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Australian Cattle Dog Breed Facts
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Photo courtesy of Courtney Kooken.
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Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
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Also Called: Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Hall's Heeler
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Height: The Australian Cattle Dog is about 17-20 inches tall.
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Weight: The Australian Cattle Dog weighs between 35-45 lbs.
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Colors: The Australian Cattle Dog can be blue, blue-mottled or blue speckled with or without other markings or a good even red speckle all over, including the undercoat, (neither white nor cream), with or without darker red markings on the head.
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Physical Appearance: The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong, compact and symmetrically built working dog. The dog has the ability and willingness to carry out his workload no matter how large the task is. This dog breed is a combination of substance, power, balance and hard muscular condition. The dog must convey the impression of great agility, strength and endurance.
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Temperament/Personality: The Australian Cattle Dog is loyal and protective making it a self-appointed guardian to the Stockman, his herd and his property. This dog breed is naturally suspicious of strangers and will make a good watchdog. Great with children and other dogs.
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Care: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming and should be brushed once a week. Bathe the dog only when necessary.
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Health Concerns/Problems:
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Training: The Australian Cattle Dog can be headstrong and needs to be taught to obey their owners commands as a puppy.
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Activity: The Australian Cattle Dog requires a large amount of exercise. This dog breed needs long, vigorous walks at least twice a day.
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Life Span: The Australian Cattle Dog lives an average life of 12-15 years.
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Litter Size: The Australian Cattle Dog has an average litter of 4-8 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Australian Cattle Dog originated in Australia.
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Brief History: The Australian Cattle Dog was developed in Australia around the early 1800's. This dog breed was used to cross great distances in herding cattle. Records were not well kept so ancestry is only speculated. Australian Cattle Dogs may have been crossed with the blue merle Collie, Old English Sheepdog, Dalmatian and Australian Kelpie. Originally called the Blue Heeler, it wasn't until 1903 that they were known as the the Australian Cattle Dog.
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Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC
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