Dog Breeds <Back to Breed Profiles

		Select the dog breed you are interested in from the list below. Alphabetical Search: A - E F - J K - O P - T U - Z or Select A Breed

Australian Cattle Dog

General
Other Names		Blue Heeler, Hall's Heeler, AuCaDo
Dog Group Kennel Club
Breed Classification		The Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the pastoral group and is used for cattle-herding, as a companion and seen in the show-ring.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		This dog is relatively easy to feed, only really requiring greater nutrition during its rapid growth period between 9 to 12 months of age. The breeder will be able to advise on the appropriate diet.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		A puppy will cost around £400.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years Australian Cattle Dogs will live to 14 years of age.
Average Litter Size		5 Litter sizes vary from 1 to 7 puppies, the average being 4 or 5.
General Physical Description		Dogs of great stamina and endurance, Australian Cattle Dogs are a picture of strength and agility, with intense watchful eyes. They are compact and symmetrical and should look well-muscled, with a double coat. The undercoat is smooth, short and dense; the outer coat is hard, straight and weather-resistant. They move freely and tirelessly with powerful drive from the hindquarters and are capable of quick and sudden actions.
Height Min Max Bitch 43cm (17") 48cm (19") Dog 46cm (18") 51cm (20") Weight Min Max Bitch 16kg (35lbs) 20kg (44lbs) Dog 16kg (35lbs) 20kg (44lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Bitches will measure between 43 to 48cms at the withers, dogs between 46 to 51cms. Both will weigh between 16 to 20kgs.
Ailments		This breed is largely free from genetic conditions and has a low susceptibility to disease. Proper selection for breed type is important as conformation problems e.g. cobbiness, weediness, straight shoulders and stifles can arise. Check the thick undercoat regularly to avoid skin problems. PRA can develop later in life, between the ages of 6 and 8, and so it is important that the parentage has been tested.
Common Ailments		Deafness Eczema
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The Australian Cattle Dog is the outcome of a deliberate breeding programme. Various dogs with specific abilities were crossbred over a period of 60 years. During the 1830's a collie type dog was crossed with the native wild Dingo. The result was a dog, called Timmon's Biters, that barked less and was better at driving the herds. In the 1840's 2 blue-merle smooth coated collies were crossed with the Dingo, the best of the resulting litter
Intelligence		Australian Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and eager to work and learn, making them very easy to train. However, temperament changes through adolescence are common, especially a lack of self-confidence, and so owners must be consistent and reassuring at these times.
Show Characteristics		The skull should be broad and slightly curved between the ears, with a slight but definite stop. The lips should be tight and clean with strong jaws and a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be oval, medium-sized, alert, intelligent and dark brown in colour. The ears should be smaller rather than large and moderately pointed. The neck should be exceptionally strong and muscular, adjoining strong, sloping, well-laid back shoulders. The back should be strong and have a level topline. The front legs should be straight and strong, with rounded bone. The hindlegs should be broad, strong and muscular. The feet should be round with well-arched, short, strong toes and the tail set on low, following the slope of the croup and never carried over the back. The preferred colours for the show ring are blue, blue mottled or blue speckled with or without black, blue or tan markings and red speckle with or without dark red markings on the head.
Country Of Origin		Australia
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours per day. This breed needs copious amounts of exercise to keep it in good physical and mental condition. Competition work, as in agility trials, would be ideal. As puppies, the breed experience a rapid growth rate between the age of 9 to 12 months and during this period exercise may have to be adjusted.
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		High
Suitability As Guard Dog		Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		Low
General Character And Temperament		AuCaDo's are extremely courageous and hard-working, always being alert to the job on hand. They will behave in an exemplary manner towards children and other household pets if adequately socialised when young. They are a quiet breed, barking very little and are very loyal to their handlers. They are versatile dogs, giving lots of satisfaction to their families and enjoying being involved in all family matters, They generally prefer to be the only dog in the household.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		< Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		AuCaDo's require very little grooming; an occasional brush or comb is all that is required.
Colour		The only colours in this breed are blue and red-speckle with black, tan, red or blue markings on the head.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

Breed results: A-E

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akita Alaskan Malamute American Cocker Spaniel Anatolian Shepherd Dog Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Dog Australian Silky Terrier Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Bleu de Gascogne Basset Fauve de Bretagne Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) Basset Hound Bavarian Mountain Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog Laekenois Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois Belgian Shepherd Dog Tervueren Bergamasco Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Bloodhound Boerboel Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer

Bracco Italiano Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bull Terrier Miniature Bulldog Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cesky Terrier Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua (Long Coat) Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) Chinese Crested Chow Chow (Rough) Chow Chow (Smooth) Clumber Spaniel Coton De Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund (Long-Haired) Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) Dachshund (Smooth Haired) Dachshund (Wire Haired) Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Deerhound Dobermann Dogue de Bordeaux Elkhound English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Springer Spaniel English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) Eskimo Dog Estrela Mountain Dog