Just a little information about Australian Cattle Dogs for you today. (The herders are my favorites.)
As most of you know, my boy, Stark is an Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) adopted from a local SPCA in December 2013, as he was Dolly's choice as a new companion after our beloved "Texas Heeler" (half Australian Shepherd/half Blue Heeler) boy, Buster, died of cancer.
Stark is a GORGEOUS and very lovable Red Heeler (Dolly LOVES the red-heads! 😉).
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| Stark, the BEST and most handsome Red Heeler in the Universe! |
ACDs come in two colors, blue and red, so people tend to call them Blue Heelers or Red Heelers. The blue or red due to color...the heeler due to ACDs LOVE of nipping at heels. It is part of the breed standard and how they herd cows (or sheep, or children, or YOU, etc.).
If you are fortunate enough to adopt and love (and be loved by) an ACD, expect to be herded. Expect to be nipped repeatedly every single day. NOT bitten. These are not regular bites. They do not break the skin, but they do use their teeth, so expect that. They are very orally fixated dogs, so also expect a LOT of kissing (licking) when you least expect it.
The Australian Cattle Dog's characteristics as listed in the official AKC breed standard are:
Characteristics:
As the name implies the dog's prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and movement of cattle in both wide open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal dog.
You can see why I love these dogs!
My boy, Stark, is a large and in charge Red Heeler man dog, as you can see in the photo above and in the photo below. He is pretty spoiled and adorable. I admit I spoil my dogs because they tend to spoil me and turn about is fair play.
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| Look how Stark's tail is wagging, but he doesn't want to move. He's too comfortable. Stark LOVES sleeping with a pillow for his head...so spoiled. What a good dog! |
These dogs are NOT really meant to be pets. They were bred in Australia to work cattle, and will cause all kinds of problems if they do not have the room and opportunity to run. They need a LOT of both mental and physical exercise.
ACDs are smarter than most humans I know and are bred to take care of large herds of cattle, which means they are bred to make their own decisions. They are STRONG and fast, so they are NOT the best choice if you have small children in your home.
Some people call them "Velcro dogs" because they want to be with their "herd" (translated: YOU if they don't have a herd of cows) all the time. They will follow you from room to room and always be underfoot, which I, personally, LOVE, but others may not like at all.
They are bred to be in charge and will rule your house if you do not teach them otherwise.
The good news is they are highly intelligent, therefore they are highly trainable. Just spend time with them, and/or take them to training classes!
Unfortunately many people adopt these dogs as cute puppies and then expect them to be calm perfect apartment pets later in life. This will NOT happen without a LOT of effort and training, so, sadly, these dogs end up in shelters and animal rescues a lot.
Please do your research before adopting any dog. Make sure that breed is right for you and yours, because when you have the right dog, life is just better. Adopt the right dog and you will agree with this! I promise!
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