Dog breed Australian Cattle Dog - Care, Training & Co.

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They are smart, they are fast, they are diligent - the Australian Cattle Dog is a true workhorse. Learn more about the character and training of the famous herding dog from Australia.

10.05.2022

Australian Cattle Dog – eager herding dog from Australia

Striking with its coat colors, the Australian Cattle Dog is a well-known dog, especially →in Australia. Here, the herding and driving dog keeps the cattle herds together on vast pastures.

But is the →intelligent four-legged friend something for you? Find out!

The Australian Cattle Dog in Portrait

Origin: Australia

Size: 43-51 cm

Weight: 14-16 kg

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Character: alert, active, intelligent, brave

australische hunderassen cattle dog

Character and Nature

Anyone who drives large cattle herds over kilometers of Australian pastures must have a lot of energy. The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding and driving dog from paw to tail tip. Alert, active, and very brave, it guards its cattle herd.

Similar to the Border Collie, it wants to shine with its work - but adds an extra layer to everything. Even more attentive, even more fearless, even more watchful, the Cattle Dog pursues its task. It works very closely with people and is strongly oriented towards its reference person. It tends to be skeptical towards unfamiliar peers and humans, but usually does not show aggressive behavior.

australische hunderassen stumpy tail cattle dog

Training and Keeping

So much in advance: If you have no task for the Australian Cattle Dog, you should really think carefully about whether you can provide the right home for this four-legged friend. It doesn't have to be about herding a herd. The →sporty four-legged friends are excellent companions for horseback riding or cycling. Many dog sports like agility, obedience, dog dancing, or flyball also bring joy to the Cattle Dog.

Important for the →training of such a self-confident and clever dog is a consistent and secure demeanor. The clever one likes to question decisions. Blind obedience? That’s not an option for the Australian. Therefore, experienced dog owners who have knowledge of herding dogs are the best prerequisite to give the Australian Cattle Dog the leadership it seeks.

As a well-coordinated team, the furry friend is a reliable and affectionate companion who will stand by you through thick and thin. However, it is not a →classic family dog. It is also advisable to attend a dog school early on, so that the more distant four-legged friend can get to know different breeds and strengthen its social skills.

australian cattle dog blue

Training is much easier when the reward is right. The Australian Cattle Dog is often satisfied with a "Well done," but he wouldn't mind a tasty snack either. Take a look at our snack bar now and treat your hardworking four-legged friend a little.

Tolle Belohnungen für fleißige Hunde - unsere Snacks

Why is the breed also called "Heeler"?

In Australia, the dog breed is also called "Heeler." Its second name comes from the herding technique, Heeling. In this technique, the dog nips at the lower part of the legs to encourage the cattle to move on.

Which breeds are in the Australian Cattle Dog?

That the Australian Cattle Dog is an interesting breed mix is evident at first glance. However, which breeds have been crossed in over the years has not been precisely determined. It is suspected that Kelpie, Collie, Dingo, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier are part of the Australian four-legged friend.

Undine Tackmann
Undine Tackmann