The Australian Cattle Dog, often referred to synonymously with the nickname “Blue Heeler” or “Queensland Heeler,” was developed by the ranchers of Australia to manage semi-wild range cattle. Early herding dogs imported for this purpose simply could not tolerate the rugged conditions the job entailed, most being more cut out for the cooler climates of their mother countries and stock more amenable to being worked by dogs. Multiple strains of a similar dog were developed by a few different land owners and cattle companies as the cattle industry flourished in the mid 1800s. Some of the early crosses were Dingo, Collie, Kelpie, possibly Dalmatian, and there is division if Bull Terriers were used, and if so, if any of those crosses remain in the modern-day breed. At any rate, Robert Kaleski drew up the first Breed Standard in 1902 of what became known as the Australian Cattle Dog, basing it on the Dingo-type. Today’s show ring cattle dogs can be decidedly much stockier and heavier-boned than the early dogs, and it remains to be seen if this drag towards mass continues. The breed became recognized in 1980 by AKC and is part of the Herding Group. Its name is often abbreviated to ACD by breeders.
As an all-around competition dog, the ACD has few contenders. If there is a sport, the Australian Cattle Dog is up for it. Besides herding, these dogs excel at almost every performance venue, to include, but not limited to, Agility, Flyball, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, Rally, Tracking, and Fast CAT, to name only a few. ACDs also work in Search and Rescue and a few in Protection competition. While these dogs can and do achieve Utility titles in Obedience, they are not dogs that enjoy repetition and they can put their own spin on how to get things done.
Their interesting hair looks harsh and should be a working coat; water-resistant, not soft or fluffy. The colors are blue and red. That said, the variance is amazing, with blues being very light and silvery to almost black. Some are a dapple pattern, called mottle. All can have black, blue, or tan markings on the head. It is preferred that these patches not be on the main body of the dog, in which case they’re referred to as “body spots.” The reds are speckled, with or without dark red markings on the head. As with body patches on blues, red markings on the body are permissible but not desirable. Probably the early founders wanted reds that did not too closely resemble Dingoes, to determine friend or foe in with their cattle at night.
Dogs should stand from 18-20 inches at the shoulder and bitches should stand 17-19 inches tall. Moving, the ACD should be supple and tireless, capable of quick and sudden movement. At a trot, the feet tend to come closer together at ground level as speed increases. The dog should stand four-square at a stop. The Australian Cattle Dog is not a square breed, however, but rather is as 10 is to 9, with a level topline and strongly coupled. Eyes are oval and medium in size, dark brown in color. The complete Standard is available on the parent club website: www.acdca.org.
An attractive breed to the eye, the ACD is strong-willed, active, and an independent thinker. This is one of the most intelligent breeds one will ever meet. It cannot be stated with enough emphasis that this breed should never be purchased on looks alone. Some people have expressed that living with a cattle dog is the closest anyone will get to owning a wild animal or living with a velociraptor, especially during puppyhood! While this may be an exaggeration, it bears mentioning. Truly, this breed is generally not for the faint of heart. This creative dog can be suspicious of strangers (this is mentioned in the Standard) but must be amicable to handling. Early socialization and training are paramount for the ACD. They do best with firm and fair owners who set clear and consistent boundaries. These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners, fearlessly protective, while maintaining their independent thinking. One drawback can be their nippiness, which is usually a need to control. For some of this breed, screaming and running children can trigger their desire to manage “the herd,” often with poor consequences. The same can be said for any moving object, to include joggers, bicycles, cars, and livestock. Because of this, secure containment, leashing in public, and training are critical to keeping both dog and people safe. This is not to say the ACD isn’t good with children. It is to say that management and early training are crucial. Some cattle dogs are loyal defenders of their owner’s children.
Australian Cattle Dogs do not need constant physical activity to be content. While some breeders shy away from placing puppies in apartment homes, it is highly individualistic as to which environment a cattle dog can thrive in. Active people who are out and about, hiking, running, or competing in dog sports can easily provide the physical activity an ACD needs. Games of fetch or swimming also fill that need. Playing hide and seek with food, puzzles, and trick training are other ways to mentally challenge an Australian Cattle Dog. In many instances, their agile minds probably need more work than their active bodies.
While it is common to see packs of hounds peacefully coexisting in homes while lounging on sofas and beds, this isn’t usually the case with ACDs. As expected, males don’t always live well with each other, although it is the author’s experience that intact males can be managed together best without intact females in the mix. Same, unfortunately, for females; they don’t always get along either, and fights can be much more serious with females that detest each other. Regarding resource guarding, whether an owner, a ball chase that gets competitive, or food, there are many factors that can create conflict with ACDs and result in scuffles. Again, it cannot be stated enough that owners with a no-nonsense attitude and unrelenting boundaries can manage this breed well. Some breeders do run multiple dogs at play, but the recommendation is that these dogs be supervised while in groups. Play can get serious quickly. The ACD can be great with other animals, but not all are. The author has had ACDs that adore cats and some that see cats as something to be chased or aggravated. Knowing the individual dog is key. There is variation in the level of prey drive among individuals in the breed.
If someone decides after much research on breed traits that the Australian Cattle Dog is their chosen breed, the next step is delving into health and DNA testing before purchasing a dog. The genetic testing field has expanded in recent years and will continue. As more tests for newly discovered diseases become available, breeders have a harder task of maintaining breed traits and type while also breeding healthy dogs to prevent diseases that result in blindness, lack of soundness, or even pain or early demise.
Some of the diseases that affect Australian Cattle Dogs are PRA (prcd), the most common eye disease, which results in late onset blindness. Since the initial research and test became available, carrier rates still remain high (they were at 50% when the test was released), but rates of affected dogs have fallen as breeders have become more careful to not combine genes of dogs that are carriers together. Now, besides prcd, the eye disease PLL (Primary Lens Luxation) has been found in the breed as a test became available later. PLL can cause painful loss of sight, and onset is usually earlier than prcd. Additionally, a form of PRA called rcd4, another late onset form, has been identified in the ACD, but it is not currently as prevalent as prcd. All three of these eye diseases are simple recessive in nature and can be tested for inexpensively. Not breeding carriers together can eliminate affected offspring. Periodic eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist will assist breeders and owners to stay abreast of possible future issues that may not have tests yet available.
Rating hip and elbow x-rays through OFA or PennHip remains a necessity as rates of dysplasia remain. Knee injuries have become also more common in the Australian Cattle Dog for whatever reason. Diseases that have been more recently found in the ACD are Cystinuria, Degenerative Myelopathy, Myotonia Congenita, and Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Currently, all have low prevalence in the breed but can be fatal, so testing should be done before breeding. One problem that has plagued the breed since its inception is deafness. Currently, there is no *preventative* test, but potential mates should be BAER (brain auditory evoked response) tested before breeding. All puppies in every litter should be tested using a BAERCOM machine. Attempting to discern hearing through other means, such as banging pans, or whistling, are not adequate nor quantifiable. Deafness can be unilateral (one ear does not hear) or bilateral (both ears do not hear). Dogs that have hearing in both ears can still produce unilateral and bilateral deaf puppies, so production records are important to consider when choosing potential mates.
In closing, the Australian Cattle Dog is a tremendous dog for owners who can manage its energy and intelligence. Its ability to control tough stock is top-notch. Its versatility in performance events makes it a great competition dog for those who enjoy varied dog sports. As a companion, the ACD is an active and athletic dog that can hold its own on rugged hiking trails. It must have some degree of mental and/or physical activity to be content. If this breed sounds suited to your lifestyle, the Australian Cattle Dog might just be what you’re looking for.
