Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of a herding dog group. In common language, it is also called simply the cattle dog. The Cattle Dog was originally developed for watching cattle in Australia when grazing. Because when people go to grazing cattle in the rugged mountainous region of Australia.
They still carry with them a cat dog to take care of the cattle on such land. Like the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd, it is also a medium-sized and bony herding dog.
It is also a working dog. Australian Cattle Dogs are mainly found in two colors, which can be brown or black.
Along with this, there is also a mixture of white color in place on their body.
They are also known as Australian Healer, Cattle Dog or Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, etc. Like the Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd, they are also energetic and intelligent enough to succeed in establishing their own distinct identity.
When they are given any challenging work or training, they show enough interest in it.
The Australian heeler or ACD has a close relationship with its owner, they can do anything for them and protect their owner and take adequate care of them.
The ACD is also known as the Red Healer or Blue Healer, which is determined by the color of the shed and the tip of the cattle on their hooves while grazing.
They are also known as Queensland Healers as they were initially developed in Queensland, Australia.
Is Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) good for Indians?
ACD is a very trained and loyal dog that fits very accurately in a country like India when it comes to their adaptability at extreme temperatures.
What are other names for Australian Cattle Dog (ACD)?
The Australian Cattle Dog is also called by many other names around the world including Cattle Dog, Red Healer, Blue Heeler, and Queensland Healer, etc.
Weight & Height
In this breed of dog ACD, the normal weight of mail is 15 to 22 kg (33 to 39 lb) and that of females is 14 to 21 kg (about 32 to 68 lb).
These include the height of a male Australian healer (ACD) from 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 in) and that of a female healer from 43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 in).
Color & Life Span
Talking about the general appearance of the Australian Heeler, it is blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, red speckled. Their normal lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years.
Australian Cattle Dog – All Details
The ACD is a breed of herding dog breed group. Its normal height is between 17 and 20 inches. This breed is a strong and solid muscular breed with strength and agility.
A Cattle Dog Puppy is born with a white coat that changes to blue-gray or red as it grows older. Typical mottling or spiking patterns are found in both coat varieties.
An ACD possesses sufficient capacity, intelligence, and remarkable energy.
Their average weight usually ranges from 16 to 20 kg. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years on average.
The evolution of these Dogs began in the early 19th century when the Australian breeder Thomas Hall cross-breed and developed a new species of dog, then known as the Hall Healer.
The same hall healer was later developed into two modern breeds, the first being the Australian Cattle Dog and the second Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.
*Also see, Pomeranian Full Details | Spitz Dog – DogKiDuniya
The influential work in the development of ACD was done by Robert Kalski, who wrote the first standard for the breed.
ACD with official identity around the world is blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, red speckled.
The Texas Healer breed dogs have been developed by crossing ACD and Australian Shepherd.
The ARF (Animal Research Foundation) has registered Australian Cattle Dogs without papers as “Australian Catildog Queensland Heels” since 1965 and was the first organization in the world to recognize the Australian Shepherd.
What is the nature of the Australian Cattle Dog?
The ACD is generally quite energetic. Due to this, they require a lot of exercise and attention. They always show fickleness.
They get enough pleasure in any work, due to which they engage in every activity whether it is learning and practicing methods or any physical activity.
They are very curious by nature. They show total dedication to those they are familiar with, such as love and devotion.
If they are trained enough, then this breed can prove to be helpful beyond your imagination. He is known worldwide for his intelligence and agility.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bite or Aggressively?
According to information from Wikipedia, these dogs are not very aggressive, rather their aggressiveness level can be called moderate.
But due to their excellent qualities like intelligence, agility, affection, and herding breed.
People do not pay much attention to their aggression. They can also bite if disturbed.
Australian Cattle Dog – Health
If the ACD breedings are not true, then there is a risk of some congenital health problems, such as hip dysplasia.
But this is not true for every dog of that breed. It just means that they are at a risk. So if you are adopting an Australian healer.
first you should find out which genetic disease is common in dogs of that particular breed. Generally a healthy breed, its general health is rated 5 out of 5.
But like other species, they mostly have vision problems (red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis, and cataract) which are extremely common.
A normal ACD is aged 12 to 16 years. According to one study, about 2.4% of the ACD had deafness in both ears and 14.5% had deafness in at least one ear.
What should be the Australian Cattle Dog Nutrition?
An Australian healer should provide high-quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian.
The amount of food you decide should be appropriate according to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior).
How to train Australian Cattle Dog?
Early socialization and obedience training is a must for any Australian Cattle Dog.
ACD is a highly intelligent, energetic breed that is happy only when busy which means they require work most of the time.
Hence it is recommended to give them continuous training in activities like obedience, shepherd, and agility.
How popular is the Australian Cattle Dog?
These dogs’ breed popularity rating is 55/195 globally, according to the famous American Kennel Club.
Important rating about Australian Cattle Dog (Top – 10 Rating) – Dogtime Rating
1- Energy Level – Its energy level is rated 5/5 by a website like Dogtime. This means that they should do adequate exercise and run daily.
2- Exercise Needs – 5/5
3- Playfulness – 5/5
4- Intensity – 5/5
5- Easy to Train – 5/5
6- Intelligence – 5/5
7- Affection with Family – 5/5
8- Sensitivity – 4/5
9- Health – 5/5
10- Watchfulness – 4/5
What is the price of an Australian Cattle Dog Puppy?
The average price of this Puppy ranges from USD $800 to $1200. Although their price may vary depending on their breeder’s reputation, coat color, pedigree, and location. Whereas in India it can cost from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 40,000.
1- ACD Puppy price in India (Basic): ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 40,000
2- ACD puppy price in India (KCI registered): ₹ 40,000 to ₹ 50,000
3- Australian Cattle Dog Puppy price in India (Show Quality): ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 70,000
Can you use Australian Cattle Dog as a working dog?
Of course, you can use the Australian Cattle Dog as the Working Dog. Due to its intelligence and skilled training.
It is mostly selected by people as a working dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is still used by people in Australia today to care for cattle.
Why choose Australian Cattle Dog?
● They are very easy to train.
● They adapt to any type of situation.
● They are very intelligent and training seals so it is very easy to show them anything.
● They are very sensitive and defensive towards their boss.
● These dogs can efficiently alert their owners in case of any intruders or outsiders.
● Their tolerance is very good for both cold and hot climates.
● They are very kind, loving, and caring for young children.
Why not choose Australian Cattle Dog?
● This dog breed needs a lot of exercise daily to stay fit and healthy.
● They may not be recommended for apartment life as they prefer open spaces such as a yard and garden. Overall they require a lot of space.