Considered by many dog experts to be the finest herding dog breed, the Australian Cattle Dog (or ACD) is a strong, agile dog with lots of stamina. The breed was developed in Australia in the early part of the 19th century. Ranchers needed a hardy dog to drove cattle over long distances in the dry, dusty terrain. The development of the Australian Cattle Dog was instrumental in the growth of the Australian beef industry. http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_cattle_dog/index.cfm

As the name implies, these dogs work with cattle and other livestock in confined spaces as well as on the open range. Also known as the Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Australian Heeler, the “heeler” moniker refers to these dogs’ tendency to nip at the heels of their charges to move them along.http://www.dogbreedinfocenter.com/australiancattledog.htm

Australian Cattle Dogs have dominant personalities and will work hard at a job they love! Stubborn cows are not a problem to them; these courageous dogs only become more determined to control the ornery animals.http://www.dogbreedinfocenter.com/australiancattledog.htm

The breed’s ancestry is disputed by fanciers, but it is generally believed to include the dingo (native wild dogs of Australia), blue merle Collie, Dalmation, and Australian Kelpie, among others. The end result was a hardy dog that resembles the dingo in shape (but is a bit thicker), and is considered among the best of the herding dog breeds. http://www.cattledog.com/misc/intro.html

The standard for the breed was written in 1893 and accepted in Australia in 1903. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed standard in 1980, and the Australian Cattle Dog has become a popular choice for those families who want an extremely intelligent, easily trained, and hard-working companion dog who excels in dog sports like frisbee and flyball as well as other dog activities.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australiancattledog.htm

Some lines of Australian Cattle Dogs are know to have a inherited genetic tendency toward hip displaysia. Juvenile cataracts are a concern, and ACDs born completely white may be blind or deaf. They may also face a variety of cancers and retinal atrophy.http://www.dogster.com/breeds/Australian_Cattle_Dog

The modern Australian Cattle Dog is still widely used as a herding dog by ranching operations. His tireless and fearless management of cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock make him an invaluable assistant to the rancher. He also serves as a tough guard dog, one who will fiercely defend his territory, his family, and his animal charges.http://www.cattledog.com/misc/intro.html

When kept as family companions, these dogs need lots of outdoor exercise. Bored and under-exercised ACDs will create their own entertainment, and the owner will not be pleased with the results! Engaging your Australian Cattle Dog in sports and dog competitions can give him a “job” to do and keep his destructive tendencies under control.

ACDs love to run and jump, and can make quick, agile turns. They’re naturals at frisbee and flyball, and excel in agility trials. They have the strength and stamina to serve as bicycling or jogging partners as well (but take care not to overexert young dogs).http://www.cattledog.com/misc/intro.html

This is a hardy, highly active dog breed that will be eager to join his family in any outdoor activity and makes an excellent competitor in flyball, frisbee, and other dog sports. The owner must be willing and able to provide a great deal of physical exercise that provides mental stimulation as well if his dog is not employed to herd cattle or other livestock.

However, the ACD is not for the meek dog owner! The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong-willed dog that needs an “alpha” owner who understands dog behavior. The owner needs to create a strong bond with his dog and give him guidance and direction, since the ACD tends to be a one-person dog.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australiancattledog.htm

A well-raised ACD is slavishly devoted to his owner and family and naturally wary of strangers, but not overly aggressive unless the situation calls for action. Their dominant personalities give them a tendency toward aggressive behavior, especially toward other dogs of the same sex (although they’ll usually get along with dogs they have been raised with). Their strong herding instincts may be directed toward other household pets or the family’s children, a trait which must be trained out of them to keep peace in the family. This dog is not recommended for homes with young children, but will do fine with older kids who know how to handle dominant dogs. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australiancattledog.htm

Obedience training must begin at an early age, and your ACD must be well-socialized to new people, places, and sounds. The owner should attend obedience classes with his dog so he may teach the techniques to the rest of the family. It is vital that all members of the family can exercise control over their ACD or he will try to run the family, and may even become a liability.

ACDs are tough dogs that can withstand harsh weather conditions and can live and sleep outdoors, but thrive on the love an attention of their owners and will prefer to be indoors with the family. They love to run and jump and need at least a medium-size yard to play in and one long, brisk daily walk to satisfy their natural urges to roam.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/choosing-an-australian-cattle-dog/page1.aspx