who were bred to be driving cattle for hours (and days) on end without rest. Brisk walks, running, hikes, high-intensity playtime like fetch, agility, and problem solving games work well.
Grooming and maintenance
Although their fur doesn’t seem that long, Australian Cattle Dogs are shedders. Daily brushing during the seasonal shed can help.
- Bathe: Every 6-8 weeks or when needed
- Professional groom: not usually needed, but can help during shedding
How to groom your Australian Cattle Dog
- Fur: brush weekly with a bristle or slicker brush (daily during shedding)
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for wax and debris build up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Aussie Cattle Dogs by breeding are excellent at training. They’re super intelligent, hardworking and eager to please, and they’ll pick up commands easily. However, they do have an independent streak that needs consistent boundaries. Short, engaging sessions with positive reinforcement will help them grow into well mannered, happy pooches.
Like most working dogs, Aussie Cattle Dogs need space (and lots of it) to burn off their energy. While they can live in larger suburban homes with secured backyards, they’ll be more at home on bigger properties where they can even have daily tasks and jobs to do.
Best suited for…
If you’re wanting a real-life ‘Bluey’ dog in your home, you’ll need lots of space for them to run around, time to spend training and energy to exercise alongside them. In return they can offer love, affection and an undying loyalty. Aussie Cattle Dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners and humans who can handle the strength and intelligence of this loving working dog.
