Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions and Answers

Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions and Answers

This beautiful feature image compliments of Lori Head, check out her website: YOUR PET IN PASTELS 

The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as a Blue Heeler

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions and Answers

  1. Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog?
  2. Are Australian Cattle Dogs aggressive?
  3. How did the Australian Cattle Dog originate?
  4. Are Australian Cattle Dogs part Dingo?
  5. Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train?
  6. Do Australian Cattle Dogs do well in the cold?
  7. Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?
  8. Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with children?
  9. Do Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of exercise?
  10. Do Australian Cattle Dogs bark a lot?
  11. What breeds make up the Australian Cattle Dog?
  12. How much do Australian Cattle Dogs shed?
  13. What is the difference between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Blue Heeler?
  14. Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with cats?
  15. What age will my Australian Cattle Dog calm down?

Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions

1. Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog?

Even though the Australian Cattle Dog is famous for chasing, nipping, and herding cattle, he also can make a very good family dog.

As a matter of fact, many families who own Australian Cattle Dogs actually have more than one.  It is not uncommon for these loyal owners to have several, and they love them all just the same.

However, there are also those families who never get the hang of dealing with or being able to handle the extreme personality found in most Australian Cattle Dogs.

This can be a difficult dog and you might need a professional trainer to offer advise or lend a hand during your basic training.

This is number 1 in the list Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions.

Here is our complete article with 5 reasons why the Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog.

2. Are Australian Cattle Dogs aggressive?

Most owners will agree that, NO,  Australian Cattle Dogs are NOT aggressive.  They are however very brave and will stand their ground when necessary.

There are a lot of misconceptions about Australian Cattle Dogs and aggression.  Be sure to check out the link below to our article about aggression. 

Here is a complete article about aggression.

3. How Did the Australian Cattle Dog Originate?

Australian Cattle Dogs originated in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia in the 1800s when the breeding program of Thomas Hall crossed the Dingo with some of the local drover dogs currently in use.

Herding dogs were a vital part of the huge cattle operation of the Hall Family, and they required a courageous, hard-working, trainable dog that didn’t mind working all day.  

This is one of the most discussed topics and makes our list of Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions

Here is our complete story on Australian Cattle Dog history and breed development written by author Noreen Clark.

4. Are Australian Cattle Dogs Part Dingo?

One of the most popular on the list of Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions.

As Thomas Hall’s breeding program made use of the best dogs that were available to him, there was some infusion of dingo mingled in.   We really don’t know the exact specifics of how, how much, or any exact breeding patterns.

We do know that it happened, and that over time Hall’s dogs became sought after for their ability to work and hold cattle.

Here is more information about ACD breed make-up.

5. Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train?

Australian Cattle Dogs catch on very quickly to the reward system, especially when that reward is food! 

They are very easy to train and really want to please their owners.

According to The Spruce Pets, the Australian Cattle Dog is number 4 on the Top Ten Smartest Dog Breed list.

They do, however, present some bit of a challenge for certain owners who are not prepared for their extreme personality.

Here is more information about the Australian Cattle Dog’s unique personality and being easy to train.

6. Do Australian Cattle Dogs do well in the cold?

Because Australian Cattle Dogs have a double coat, including a thick undercoat, they are able to stay warm in very cold weather.

Their outer coat acts as a raincoat and repels the elements while the thick undercoat adds warm insulation to protect his body.

The Australian Cattle Dog is also a very active dog and almost never stands still when outside.  This endless activity will help create lots of body heat.

Here is our complete article about the Australian Cattle Dog and cold weather.

7. Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?

Australian Cattle Dogs absolutely love playing in water, swimming, fetching and dock diving.  They are excellent swimmers and look for every chance to jump in. (But they hate baths!)

We have an article here with videos showing how well Australian Cattle Dogs swim.

Swimming is high on the list of Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions

8. Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good with Children?

Another very important question on the list Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions.

Australian Cattle Dogs can get along fine with children but they must be properly socialized.  Like most dogs socializing will have the greatest effect when started as puppies.

Training basics should be started as young as possible and as the puppy grows he will develop affection and respect for his family.   

Here is our complete article about Australian Cattle Dogs and children.

9. Do Australian Cattle Dogs Need a Lot of Exercise?

Australian Cattle Dogs are very high energy dogs and require a lot of exercise.  This can be in the form of long walks, runs, or games of chase and fetch.  The Australian Cattle Dog absolutely thrives when spending quality playtime with his owner. 

See why Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of exercise in our article here.

10. Do Australian Cattle Dogs bark a lot?

Nothing is more annoying than a yippy dog that barks all of the time!  That, however, is not the Australian Cattle Dog.  

Unless there is a good reason, Australian Cattle Dogs just don’t bark that much.

Here is our article about Australian Cattle Dogs and barking.

11. What breeds make up the Australian Cattle Dog?

During the early 1800s when Thomas Hall was breeding herding dogs he selected those that were good at their jobs.  Crossing the best with the best, and infusing some dingo blood, eventually, the Halls Heeler was developed. 

The dogs that he used were the dogs that were there.  There is no evidence that he specifically imported any particular breed to use in his program.  As a matter of fact, official breed registries did not exist at that time.  

Here is our complete article about the Australian Cattle Dog History and breed development.

12. How Much Do Australian Cattle Dogs Shed?

Australian Cattle Dogs shed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year!

They never, ever stop shedding. 

They have what is called a Double Coat. This means that there is a thick, short, and dense undercoat and, an outer coat that is longer and lays closely overtop the undercoat.

These two different coats each have their own shedding pattern.

Here is a good explanation about how Australian Cattle Dogs shed.

13. What is the Difference Between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Blue Heeler?

This is perhaps the most popular question on the list of Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions.

When Australian Cattle Dogs were in their infancy as a breed, the main selection factor was for dogs that could get the job done.  Those dogs that were good herders were crossed with other dogs that shared the same qualities. 

Little attention was given to what color they were.  Some dogs carried the gene for black hair and some for brown.  Those dogs that had black hair were called blue, or Blue Heelers.

The only difference between the Blue Heelers and the Red Heelers was color.

Check out our article showing different Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler color patterns.

Above Image and puppy Credit: Eva Holderegger Walser

Australian Cattle Dogs Blue Heelers

14. Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good With Cats?

Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good With Cats

If you are thinking about adding an Australian Cattle Dog, either a puppy or an adult, to your current family of pets, this is a very important question for you.  

That is why it is on our list of Australian Cattle Dog 15 Most Asked Questions.

The answer here is almost the same as Do Australian Cattle Dogs get along with children?

Yes, they do, or, yes they can.  But it depends on you.  It depends on whether or not you are going to do your job as the trainer.  Remember, their natural tendency is to chase and nip.

Here is our complete article on the subject of cats.

15. What age will my Australian Cattle Dog calm down?

Australian Cattle Dogs normally begin to calm down around 2 years old. They are on their way to emotional maturity at 3 to 4 years old.  There are several things that you can do to help the calming process.

Check out the complete story HERE.

Bonus question: Are Australian Cattle Dogs good for personal protection?

You bet they are!  Check this out.

Image and video below is Spaders Checker owned by Nicole Lichtsteiner of Switzerland. See more at k9cowboys.com

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good for personal protection?

Check out Spader’s Checker during training.