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Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog

A classic cattle dog, Australian Cattle Dogs were developed from a mixture of breeds in Australia in the 19th century, and still maintain their energetic herding instincts today.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

About this Breed

Also referred to as Blue Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic herding dogs bred to drive cattle by biting at their heels. They are alert and active with a bit of an independent streak, requiring proper training and exercise but relatively little grooming (although they can shed a lot!). Born white, they quickly grow a unique blue or red speckle coat, with lighter piebald patterning associated with hereditary deafness. Otherwise, they are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. They also make great agility dogs, but their herding instincts can sometimes cause problems if they start nipping at children’s feet.

Australian Cattle Dogs on Embark

Explore some Embark dogs that share Australian Cattle Dog ancestry.

  • Chomp

    Chomp

    Odin

    Odin 'stinky butt' Mussatti

    Concho Waylon Willis

    Concho Waylon Willis

    DSH

    DSH's Bruce

  • Millie AKA The Masked Millie

    Millie AKA The Masked Millie

    Banx

    Banx

    Frost

    Frost

    Melvin

    Melvin

  • Buck (Little Monster, Little Bear)

    Buck (Little Monster, Little Bear)

    Rush

    Rush

    Cooper

    Cooper

    Willow

    Willow

Most Closely Related Breeds

Favorite Names

For Male

  1. Cooper
  2. Charlie
  3. Buddy
  4. Max
  5. Finn
  6. Jack
  7. Milo
  8. Bear
  9. Tucker
  10. Bandit

For Female

  1. Luna
  2. Lucy
  3. Daisy
  4. Bella
  5. Sadie
  6. Pepper
  7. Penny
  8. Maggie
  9. Stella
  10. Ruby
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