Meet the breed: Australian Cattle Dog

May 02, 2014

Virginia Chavez-Nelson is an avid contributor of words for the greater good (see: writer) and a fun-loving Phoenician by way of Argentina. With a degree in Journalism from Arizona State University, Virginia has more than 10 years of expe...

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Australian Cattle Dog

Choosing to add a furry friend to your growing household is a long-term commitment, and picking a breed that fits your lifestyle is the key to a happy home. With over 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds, that decision can seem overwhelming. We're here to help you meet the breed that's right for you. If you're looking for an intelligent companion to add to your pack, find out everything you need to know about the Australian Cattle Dog.

Intelligent
Easy grooming
Pleasant temperament
Active lifestyle
Long lifespan

Overview

This über-rugged and masculine breed is owned by some of Hollywood's hottest, including Matthew McConaughey and Mel Gibson. The Australian Cattle Dog was bred from a mix between a Blue Merle Collie and an Australian Dingo to create a herding dog with outstanding stamina and athleticism. A loyal and loving pup, this breed makes a wonderful companion for an equally active owner or family.

Breed standards

AKC group: Herding
UKC group: Herding dog
Average lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Average size: 44 - 62 pounds
Coat appearance: Dense, straight, flat
Coloration: Blue healer and red healer
Hypoallergenic: No
Other identifiers: Strong, medium-sized body frame. Tail is never docked. Pricked and pointed ears.
Possible alternations: At times, black face mask over one or both eyes is present.

Is this breed right for you?

Couch potatoes look away now! This breed not only requires daily exercise, but also hours of rigorous activity on a constant basis. The Australian Cattle Dog can easily adapt to most environments but is best suited for open land and room to roam. Apartment dwellers might want to opt for a less-active breed, unless hours of daily physical activity can be arranged. This breed is very low maintenance in the grooming department and has little-known health issues. With this pup by your side, you'll have a longtime running partner you can depend on.

A dream day-in-the-life

Running, hiking, herding and jogging would be an excellent warm-up to a perfect day for the active Australian Cattle Dog. If yours is a puppy, start training early. This smart breed loves to learn and does best adapting to a family with children if training begins early. Loving and loyal by nature, the Australian Cattle Dog is happy being with you as long as downtime is reserved only for bedtime.