Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as Bouvier Australien, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Heeler
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 15 to 22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Australia
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A compact, muscular working dog with a distinctive blue or red speckled coat and exceptional stamina, bred to drive cattle. It is also called the “Heeler” because it moves livestock by nipping at their heels.
History and origins
Developed in Australia in the 19th century by crossing British herding dogs, notably blue merle collies, with the dingo, then adding Dalmatian and black and tan Kelpie blood. The goal: a hardy cattle dog suited to the tough conditions of Australian ranching.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Congenital deafness
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Primary lens luxation
- Osteochondrosis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Australian Cattle Dog FAQ
How big does the Australian Cattle Dog get?
The Australian Cattle Dog stands 43 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 15 to 22 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Australian Cattle Dog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Australian Cattle Dog live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Australian Cattle Dog need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Australian Cattle Dog live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are congenital deafness and progressive retinal atrophy.
