Discover Everything About Australian Cattle Dog
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Australian Cattle Dog overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Australian Cattle Dog is considered a very robust working breed, yet it requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests. Important hereditary conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-PRCD), which leads to blindness, and the MDR1 gene defect (drug sensitivity) can be effectively managed thanks to modern DNA testing. Prospective buyers should also ensure that the parents have official screening results for Elbow Dysplasia (ED) and have been tested for congenital deafness.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
43–51 cm
Weight
16–22 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: dense, short, with undercoat
- Origin: Australia
Typical coat colors
- Blue
- blue spotted
- blue marbled
- red spotted
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Australian Cattle Dog, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Australian Cattle Dog right for you?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a robust, lightning-fast Treibhund (herding dog)—bred to guide stubborn cattle through the harsh Australian outback by nipping at their heels. This uncompromising toughness makes them a workaholic that quickly becomes frustrated without a real job to do.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for an uncompromising working partner for dog sports or actual farm work—simple walks will never be enough to tire out this Treibhund hardware.
- You have extensive dog experience and can lead an incredibly assertive character with absolute clarity and confidence.
- You live in a rural area with plenty of space and don't mind that your dog remains naturally suspicious of strangers.
- You appreciate a loyal 'one-person dog' that bonds closely with you and is capable of making independent decisions when necessary.
Less ideal if:
- You have small children whose running movements could trigger his genetically ingrained herding and nipping instinct toward their heels.
- You live in a busy city where bicycles, joggers, and heavy traffic provide constant sources of frustration or triggers for him to control.
- You are looking for an easy-going dog that greets every visitor with joy and plays with every other dog at the park.
- You have little time—a lack of mental stimulation inevitably leads to destructive behavior or reactivity in this specialist.
The real vibes check
An Australian Cattle Dog won't back down from an 800-kilo steer—and he won't budge an inch if you are unsure in your leadership. He is not a follower, but a highly intelligent specialist in work boots who asks for his shift schedule in the morning. If you give him that job, he will go through fire for you; if you don't, he will herd your family or the mail carrier instead.
Breed Profile
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a medium-sized dog with strong, muscular lines and a short, weatherproof coat. They belong to FCI Group 1, which includes herding dogs and cattle dogs. Their eyes are almond-shaped and always show an intelligent, alert expression. The ears are wide, set high and always stand alertly upright. A distinctive feature of the Australian Cattle Dog is the "Bentley Star", a small patch of white fur on the forehead that is worn by many, but not all, dogs of this breed. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed as it is generally bred for working ability and health.
| Height | 43 - 48 cm (Female), 46 - 51 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 16 - 20 kg (Female), 16 - 22 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | energetic, intelligent, loyal |
| Coat | dense, short, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | Blue, blue spotted, blue marbled, red spotted |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The roots of the Australian Cattle Dog go back to the mid-19th century in Australia. At this time, settlers were looking for a robust, hardy dog capable of herding and herding cattle across the vast, often inhospitable pastures. The first dogs imported for this purpose were probably collies and other British herding dogs, but these could not withstand the extreme conditions of Australia. To create a more resilient dog, breeders crossed these herding dogs with the native dingo. It is believed that other breeds such as the Dalmatian, the Black and Tan Kelpie and possibly the Bull Terrier were crossed to form the appearance, temperament and working abilities of today's Australian Cattle Dog. The breed was standardized in 1893 by the Australian breeder Robert Kaleski and has been officially recognized as a separate breed since 1903. Although she was originally bred exclusively as a working dog, she has also made a name for herself as a family and companion dog due to her intelligence, loyalty and versatility.
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd cattle over long distances in rugged terrain.
Australia
1800
Character & Temperament
The Australian Cattle Dog is an exceptionally energetic, intelligent and engaging dog. Originally bred for livestock over long distances Driving distances over rugged terrain, they are known for their tireless endurance and willingness to work hard. They are exceptionally loyal to their family and often develop a close bond with a particular person. Due to their herding heritage, Australian Cattle Dogs have a natural alertness and can become alarmed at unfamiliar noises or movements. They are generally reserved towards strangers, but do not show aggression unless they perceive a threat to themselves or their family. However, they are extremely loving with their family and enjoy being part of the daily activities. Although they are not traditional hunting dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs have a strong prey-catching instinct. They are capable hunters of rodents and other small animals when given the opportunity. This can be controlled through training and socialization, but interested parties should be aware of this trait. Australian Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and trainable, but they require consistent and loving training. They tend to have a mind of their own and can be dominant and stubborn without clear leadership. But they are also very capable of learning and responsive to positive reinforcement, especially if the training units are varied and challenging. A special feature of this breed is its ability to get along well on its own. While they love spending time with their family, they are also independent and can keep themselves busy if given enough physical and mental stimulation. However, they should not be left alone for long periods of time as they can quickly become bored and exhibit destructive behavior. The use of the Australian Cattle Dog is based on its nature and history as a working dog. They are ideal for dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally obedience or dog dancing. Their high intelligence and need for activity also make them excellent therapy or assistance dogs. But they are also well suited as active family dogs who enjoy hiking or jogging. If they have sufficient physical and mental exercise, they can also be kept well in the apartment.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Australian Cattle Dog is one of the ten most intelligent dog breeds in the world? They are known for their ability to learn and solve complex tasks!
What Awaits You
Australian Cattle Dogs are hard-working, intelligent and independent dogs. They need exercise and activity, but tend to do their own thing. You need dog owners who are familiar with this breed and can handle it. Consistent and clear education is very important.
Housing & Care
Australian Cattle Dogs are very active and intelligent dogs that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are therefore not suitable as city dogs. They are generally good with children, but can be prone to rough play due to their herding instincts. Because of this and their high energy level, they are not typical family dogs. When it comes to other pets, especially cats, their herding instincts can be challenging. However, with early and consistent socialization, they can learn to live peacefully with other pets.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Can get on with dogs it knows — strangers are a different story. | With familiar dogs |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, making them excellent candidates for dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball. You need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. It is important not to "over-busy" them, otherwise they can become nervous and hyperactive. They also tend to be "ball junkies" so it is important to offer a variety of activities. Training for frustration tolerance and impulse control can be very beneficial as it helps them control their natural herding instincts.
Nutrition & Care
Australian Cattle Dogs have a robust constitution and are generally not picky eaters. However, they need a balanced diet with enough protein and fat to support their high energy and muscle mass. Their fur is short but dense, with a waterproof undercoat. Therefore, they shed moderately and require regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy. They cope well with the climate in Germany, but it is important to note that they may require additional protection in extremely cold temperatures.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Australian Cattle Dog is considered a very robust working breed, yet it requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests. Important hereditary conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-PRCD), which leads to blindness, and the MDR1 gene defect (drug sensitivity) can be effectively managed thanks to modern DNA testing. Prospective buyers should also ensure that the parents have official screening results for Elbow Dysplasia (ED) and have been tested for congenital deafness.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing during the first year and regular eye and hearing check-ups, most dogs remain fit and active well into old age.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the joints and eyes of the parent animals as well as the hearing of the puppies professionally tested to specifically reduce hereditary risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Australian Cattle Dog
Sabine F., Halterin aus dem Schwarzwald (Rüde, seit 2022)
Wir haben unseren Rüden im Alter von fünf Monaten übernommen. Er stammte aus einer sehr schlechten Haltung, war mager bis auf die Knochen und hatte anfangs massive Angst vor Männern sowie Gegenständen in der Hand. In seiner extremen Unsicherheit hat er anfangs bei Berührungen unter sich gemacht und auch sofort fest zugebissen. Es war ein langer Weg, aber mit viel Geduld und der Hilfe unserer Ersthund-Terrier hat er gelernt, uns vollkommen zu vertrauen. Heute ist er ein unglaublich verschmuster, liebevoller Familienhund, der unsere Kinder über alles liebt.
Allerdings darf man seinen angeborenen Arbeitswillen und Schutztrieb niemals unterschätzen. Auf unser Grundstück kommt absolut niemand, den ich nicht ausdrücklich eingeladen habe. Wenn er mal zwei Wochen lang nicht mit an den Stall kann, um beim Treiben der Ziegen und Pferde zu helfen, merkt man sofort, wie ihm die Arbeit fehlt. Dann fängt er im Alltag an, unsere anderen Hunde, meinen Mann und sogar die Kinder zu 'heelen' (also in die Hacken zu zwicken und zu treiben). Zudem neigt er bei Hundebegegnungen dazu, sich bei bestimmten Rassen wie Schäferhunden erst mal aufzuspielen, obwohl er im Grunde kein Streitsucher ist.
Thomas M., Rettungshundeführer aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2014)
Ich führe meinen Cattle Dog aktiv im Rettungshundesport. Für mich ist diese Rasse ein absoluter Traum, wenn man bereit ist, die nötige Zeit und Energie zu investieren. Auf dem Hundeplatz und bei der Arbeit ist er voll in seinem Element, hochkonzentriert und extrem lernwillig. Durch die intensive geistige Auslastung ist er im Alltag und zu Hause ein absolut tiefentspannter, ausgeglichener Begleiter, der selbst im größten Trubel völlig cool bleibt.
Man muss sich aber im Klaren darüber sein, dass diese Hunde eine echte Aufgabe brauchen. Ein Cattle Dog ist kein Hund, der einfach nur so nebenherläuft. Ohne eine anspruchsvolle Beschäftigung wie Rettungsarbeit, Agility oder Fährtenarbeit suchen sie sich schnell selbst eine Beschäftigung, und das ist meistens nicht im Sinne des Halters. Zudem sind sie Fremden gegenüber oft erst einmal misstrauisch und sehr auf ihre feste Bezugsperson fixiert.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Australian Cattle Dog
Is a Australian Cattle Dog the right dog for me?
The Australian Cattle Dog is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Australian Cattle Dog live?
The average life expectancy of a Australian Cattle Dog is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Australian Cattle Dog need?
Australian Cattle Dog grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Australian Cattle Dog good for families with children?
The Australian Cattle Dog can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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