Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog

Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog?

Yes! The Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog.  Here are 5 reasons why.

When a family wants to add a new member to their existing household there are several important considerations to think about. 

We are going to take a look at a few of those here.

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog?  Yes, and here is why!

Here are what we consider to be the top 5 most important reasons why an Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog.

Here are five major considerations for choosing a good family dog. 

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog? #1

Does the Australian Cattle Dog get along with children?

Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog

If you are looking for a good family dog you need to answer this question first: “Will he get along with my children?”

Getting along well with children adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

Since the Australian Cattle Dog was developed to have the inbred qualities necessary to push obstinate cattle over rough terrain for long distances, they do have some dominance tendencies that you should be aware of. 

If you have done any research, you have probably read this before, but, here are the most common terms used to describe the Australian Cattle Dog:

According to the American Kennel Club, they are alert, curious, pleasant, resilient and intelligent.  They have immense work drive and excel at hunting, chasing, and, of course, moving livestock. 

The AKC goes on to say he is true-blue loyal, famously smart, ever alert, and wary of strangers.

Yet, these same qualities that give him such a powerful herding ability are also what make the ACD so unique and add to his special personality that owners love so much.

 This tenacious, high energy dog wants to be working. And his job is to be the boss, to move cattle.  So, you may see him nipping at the heels of children as he tries to move them along.

This is not a sign of aggression, but simply his way of getting his job done.  Move those kids!

This breed was developed to be very dominant when it comes to making cattle move.  As his name implies, he will go after the heels of any culprit who is refusing to cooperate.  

This is where he gets his tendency to be so mouthy.  It’s not really a bite, like some dogs will grab a hold hard and maybe draw blood.  It is more of quick, light nip with a fast get-a-way.  Just enough to get that cow to move.

But, with proper training, your Heeler will learn when he is allowed to be the boss, and when you are the boss.  You will then see what a wonderful, loyal, protective friend he can be.

Always remember that these dogs were developed to herd and guard cattle from the unknown .  It is a characteristic of the breed to be protective and suspicious of strangers. 

That is why socialization is more important for Australian Cattle Dogs than for dogs like Labradors or Golden Retrievers.  Also remember that socialization is easier with puppies than with older dogs.

The younger the dog is when you start socialization, the better it will go.

(Because dogs are dogs and kids are kids, you should NEVER leave little children alone with any dog, regardless of breed or temperament.) 

Given his high level of energy, your Heeler will love when the kids take him outside to romp and play.  This is one reason the Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog.

See our article HERE about Australian Cattle Dogs and Children.

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog? #2

Does the Australian Cattle Dog get along with other pets?

Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog

If you have other pets in the house it is very important that any new dog be able to fit in and live peaceably. This is another major requirement of a good family pet. 

Getting along well with other pets adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

Almost any dog can have a tendency to bark or bite at other animals.  Not because of “breed”, but because they are dogs.  Dogs must be dogs, it’s their nature!

Some breeds do seem to be more likely than others to show aggression.  But still, there is an even larger difference between individuals within a breed. 

Because of the Heelers alertness, they are more likely to take notice of other animals in the area.

Because of their herding instinct, they are more likely to respond by going after them to make them move. (Remember, that’s their job!)

Because of their cautiousness, they may seem more reserved and stand-offish in unknown situations. (with either animals or humans) 

Because of their tenacity, they are more likely to persist even when you yell at them to STOP IT.

But, because of their intelligence and loyalty, they are also more likely to respond to proper training, learn to relax and give up the chase.  Once they get over their cautiousness and herding desire, you will find a happy loving friend.

Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog?

This Australian Cattle dog is the best family dog!

Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog

The key, as always, to make the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog is proper training.   

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with other dogs?  See HERE

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog? #3

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a very active dog?

Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog

It is important for a family dog to match the energy level of the family. Whether you are an outside active family or spend most of your time indoors in front of the television, you need a pet that fits in well and shares your style.

Having the same energy level as you do adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active, high energy dog, according to the American Kennel Club, and needs more than just a quick walk and playtime in the yard.

The AKC describes him as having boundless energy and that he becomes easily bored and gets into mischief.  Also, regular exercise will keep him mentally as well as physically fit.

Why regular exercise?

Exercise is important in maintaining physical well being.  Running, jumping, chasing a ball, long walks or jogging together builds muscle, gets the heart beating faster and the lungs breathing deeply. 

All of this activity helps maintain and strengthen the body.  But, what about the mind?  How much of the Australian Cattle Dogs desire for exercise is strictly mental?  Well, the answer is:

Almost all of it!

The mind of a Heeler is an extremely busy place.  His desire for mental stimulation is never ending.  But, what he really needs is RELAXATION! Exercise, in most cases, is simply a means to an end. 

Exercise can be in the form of sport participation like obedience, herding or agility training.  When done correctly, obedience can be a good substitute for more active sports.  Holding a down-stay or a place command can be as draining as running several miles. 

Teach them to “do nothing!”

This is where basic training can play an important part in his overall happiness.  Teaching him to walk on a leash without pulling, sit, stay, down, come, as well as place, are vital in having tools to help create calmness and relaxation.

So, if you live in an apartment or do not have access to a nice big yard, you will have to rely on training and mental activities to create calmness.  

If you do have access to a large backyard or can regularly visit a dog park, this physical exercise will help tire him out and benefit the training in creating a balanced relaxed partner.

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog? #4

Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train?

Cattle Dogs easy to train

Training is very important to make your Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

Being easy to train adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

Because of their breed development, Australian Cattle Dogs have unique temperament qualities to be aware of.  Remember that they are great herding dogs. They can push cattle around because they are strong, tenacious and bossy.

These are the same characteristics that give him the personality that is so loved by his owners, yet, also bring special consideration during training.

So, yes, the Heeler is easy to train.  But, as the trainer, you must be sure that you are offering genuine leadership.  It is always best to seek advice from a competent professional. 

As an ACD owner, you will want to learn as much as possible about the different methods of training.  And, in selecting what works best for you, it is imperative that you take into consideration these specific personality traits.

You will find that your Heeler is a fast learner.  He will pick up on what you are teaching in a surprisingly short time.  You may even feel like you can skip ahead quickly and reduce the time spent on one particular command.

But don’t be fooled.  He is a very fast learner, yes.  He catches on very quickly, yes. You may think that you have this command down pat, but, maybe not!  Remember your dog is the greatest cattle driver in the world, and he wants to be the boss, the leader. He wants to be the teacher.  

There may come a time when he tries to assert his leadership over you, to take back the role that he was bred for.  It is now up to you to recognize his personality coming through and adjust for it.  

You will have to return to the basics, circle back mentally and reestablish your position as trainer.  Don’t get emotional, don’t get upset. Just go back a step or two and review the lesson until he realizes you are the leader.

Take your time, be patient and thorough.  Remember that the key is repetition.  Work a little every day.  Be kind but firm.  Reward acts that you want to be repeated, do not reward acts that you do not want to be repeated.

With proper training, your family just might end up with the best dog in the whole world! 

Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog? #5

Is the Australian Cattle Dog easy to care for?

When it comes to healthcare you should always consult your veterinarian.  Things like regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, skin problems or injuries should always be discussed with a professional. 

Do not believe what you read on the internet!

That being said, when we talk about if the Australian Cattle Dog is easy to care for, we are talking about daily routine care such as grooming, brushing, combing, clipping or taking on walks. 

Being easy to care for adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.

As already mentioned, the Heeler wants HUGE amounts of exercise.  The need for the rest of the items on the list are practically nonexistent.  Other than an occasional brushing, especially when they are shedding, and a bath when they smell, they are pretty much carefree.

So there you have it. All of the boxes are checked.  The 5 reasons making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog!

  1. Good with children?                   Check!

  2. Good with other pets?               Check!

  3. Activity level matches yours?   Check!

  4. Easy to train?                               Check!

  5. Easy to care for?                          Check!

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