Dog Breed

Australian Cattle Dog

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Primary image of Australian Cattle Dog dog breed
Full Name
Australian Cattle Dog
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Life Span
12 - 14 years
Weight
44 - 62 pounds
Description

Cautious, Energetic, Loyal, Obedient, Protective, Brave.

The Australian Cattle dog is an excellent option for anyone looking for a farm dog who does good in hot weather. The Australian Cattle Dog needs exercise and also appreciates when it has a job to perform. If that job isn't working on a farm and herding, then that energy can be channeled into training, agility competitions, or something similar that is challenging.

Origin
Australia
Bred For
Cattle herding, herding trials
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog good with children?

    Yes, the Australian Cattle Dog is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Australian Cattle Dog naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog friendly with strangers?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Australian Cattle Dog is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Australian Cattle Dog is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog like to cuddle?

    The Australian Cattle Dog likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog like to play?

    The Australian Cattle Dog will almost always be ready for play! The Australian Cattle Dog is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog make a good service dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog can be a service dog with the proper training. Australian Cattle Dogs are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog good for first-time owners?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Australian Cattle Dog be trained?

    The Australian Cattle Dog can be trained to the highest level and is oftentimes seen in various competitions. The Australian Cattle Dog is not only intelligent, but it wants to please its owner and is motivated with competition, especially if it feels like it has a job assigned to it.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog shed a lot?

    The Australian Cattle Dog sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog easy to groom?

    The Australian Cattle Dog requires a good amount of grooming work. It is possible to do it yourself, but you need to plan on dedicating weekly grooming sessions at the minimum.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog need a lot of exercise?

    The Australian Cattle Dog needs a daily exercise partner! The Australian Cattle Dog is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Australian Cattle Dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the smartest dog breeds. Having a very smart dog is fun, but it is also demanding- they require mental challenge and stimulation just as much as physical exercise.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Australian Cattle Dog bark? Does the Australian Cattle Dog bark too much?

    The Australian Cattle Dog barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Australian Cattle Dog will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good guard dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Australian Cattle Dog is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog good at staying alone? Is the Australian Cattle Dog independent?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good apartment dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Australian Cattle Dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Australian Cattle Dog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Australian Cattle Dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Australian Cattle Dog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Australian Cattle Dog?

    The Australian Cattle Dog can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog try to run away?

    The Australian Cattle Dog does sometimes run away. This is especially true if they are distracted, or see other cats or dogs. They probably won't go out of their way to "escape", but a fenced yard is still recommended.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog a healthy dog? The health of a Australian Cattle Dog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Australian Cattle Dog is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Australian Cattle Dog?

    It seems like the Australian Cattle Dog never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Australian Cattle Dog is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Australian Cattle Dog for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Australian Cattle Dog drool?

    The Australian Cattle Dog does not drool at all.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog have a large prey drive? Does the Australian Cattle Dog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Australian Cattle Dog has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Australian Cattle Dog may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog atheltic?

    The Australian Cattle Dog is a true athlete. The Australian Cattle Dog is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
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  • Secondary image of Australian Cattle Dog dog breed

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  1. Herding
  2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Herding dog breed group.
Herding group: The Herding group dogs all share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals. They have traditionally been raised on farms to help herd and protect valuable livestock. They are intelligent, and have been bred to treat each day like they have a "job" they must do. Their innate herding ability is such a big part of who they are, that they are known to even "herd" their owners, children, or other small dogs. Some can seem stubborn and even obsessed with their herding, since they take it seriously! They have high expectations, and must be stimulated mentally just as much as physically. The reward to these "high expectations" is that they can be trained very well, and are oftentimes used in competitions. Certain breeds such as the well known German Shepard are also used by Police forces, because of their discipline, intelligence, and ability to be trained.

Australian Cattle Dogs for adoption

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