Australian Cattle Dogs

Think Border Collie meets Rambo: Cattle Dogs are skilled herders who rely more on power and courage than stealth and finesse. Because when you're facing a giant steer with huge horns and lashing hooves, it’s not the time to be subtle. They tend to be a “grab the bull by horns” kind of dog, at least figuratively. The greater the challenge, the happier they are. They bring this attitude to their home life, where they view everyday activities as contests to be performed with an all-in attitude. They are extremely loyal dogs and tend to be one-person dogs, suspicious of strangers and not afraid to give them a nip if they’re out of line. If you want a smart, protective, good-looking companion, the Heeler may be your match. But only if you have lots of time and patience. This breed needs way more mental and physical exercise than most, and won’t be content to lounge in front of the fire. They want to get out and look for adventures every day. If you don’t help them find good ones, they'll find bad ones all on their own.

In proportions, these medium-sized dogs are slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The body is powerful, with strong bones and ample muscling. The head is broad, with strong jaws, rather small prick ears, and oval eyes. The tail is set low and carried in a slight curve. Per breed standard, the movement is tireless and easy. When working, it must be able to turn, accelerate, and decelerate instantly. The weather-resistant coat is straight and moderately short, with a short, dense undercoat. The coloration is a breed trademark, as it involves white hairs interspersed among dark hairs. Puppies are born with a white coat, or mostly white (except for patches, which have no intermingled white hairs), and gradually get their speckles within a few weeks. They can be red or blue, either solid or speckled, with or without tan points. The speckled pattern can be lightly or heavily mottled, and with or without patches.

Heelers were bred to follow directions. Herding dogs had to pay attention to the person directing them or they might head the stock the wrong way. But they were also bred to think for themselves. Herding dogs who continued to head in one direction when an outlier took off in another needed to think fast and on their own to fix matters. They also had to be ready to avoid or intimidate a bull without waiting for directions. Thus, Heelers had to also be self-reliant. This created a breed that is both biddable but with a bit of independence. Most of the time, your Heeler will look to you for direction, and eagerly do as you say. But occasionally they’ll blow you off and do as they think if they have a better idea. Heelers were bred to be tough and tenacious and they can dig their feet in and be as willful and stubborn as any stock they ever tried to herd. When this happens it’s best to take a deep breath, start over and come at the problem from a different direction, and with a lot of treats. You will not best them in a battle of willpower. They tend to be suspicious, and don’t warm up to strangers easily. Many are protective, and may even nip at people they want to go away. They can be aggressive toward strange dogs, and may try to herd other pets and even children. They may not be gentle enough for toddlers or the elderly. They are energetic. Very, very energetic. They need to exercise their mind and body several hours a day, otherwise they can become destructive. They do best with people who like outdoor adventures and especially like training their dog. Heelers can take over if you give them a chance, so they also do best with people who are firm, calm, and consistent. Leaders lead by taking the lead, not by force. They are affectionate, but not fawning.

They’re smart about obeying directions, and equally smart about disobeying them. While they are eager to please, they also hold their own opinions in high regard, and if you fail to give clear or reasonable directions, they will take matters into their own hands. Or paws. Because of their suspicious nature, Heelers should be extensively socialized as puppies, meeting many new people and dogs in non-threatening situations. Heelers do best with calm, quiet, consistent, and firm leadership. The breed already tends to be noise-sensitive as well as overactive. As with all dogs, they respond best to positive reinforcement, especially if they are already acting out of control. Cues should instead be delivered quietly and calmly. These dogs are capable of learning complex behaviors, so don't be afraid of asking for too much—as long as you are being clear, calm, and consistent. Heelers enjoy learning and it counts toward their exercise time. At the same time, you’ll have difficulty teaching a Heeler who is frustrated from lack of exercise.

Cattle ranching in 19th century Australia was difficult because of the hot climate, rugged unfenced terrain, and belligerent cattle. The European herding dogs weren’t bred for these conditions and weren’t generally tough enough. Thomas Hall and family crossed their European herders called Smithfields with some tamed dingos they had, creating a rugged herding dog strain called Hall's Heelers. Later, other breeds, probably Collies, Dalmatians, Bull Terriers and Black & Tan Kelpies were mixed in, creating the Queensland Blue heeler. A standard was developed in 1897, emphasizing the Dingo characteristics. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1980 as the Australian Cattle Dog. It is in the Herding group. DNA evidence places it right with other herding breeds. Heelers played roles in the movies Mad Max 2, Secret Window, and Last of the Dogmen. Celebrity owners include Matthew McConaughey, Owen Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, High Jackmanm Mark Harmon, and many more.