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

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Quick Facts

Height

Male: 18-20in

Female: 17-19in

Weight

Male: 33-49lb

Female: 33-49lb

Fun Fact

Many breeds were likely mixed to create Australian Cattle Dogs, although the exact mixture is not known. Collies, Kelpies, German Shepherds and even Dingoes are thought by some to have gone into the breed---genomics will one day help us answer this question!

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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.

Odin 'stinky butt' Mussatti

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Frost

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Millie AKA The Masked Millie

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Melvin

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Willow

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Delta

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Shadoe

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Prozac

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Sam Elliott

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Ozzie

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Abbie

Purebred

Olivia

Purebred