![]() Ranchers sought a hardy dog who could handle the harsh climate and working conditions in Australia. Today's Australian Cattle Dog is the result of many breedings and cross-breedings. This breed was instrumental in helping ranchers expand the Australian beef industry by quietly but aggressively herding the sometimes uncontrollable, almost wild cattle with nips and bites. The Australian Cattle Dog was bred by 19th-century Australian settlers to herd cattle on large ranches. Owners must pay careful attention to this breed to make sure he stops working or competing if he gets hurt. He'll keep working even when he's injured. There is a toughness about the Australian Cattle Dog - he had to be tough to handle the high temperatures, rough terrain, and long distances involved in his job on ranches - that makes him both highly tolerant of pain and intensely focused. The Australian Cattle Dog is generally friendly, but he is protective of his family and home turf, and he tends to be wary of strangers. He's likely to consider those outside his household to be fair game, though. If the Australian Cattle Dog is raised from puppyhood with other pets, including cats, he can be trusted to live peacefully with them in his home. He's fascinated by squirrels, cats, and other small animals. This tendency must be properly directed with socialization and training when he's a puppy, or it can turn into dangerous behavior.Īnother part of the breed's instinct is his strong prey drive. He has a strong tendency to bite, even in play. His instinct is to nip cattle, children, pets, cars, anything that moves. He's often called a "Velcro" dog because he attaches so firmly he likes to be in close physical contact with his chosen person all the time.īecause the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd, and herd with force, by biting, he is a mouthy dog. He usually attaches himself closely to one person and bonds less closely with others. The Australian Cattle Dog is also highly devoted to his owner and family. His energy must be directed, or he'll become bored and will resort to entertaining himself, usually by doing something you consider naughty, like digging in the trash or digging up your flower garden. He wants to be active and busy most of the time. He is not a couch potato - we repeat: he is not a couch potato. The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog. Officially, however, he's the Australian Cattle Dog the "heeler" moniker comes from the fact that the dogs were bred to herd cattle by nipping at their heels. ![]() You might be familiar with this breed by one of his other common names: Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or Halls Heeler. ![]() Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.Ĭlick here for more information on this characteristic ![]() No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. ![]() Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. ![]()
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