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Breed Description: The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, compact breed, with great agility, strength and endurance. This breed excels at driving cattle and shows the same sense of duty and courage when protecting its family.
Group: Herding Group
Country of Origin: Australia, 1800s
Purpose of Breed: Herding cattle
Average Size: 35-45 lbs. and 17-20 inches tall
Color(s): Color is either red speckled or blue, blue mottled or blue speckled, with or without markings.
Coat Type: A double-coat consisting of a smooth, straight weather-resistant outer-coat and a short, dense undercoat.
Grooming: Coat requires only routine brushing. This breed requires standard care for eyes, ears, pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic dogs that need plenty of regular exercise to fulfill their need to chase, herd and run or they may become destructive.
Temperament: Australian Cattle Dogs are smart, independent and hardworking. They are devoted to their master and tireless when given a job to do. They are alert, trustworthy and courageous, and somewhat naturally suspicious of strangers.
Common Ailments: Prone to hip dysplasia, eye disorders and deafness.
Life Expectancy: Averages 12-15 years.
Trivia: Also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog has been an integral part of the beef industry's success in Australia. As populations spread to huge farmlands, this breed enabled farmers to maintain huge herds of cattle.
More Information: Australian Cattle Dog Club of America
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