Australian Cattle Dog at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 43–51 cm
- Weight
- 16–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Time alone.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog right for you?
Like every breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Australian Cattle Dog fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, muscular, medium-sized dog with alert, pricked ears and a close, dense coat that protects it from weather and scrubby undergrowth. It combines strength and speed with great endurance, and it typically has a strong instinct for work, a quick mind and a loyal, protective nature.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed was developed by Australian stockmen in the late 1800s, who found that imported collies were not tough enough for the harsh conditions and bold livestock. It descends from Hall's Heelers, which came from crossing the Australian Dingo with early colonial dogs, probably drovers' dogs of various collie types. Purina notes that many breeds went into it over 60 years of crossbreeding.
It has also been known as the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler, because it crouches low and nips at the heels of cattle to drive them on. Its distinctive blue and red speckled or mottled coats are a feature of the breed.
Australian Cattle Dog temperament
Australian Cattle Dogs are typically smart, quick to react and very fast learners. They are distrustful of strangers and very protective of their owner and territory, which is why they are often used as guard dogs on the station. They are usually willing to bark to alert you.
Their herding instinct can show as using their teeth to move other animals and people, so early training for a softer mouth is necessary. They may have issues with unknown dogs, and they are skilled escape artists and opportunists, so they are best not left bored or unsupervised for long.
Size and appearance
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog, typically standing 43–51 cm and weighing around 16–20 kg.
The coat is short, close and dense. Breed standard colours are blue, blue mottled, blue speckled and red speckled.
How much exercise does a Australian Cattle Dog need?
These dogs have high energy levels and usually need more than two hours of exercise a day, including mental stimulation and training. They have great stamina and will happily do more. Activities such as agility and flyball are a great outlet and a good way to spend time together.
Outdoor space must be securely fenced. Because they naturally react to and try to control moving things, quiet rural or farm homes suit them better than busy towns and roads.
Training a Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog thrives on training and working closely with its owner, and it needs plenty of it.
- Start early work on a soft mouth, and teach them not to chase or nip.
- Socialise them with children while young to help with herding behaviour.
- Use dog sports, especially agility, to give them a job.
- Teach them to relax and switch off, which can be harder than teaching tricks.
Australian Cattle Dog grooming
The hard-wearing coat is easy to maintain. A weekly brush removes dead hair, and mud brushes out easily once dry. Check the paws and ears daily for thorns or grass seeds, and get puppies used to grooming early.
Living with a Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are herders and like groups, including people, to stay together and move at their pace. Due to their strong herding instinct they may nip at the heels of running children, although socialisation and training at a young age can help. Families with adults and older children who can join in training usually manage this best; families with toddlers are likely to find it difficult.
All dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Australian Cattle Dog health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some health problems are recognised in the Australian Cattle Dog. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected. PDSA recommends checking that a puppy's parents have been screened under the BVA and Kennel Club health schemes.
Deafness
Congenital deafness is seen in the breed. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hearing testing under the KC BAER Scheme, including litter screening.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye wastes away, which can lead to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for prcd-PRA and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Joint laxity caused by poor development, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes.
Portosystemic shunt
Abnormal blood circulation in which blood bypasses the liver, which can lead to a build-up of toxins.
Eczema
A skin condition that causes inflamed, itchy skin, often triggered by an allergen.
Luxating patellas
The kneecaps slip temporarily out of place.
Glaucoma
A painful condition in which pressure builds up inside the eye.
Urolithiasis
Stones form in the urinary tract and can cause pain.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Australian Cattle Dog home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Australian Cattle Dog cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Australian Cattle Dog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Australian Cattle Dog
If you have decided the Australian Cattle Dog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Australian Cattle Dogs looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Australian Cattle Dog adverts at the moment.
Find Australian Cattle Dog adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Australian Cattle Dog FAQs
Is the Australian Cattle Dog good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Australian Cattle Dog live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Australian Cattle Dog need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Australian Cattle Dog shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Australian Cattle Dog need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Does the Australian Cattle Dog bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Australian Cattle Dog live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Australian Cattle Dog get?
Adults typically stand 43–51 cm at the shoulder and weigh 16–20 kg.