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.

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.

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!

Most Closely Related Breeds

Favorite Names

For Males

Cooper
Max
Finn
Charlie
Buddy
Bear
Scout
Jack
Koda
Tucker

For Females

Luna
Lucy
Bella
Sadie
Maggie
Pepper
Ruby
Stella
Zoey
Ellie

Common Locations

Texas, United States
California, United States
Colorado, United States
Arizona, United States
Washington, United States
New Mexico, United States
New York, United States
Tennessee, United States
Illinois, United States
Pennsylvania, United States

Australian Cattle Dogs on Embark

Explore some Embark dogs that share Australian Cattle Dog ancestry.

Frost

Purebred

Delta

Purebred

Willow

Purebred

Shadoe

Purebred
Ozzie

Purebred

Sydney

Purebred

Pom

Purebred

Neptune

Purebred
Pee Wee

Purebred

Bindi

Purebred

Joliet

Purebred

Radar aka BuddyFace

Purebred