Origin:
Australian stockmen needed a tough, silent herding dog to control wild range cattle. Breeders began with blue merle Smooth Collies and added a variety of breeds starting with the native Dingo, then the Australian-developed Kelpie and finally the Dalmatian, to instill the ability to work with horses. Type was stabilized by 1903. The breed underwent a series of names including Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Australian Heeler and finally Australian Cattle Dog.
Temperament:
Alert, watchful, brave and protective, the breed makes an excellent watchdog.
Activity Level:
A true working dog, the Australian Cattle Dog likes to keep busy and should have daily outdoor exercise.
Height/Weight:
Adult males measure up to 20 in (51 cm) at the shoulder and weigh from 33-50 lb (15-22.5 kg).
Coat:
The outer coat is short, straight and medium coarse. The undercoat is soft and close-fitting.
Colour:
Either red or blue speckle is acceptable. The dog may have a coloured mask surrounding the eyes and may also carry tan markings on the forelegs, the jaws and the hindquarters, on the inside of the hind legs, showing down the front of the stifles.
Grooming:
Regular brushing will keep the coat neat and healthy but there's no special grooming needed.
