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History 00:28
We have Thomas Hall to thank for the creation of the Australian Cattle dog. He was a cattle farmer from New South Wales, Australia who lived in the 19th century. The farmers had a problem of getting their cattle to the Sydney area. It was impossible to make the cattle walk such long distances. So, Thomas decided to develop a dog breed that would help him with his cattle business.
It was 1840 when he came up with the idea to cross drovers from his parents’ home county and tamed dingoes, and that’s how Hall’s Heelers were born. The creation was so successful that the heelers gave Halls a huge advantage over other cattle breeders.
After Thomas Hall’s death, the dogs gained their first popularity in the surroundings of the Hall’s properties, but then soon spread all over Australia. However, the Australian Cattle Dog only got recognized as a breed in the United States and Canada in 1980.
Physical Appearance 01:24
Australian Cattle dogs are muscular and sturdy dogs with a low, long tail. They usually come in two colors: red or blue; which is why they are also known as Red Heelers and Blue Heelers. However, they are rarely plain colored, but they rather white in fur with a lot of solid color patches over their body.
It’s not uncommon that Heelers have marks over one or both eyes, as well as a white star on the forehead. The rare australian cattle dogs that are born without a mask are called plain-faced Heelers.
Personality 01:58
Just like all working dogs, Heelers are energetic, active and independent. Australian Cattle dogs are extremely intelligent and are usually very easy to train. They are very friendly and affectionate toward their family and people they are familiar with. But, pay attention when you’re approaching a yard guarded by a heeler for the first time!
Heelers tend to be very reserved with strangers, but they will only alert you by barking if there’s need for it. Also, an Australian cattle dog is usually very protective of his owner, and will try to never leave his side.
Heelers are known as loners rather than pack dogs. They don’t really enjoy other dogs’ presence and can often become aggressive when too many dogs are around.
Training 02:43
When it comes to training, Australian Cattle dogs have both traits that every dog owner should be looking for : responsiveness and intelligence. Training a heeler will be really easy, but under one condition: you will have to make some effort too!
You should avoid boring and repetitive training and try to make everything a game instead. This way your heeler will learn obedience with enjoyment.
Due to their original job of moving reluctant cattle by biting, Australian Cattle dogs might nip children running around or even bite when not treated right. So, early training is necessary in order to reduce their nipping habit.
Exercise 03:22
Heelers are a very active breed that needs a lot of exercise time. If you’re not an outdoorsy person, you might want to reconsider getting an Australian Cattle Dog!
Being primarily bred as a working dog, they can endure walking long distances while moving cattle, which means that one walk per day won’t satisfy them. Heelers will enjoy any additional activities you can think of; such as running, jogging or swimming.
Making sure to challenge an Australian Cattle dog both physically and mentally, is the best way to ensure he will grow to be a great, loving dog that won’t develop destructive behavior.
Grooming 04:00
When it comes to grooming, Australian cattle dogs are a real breeze. They are even known as the “wash and wear” dogs. Just remember to brush your heeler occasionally and he will be clean and smelling nice.
Also, shedding will not be a big issue as these dogs blow their coat once or twice a year.
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35 Comments
How do they do in the cold? Like Canada cold ?
If you want one of these dogs, you need to live on a farm/have a large property with a big backyard, and, if you live in a city, be prepared to give them an extensive walk/run at least twice a day. These dogs need action. Don't let them get bored. You'll never find a more faithful animal than these critters.
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Do they produce a lot of dander?
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Are they good with other dogs I have three at the moment
Mine loves dogs as long as we arent at home and the dog isnt encroaching on his "territory." The shedding thing? Well they say gsds blow their coats only once or twice a year, let that sink in. Im vacuuming sometimes twice a day. These dogs are intense, they're all or nothing so if you like that sort of thing go for it. They arent for couch potatoes.
Best dogs ever
Anyone have problems with their cattle dog stopping and sitting during walks. I have a 4.5 month old Heeler puppy and is super smart and I’m training him for agility. But when it comes to normal walks… he sits and refuses to walk and it takes a lot of tugging and distractions to get him to walk. I am trying the heel command, it’s like he knows what I’m asking but refuses to give it to me
I have recently adopted an American Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd mix beautiful she's 8 months old. I'm having a hard time trying to train her as she's deaf does anyone have any suggestions that would help me and training her she's a beautiful loving dog her name is Tina
I have a 4 yrs old red and black heeler and a Texas heeler. Best dogs ever. They are so smart its gets scary at times. But very loyal and protective to our family. They would give their lives for us.
That is not quite the history. You never mentioned the Timmons Biter, the Bob Tail Cur .The dingo genetics is miniscule in ACDS and Smithfield. Dingo is more prominent in Kelpies. ACD are pack dogs. Love working in a pack. I have owned and worked ACD for 51 years. The worse problem with "Heelers" is the humans who buy them. The breed is fit for purpose.
My red heeler cattle dog passed back in January. Miss her so much and next will I'm hoping to adopt another.
We have a wonderful, highly intelligent, highly energetic and very sweet male heeler that sheds all day. Every time I sweep I wonder how he is not naked
Ever since I was a child and saw Mad Max I always wanted the dog that was on there. Although I never knew it wasn't it was called until I was an adult. I always wanted one and finally I got one. My little five month old Blue Heeler named banjo. I can see he's a lot for other people but is the sweetest little boy to me. I think a lot of people can't handle his energy but I can and I love him. As of now I'm training him to go out on adventures with me and we record it on my YouTube channel. We just bought a kayak so we'll have some kayak Adventures.
I have a wonderful blue heeler "compadre" its great
I’ve had heelers since 1997 and they are the best dogs. So intelligent that they are truly another family member and a great friend. Not for people who are anxious owners, they require stable, loving energy. You can’t train them with shouting, you have to understand their personality, they want to understand you, so if you are confident or simply determined to make it work, they will meet you half way. They need a job to do even if that is being a companion animal. In Australia heelers can be often seen guarding a tradesman’s van all day, so yes they can herd cattle but as long as they get one good walk a day and a lot of metal stimulation they’ll be ok. Very healthy, non-smelly, they shed but not horribly (apart from twice a year). They are very bossy dogs so need to be supervised around children because they will heard them into a corner if they think child is misbehaving. I had a heeler who was a stray and she loved dogs, didn’t like people much (except her family), and I had heelers who were friendly with strangers but offish with dogs. But they do love their family and are often one person dog, which means they’ll particularly bond to one person and follow them everywhere. They have an amazing sense of humour but don’t like being tricked. Honesty and open-heartedness is the way with these dogs and they’ll return it a 100 fold.
My cattle dog blows her coat twice a year. 6 months in the summer and 6 months in the winter.
Umm I have one and the grooming comment is a bit off lol.
One thing the yanks hav neva achieved.they neva bred a pediagree dog.thats why they crossbreed ours.ex.cattledog
A little over a year ago we had a puppy wander up on our property, we still have him today and he is the smartest and most caring dog I have ever had.
We're expecting one very soon and have since learned that he prefers one in the family… We have 6 people in the house who all want to love this dog (16 and up)… Is there anyway to ensure that the dog will be comfortable with all of us??
Grown up Australian Cattle Dogs are small right?
I have a blue heeler and a tri coat heeler
I had a Australian healer dingo mix. I loved that girl so much,beautiful,smart, energetic and very sweet.Miss her so much.Not sure if I'll have another dog.If I do it would probably be a healer of some sort,but just love all cattle dogs.If you have one you know what I mean.Those breeds are the best in my book.
Just got a little blue heeler “Tito” I want to train him early!
0:12 no they still are I don’t think you should get a healer unless your fit and have lots of space and time
Shedding shouldn't be a problem. That's total crap lol.
Hi .I have Harry my BlueHeeler very interesting dog and smart . New subscriber here.
My puppy won't stop biting and chewing on my pants legs and my hands and shoe laces he's 3mo old.im growing tired of this behavior
This video makes it sound like you have to be active and train them to do tricks.. I am a fat old lazy man..my blue heeler lays on me all day. Her trick is following me every where. We don't take 8 mile hikes or have to stimulate her 24/7. She is the most jealous possesive dog in the world. She doesn't even like my wife kissing me. The spot next to me on the love seat is hers. I see others with multiple dogs with a heeler..I must have the crazy one cause she hates all other animals that might take my attention for one minute. She is the cure for someone who feels unloved or never important to anyone. They are the most loyal creatures on earth.
I read all the comments and have to add this. Our ACD is four months old and for three months I've had company every time I go to the bathroom. 😂. She is my precious shadow.
Heelers seem to do good with one or two other dogs.
Grown up with them, now have a little blue girl (16weeks) and a 7yr old Red. Halls documents where destroyed by hun just before he died as he didn’t want others stealing his work. They’re know as “Devil dogs” here in Australia. They’re too smart for their own good sometimes 😂
Have a stumpy Blue 13 weeks old already have him of lead healing next to me very loving breed super smart and tough a real chic magnet love him to bits
This video fails to mention the first three years are very difficult with a heeler.