Australian Cattle Dog

Good to know

• Heelers: bred to drive cattle over long distances by nipping at their heels, many try to herd by nipping, so redirect it early.
• Need a job: extremely energetic and clever, they need hard daily exercise and mental work, or they invent their own entertainment.
• Loyal to their own: they bond closely with their family and are often wary of strangers.
• Easy-care coat: the short weather-resistant double coat needs weekly brushing and sheds heavily about twice a year.
• Born speckled: puppies are born white, and their blue or red speckled coat color comes in as they grow.

Getting out with a Australian Cattle Dog

Bred to keep going: they need plenty of exercise every day, like long trail walks, hikes and off-leash play where it's allowed.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group