Need a running buddy? Challenge yourself to race an Australian Cattle Dog – they are ideal pets for active households.66-australian-cattle-dog

Be ready to give up the title of ‘fastest runner in the house’, as an Australian Cattle Dog will outrun you every time. They are a high-energy, hard-working dog who enjoy being active all day long. Morning runs, lunch-time walks and afternoon games are all in a day’s work for this pet. Signs of boredom include digging up your yard or in the trash, so lace up those shoes and run that track you’ve always been meaning to tackle.

They are a highly devoted and loyal breed that will stick by your side, and might just end up following you from room to room they love you so much! Nicknamed the Velcro pet, they are best suited for families where someone is home to play with them during the day. They are great family pets and get along well with older children. However, be careful your dog doesn’t try to ‘herd’ your kids into line. They have a low tendency to bark but will alert you of any intruders. An Australian Cattle Dog will stop growing between 12-18 months, reaching their full height between 43-51cms.

Fun fact: The oldest dog in the world was an Australian Cattle Dog. ‘Bluey’

chased sheep until he was 20, but lived on until 29 years and five months.

Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent and eager to work and learn, making them ideal pets to train. Their favourite game is fetch. They like water too, so bring them along to the beach for a game of fetch. Socialise them when they are young and they will befriend other pets. Your Australian Cattle Dog will even be good with cats. However this breed doesn’t suit living with chickens or other small animals as they are too strong a temptation for them to herd. They are low-maintenance and an occasional brush will keep their coat looking smooth and clean. Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. This breed overall is very healthy and has a low susceptibility to disease. However, some known issues are deafness and eye problems. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

An Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog weighing between 16-20kgs, with a height between 43-51 cms.

Space

They are best suited to a yard due to their active nature.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily walks and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit. The more exercise the better.

Difficulty of Training

They are intelligent and eager to please, and with consistent training, they make great pets.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions, perfect for those families with enough time to train and exercise their pet.  

Compatibility with other Pets

An Australian Cattle Dog will make friends with other pets, but don’t leave them alone with small pets or chickens, as they will try to herd them.

Need for Company

They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family. They are often nicknamed the Velcro pet for their tendency to shadow their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No 

Coat and Grooming needs

This breed is low-maintenance. They have a short-to-medium coat, usually in blue and red speckle, with black, tan, red or blue markings. Brush their coat when needed.

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to Bark

They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversations.

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