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Australian Cattle Dog Breed Introduction
Australian Cattle Dog ( simply ACD or Cattle Dog) is a medium-sized herding dog originally from Australia. It was created to drive cattle over long distances across tough terrain. As of now, it is used as a family pet, police dog, therapy dog, scat-detection dog, and drug detection dog. Cattle Dogs have also been nicknamed Blue Heeler or Red Heeler on the basis of their red or blue-gray coat. Although, the former is far more common. Although intelligent, many handlers find training a Cattle Dog challenging since it thrives on new experiences and change. These dogs also make great hiking companions simply due to their natural endurance, preference of sticking by its owners’ side, and lack of interest in hunting.
Australian Cattle Dog History | Origin
Cattle dogs were developed in Australia in 1800 in an attempt to finding a dog that would drive the cattle to the market over long distances across the rough terrain. It is believed that they were developed by George Hall by crossing imported Drovers Dogs from his home county in Northumberland with dingoes that he had tamed in 1840.
The crossed dogs were referred to as Hall Heelers which satisfied the cattle driving needs. Therefore, these dogs were primarily used by George’s family in the next three decades until his death in 1870. After his death, his property was auctioned making the Hall Heelers freely available. Hall heelers attracted the attention of the Cattle Dog Club of Sydney in the late 19th century. This club adopted the term, Australian Cattle Dog to refer to the dogs been bred from bloodlines of Hall Heelers.
True perfection of the Cattle Dogs came later when two brothers, Jack Bagust and Harry Bagust bred the Hall Heelers with Dalmatians which was later reinforced with Black and Tan Kelpie into the line, making the right combination for the modern cattle Dogs. AKC recognized this breed in 1980 before it was later transferred to the Club’s herding group upon its creation in 1983.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Lifespan
Cattle dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years according to American Kennel Club. However, there is an anecdotal report of Bluey, a Cattle dog born in 1910 that had a lifespan of 29.5 years, although the records are unverified. Generally, these dogs age well and appear to live a year longer than most dogs of other breeds classified in the same weight class. Many Cattle Dogs are still active and well at the age of 12 or 14 years. It has been reported that some maintain their teeth, hearing, and sight until their final days.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Grooming
Cattle Dogs don’t shed all year round. They blow of their coats once a year. Although, intact females shed heavily twice a year during the heat season due to increase in estrogen levels that result in thinning of the coat. Therefore, they require minimal grooming needs. Weekly brushing will help remove dirt and keep the coat looking healthy. Cattle dogs have no oily residue or doggy odor, hence need occasional bath once every 6 to 8 weeks unless the pooch rolls into something stinky.
The smooth double layered coat should be thoroughly rinsed off the hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner to avoid skin irritations. For a cattle Dog that participates in conformation shows, wipe the coat with a damp clean washcloth. Dogs’ eyes get irritated by the soapy water, make use of a clean damp washcloth to wipe the face. During the shedding season, use a short bristled brush and possibly a comb to thoroughly brush out the dead hair.
Remember to clean the ears with cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution once a week to remove excess dirt, debris, or wax. While cleaning the ears, check out for a dark discharge, redness, or odor that are signs of an ear infection. Clip the nails every two weeks using nail clippers or grinders. Brush the teeth of your dog using a dog-formulated toothpaste and finger toothbrush twice a week to remove excess tartar build up.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Shedding
A Cattle dog sheds once a year during seasonal change. To manage shedding, brush the coat twice or thrice a week using a short-bristled brush to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house. Even though, intact female Cattle dogs will experience heavy shedding at least twice a year due to the heat cycle.
Blue Heeler Shedding Brush
Make use of a short-bristled brush and a comb to brush the coat when a Cattle Dog is experiencing the heavy shedding season.
Australian Cattle Dog Coat
Cattle dogs have a smooth-double-layered coat with a top coat and undercoat. The top coat is hard, straight, and lying flat so that it is rain resistant while the undercoat is short and dense.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Hypoallergenic
Although Cattle Dogs, don’t shed all-year round, they are not regarded hypoallergenic. They shed heavily once or twice a year spreading hair and dander around the house. Dog’s hair, saliva, dander, urine, and mucus cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, congestion, nasal discharge, and watery eyes in people suffering from dog allergies.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Training
Cattle dogs are responsive and intelligent which makes training easier if a varied and structured program is used. However, if the training is not consistent or is boring and repetitive for the pooch it can lead to unwanted outcomes. For easy training, experts recommend making it a game so that Cattle Dogs learn that Obedience leads to over enjoyment. Cattle dogs are biddable and respond well to training. Training a Cattle Dog helps it to adopt a lifestyle that is probably different from its droving progenitors. Therefore, early socialization and obedience training are a must do for this breed.
Socialization ensures that the dog matures to be a well-adjusted, friendly, and well-mannered canine citizen. This stage starts from the age of 3 to 16 weeks. The puppies remain with the breeder until the age of 8 weeks to ensure they interact with the littermates and stay with the dam. Therefore, it is crucial to purchase a pup from a responsible breeder who will prove that his puppies have started socialization. To socialize a Cattle Dog expose it a wide variety of places, people, animals, situations, sights, moving objects like cars, bicycles, smell, children, and sounds.
Some of the sounds that a cattle Dog can be exposed to include lawn mowers, washing machine, sirens, whistles, door bells, baby crying sounds, and vacuum cleaners. Enrolling your dog in a puppy class also serve as a form of socialization. It also helps pet parents to identify and correct bad habits such as growling when someone approaches the food bowl, nipping, etc. Remember to use positive reinforcement methods such as use of treats, toys, petting, playtime, and verbal praise. However, there are reports that some cattle Dogs prefer dog food cut into tiny pieces over treats.
Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, punching, shoving, kicking, and beating a cattle Dog. If a pooch does something good, reward it within the first two seconds so that it may understand the reason behind the treat or praise. The same goes to correcting bad behavior. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and exciting for a span of 15 to 30 minutes. The training sessions may increase as the dog matures. Teach the basic command words such as come, sit, stay, down, leave it, and stop one at a time to avoid confusion. For effective housebreaking, crate training, potty training, and creating a feeding schedule is recommended.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Training Tips
- To raise a well-mannered and adjusted cattle dog socialization and obedience training is key. Socialization starts from the age of 3 to 16 weeks.
- Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, toys, playtime, petting, o verbal praise to encourage positive outcomes. Although, some Cattle dogs gag after taking a treat and prefer tinny food pieces.
- Cattle dogs thrive on new experiences and change. To make training sessions interesting, make training a game. The training sessions should also last for a period of 15 to 30 minutes spread throughout the day.
- Teach basic commands words like sit, down, stay, leave it, and come one at a time for better understanding and to prevent confusion. Consistency in pronunciation and tone of the command words is key in avoiding confusion.
- Crate training is essential for effective housebreaking. Making the device appealing by positioning favorite toys and treats inside the crate. Lining a crate with a comfy blanket makes it comfortable. A crate is a safe place for a cattle dog where it should retreat to. While at home, always leave the crate door open so that a cattle dog may understand that it is not a forced experience. Avoid letting you dog out of the crate when it is whining since it will encourage this habit. This device will also teach your pooch to stay alone reducing the severity of separation anxiety. At no time should a Cattle Dog parent use a crate as a form of punishment.
- For effective Potty training take your Cattle dog outside 20 minutes after meals and drinks, immediately it wakes up, after an exciting activity like car ride, after naps, every 2 to 3 hours, and before bedtime.
Blue Heeler Training Commands
As earlier discussed Cattle dogs are also referred to as Blue Heeler. They are energetic dogs that need mental stimulation and are eager to please. From the age of 8 weeks, start teaching your pooch basic command words like come, stay, no, quiet, leave, lie down, sit etc. Remember to teach one command word at a time to prevent creating confusion. However, avoid teaching repetitive command words for this training once your pet gets it right. This is because Australian Cattle Dogs can easily get bored due to repetition.
As the training progresses, a cattle Dog will continue learning a command word or two. For Instance during Potty training, this pooch will learn the Toilet command or Potty command. This will also apply to crate training where it learns the crate command. Clicker training is also essential when training command words especially for dogs that will eventually go through extensive training. This form of training utilizes a sound to indicate to the dog that it has completed the command. When teaching commands focus on clear communication and consistency.
Pick a specific word for each command and avoid using synonyms of the command word in question. Giving a command when frustrated or too excited may make the command word sound different. At all times be composed when giving a command to a Cattle Dog. Immediately give a pet a treat or praise when it performs a command correctly during training. It is important to note that a cattle dog is not restricted to learning only the basic command words. An average Cattle Dog can learn about 165 words.
Blue Heeler Potty Training
The general rule of the thumb for potty training a Cattle dog, is understanding that the bladder and bowel muscles of this breed develop as the puppy matures. An 8-week-old Cattle Dog will be able to hold for 2 hours before eliminating while a 12 week-old pup holds for 3 hours before elimination. Therefore, take a cattle dog to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, before bedtime, following an exciting activity like playtime or car ride, and after naps.
Before bringing a pup home, decide whether it will eliminate inside or outside especially for apartment dwellers who have a difficult time accessing a yard or street. Indoor potty training utilizes puppy pads or litter boxes that are available for retail in the pet store. For outdoor potty training ensure that the toilet spot is far from the patio deck or BBQ area. Select a toilet spot that is easily washable.
Once you get to the toilet spot, use a command word ‘potty’ or ‘toilet’ to give your dog the cue to eliminate. Avoid interchangeably using the command words to prevent confusion. Remain in the designated elimination spot for a period of 15 minutes to allow the bladder and bowel muscles to relax for a pee or poo. If the dog fails to eliminate, return it to the same spot after 15 minutes. Before a Cattle dog is fully housebroken, it will likely experience accidents in the house. When this happens, avoid yelling or beating the pet. Instead, firmly utter No and take it to the elimination spot.
Remember to clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent or iodine solution to get rid of the odor. Failure to remove odor encourages similar accidents after the dog sniffs. Before the age of 16 weeks, set an alarm to take your dog to the elimination spot once or twice during the night. Watch out for signs that a Cattle dog wants to eliminate such as whining, circling, squatting, restlessness, sniffing, or lifting a leg against the furniture or wall.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Training Book
The Complete Guide to Australian Cattle Dogs: Finding, Training, Feeding, Exercising and Keeping Your ACD Active, Stimulated, and Happy(November 2019).
The Complete Guide to Blue Heelers – aka The Australian Cattle Dog.(January 2017).
Australian Cattle Dog Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Adaptable.
- Curious.
- Energetic.
- Alert.
- Playful and affectionate while at home.
- Courageous.
- Reserved with strangers.
- Watchful.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Exercise
A Cattle Dog is highly energetic and needs more than just playtime in the yard or a quick walk. In order to physically and mentally stimulate cattle Dogs engage it in activities that calls for intelligence, endurance, and athleticism. The pooch may also participate in canine activities like obedience, flyball, weight pulling, or agility that channels the high energy. Agility has been used by Cattle Dog parents to instill confidence in their pets while also enhancing their performance in competition and training. Since Cattle dogs are not hyperactive breed, they will happily rest on the crate bed, or by the owner’s feet if they are properly exercised.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Barking
A Cattle dog works silently. However, it makes a great watch dog that barks to alarm or alert the owner. It has a high-pitched, distinctive, and intense bark. Rapid barking may be a result of frustration or boredom. Even though, research has reported that pet dogs increase their barking when raised in a noisy environment.
Blue Heeler Growling
Growling is a form of communication to dogs while giving in a sign of warning. A Cattle Dog is likely to growl in the presence of multiple dogs since it is not a breed that tends to live in a pack with other dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog Height
A female Cattle Dog has a height of 17 to 19 inches ( approx. 43 to 48 cm) while a male Cattle Dog has a height of 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 51 cm).
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Weight
Both Male and Female Cattle dogs have the same average weight range of 35 to 50 pounds ( approx. 16 to 23 kg).
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Size
Cattle dogs are medium sized-herding dogs. However, Male Cattle Dogs are slightly taller as compared to their female counterparts. A Male Cattle Dog has a height of 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 51 cm) while a female Cattle Dog has a height of 17 to 19 inches ( approx. 43 to 48 cm).
Australian Cattle Dog Aggressive
On the home ground, a Cattle Dog is a playful and affectionate pet. Although, it is reserved with unfamiliar people and cautious in new situations. Generally, Cattle dogs respond well to familiar dogs. However, when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order(social hierarchy) can trigger aggression.
According to surveys conducted by the United States breed club members, stranger-directed aggression and dog-directed aggression were higher in Cattle Dogs than the average of breeds studied. The latter was found more prevalent of the two aggression types. In Melbourne, a review of incidents in 2001 where a dog bit, chased an animal or person in a public space found that there were sixty breeds involved. The German Shepherd and its crosses as well as Cattle dogs and its crosses accounted for nine percent of the incidents.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Bite Force
A Cattle Dog has a bite force of 195 PSI to 235 PSI.
Apart from Cattle Dogs, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Biting
Initially bred to move reluctant cattle by biting, a Cattle Dog will bite if treated harshly. It is also susceptible to nipping young children especially the ones that squeal and run. The behavior of nipping at heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if it is not corrected.
Biting is also rapid in puppies when exploring new textures. This habit is extremely rampant when the dog is teething due to discomfort. To discourage nipping and biting, bite inhibition training and redirection is recommended.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Separation Anxiety
A Cattle dog is capable of creating a strong bond with its owner which leaves the dog been protective towards the pet parent, hence never too far from the owner. This makes them susceptible to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors if left alone for long hours.
Blue Heeler Hair Loss
Cattle dogs experience normal hair loss in the process referred to as shedding once or twice a year. Other causes of hair loss include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, mange, hormonal imbalance, and allergies.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Eye Problems
Cattle Dogs are mainly predisposed to blindness due to progressive retinal atrophy(PRA), a group of degenerative diseases that results in progressive loss of vision. Eventually, it lead to blindness. A Cattle dog has the most common form of progressive rod-cone degeneration(PRCD). This is a condition that causes the cones and rods in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, resulting in blindness. PRCD is also an autosomal recessive trait and a pooch can be a carrier of the affected gene without developing the condition.
Blue Heeler Ear Problems
A Cattle Dog is predisposed to deafness. This dog carries a recessive piebald alleles that produce the white in the skin and coat. These alleles are linked with Congenital hereditary deafness. However, it is also possible that a multi-gene cause for deafness in a pooch with the piebald pigment genes.
In a study conducted, around 2.4% of Cattle Dogs in one study were found to be deaf in both ears and 14.5% were deaf in at least one ear. Other ear problems that a Cattle Dog may suffer from is ear infection. They have pointy moderate ears that are susceptible to collecting dirt. Some of the other causes of ear infections include excess wax or debris, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, moisture accumulation, ear mites, and yeast imbalances.
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Health Issues
Major health issues that affects a Cattle Dog is blindness(progressive retinal atrophy) and deafness. Although rare, this breed is also affected by hip dysplasia that occurs sufficiently often for many breeders to have their breeding stock tested. A Cattle dog is also rarely affected by inherited health conditions including Hereditary polioencephalomyelopathy that is caused by an inherited biochemical defect. Dogs affected by this condition were completely paralyzed within their first year.
Other notable health issues in Cattle Dogs include elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, arthritis, false pregnancy, pyometra, and infertility. According to a study conducted at Veterinary Colleges in the USA and Canada over a span of three decades described lameness, fractures, and cruciate ligament tears as the most common health problems treated in Australian Cattle Dogs.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Names
The next best thing that a Cattle Dog pet parent engages in is finding a name for the lively fur baby after getting it from a responsible breeder. Pet parents may get name inspirations from the Australian origin of the dog, personality, coat color, celebrities, nature, historical figures, music, food, and movies.
Regardless of where you get your inspiration from, ensure that the name in question rolls off your tongue and won’t make your embarrassed when uttering it out loud in public parks and malls. If you settle with a long name, ensure you find a cute name for the Cattle Dog.
Cattle dogs and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. Giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words creates confusion. Ensure that a Cattle dog doesn’t share a name that is used by other family members or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Female Blue Heeler Names
- Bingo.
- Shiloh.
- Laura.
- Maggie.
- Evie.
- Millie.
- Myla.
- Alani.
- Ellie.
- Kiara.
- Demi.
- Hope, etc.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Speed
A Cattle dog can ran an average speed of 25 mph ( approx. 40 km/h ). The exact running speeds vary depending on the dog’s build, size, and fitness. Some Cattle dogs have recorded a running speed of 30 mph ( approx. 48 km/h ).
Male Blue Heeler Names
- Bandit.
- Micah.
- Charlie.
- Zain.
- Simon.
- Atlas.
- Jameson.
- Leo.
- Keith.
- Ryder.
- Cole.
- Noah.
- Zane, etc.
Blue Heeler Heat Cycle | Mating
A Cattle dog experiences the first heat cycle at the age of 6 to 12 months. The process lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The heat season recurs after every six months. An intact female is likely to get pregnant in her teens since they don’t experience menopause.
Some of the signs that a Cattle Dog exhibits while on a heat cycle include increased urination, tail flagging, mood swings, swollen vulva, bloody discharge, and changes in eating habits. Before breeding, both potential dam and sire, they should be screened for hip dysplasia, deafness, and progressive retinal atrophy that causes blindness.
It is recommended to wait until a Cattle Dog dam is 2 years old before breeding. This ensures that the dog is physically and emotionally mature to take care of a dam. Never breed an aggressive dam since the puppies are likely to be fearful or aggressive.
Blue heeler Litter Size
After conception, a Cattle Dog dam has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping an average litter size of 5 puppies. The litter size rage for Cattle Dogs is 1 to 7 puppies.
Blue Heeler Harness | Collar
Originally bred for herding cattle, Australian Cattle Dogs are sensitive to motion and are likely to run after moving cars and bikes. Therefore likely to pull while on a leash. Although, if well socialized, a Cattle dog is exposed to motion and will likely not ran after moving objects. In such a case, a collar is recommended. However, if the dog is likely to pull, a harness is a good option since it evenly distributes the pressure on the shoulders and back.
Blue Heeler Muzzle
A Cattle dog is likely to nip at squealing and running children. This dog is not a pack dog and is likely to exhibit aggression if multiple dogs are present due to pecking order. In such scenarios, a muzzle is recommended. This accessory is also used when transporting a dog that is in pain to the vet since it is likely to bite.
AKC recommends pet parents to create positive associations with the muzzle through the use of treats and praise. This will reduce aggressive behavior when the dog has to be muzzled. However, a muzzle should never be used to correct bad habits like chewing, biting, or barking.
Blue Heeler Feeding Guide
The amount of food that you feed a Cattle dog depends on its size, age, metabolism, and activity level. The following is the feeding guide for a pup:
At the age of 4 weeks, a Cattle Dog pup should feed four times a day a total of 1/2 to 3/4 cup.
From the age of 6 weeks, a pup feds four times a day a total of 1 cup.
At the age of 8 weeks, feed a pup a total of 1.5 cups of food in a day over four servings.
From the age of 10 weeks, feed a pup three times in a day a total of 1.5 to 2 cups.
At the age of 12 weeks a pup feeds three times a day a total of 2 cups.
From the age of 6 months, a Cattle dog should feed twice a day a total of 1.5 to 2.5 cups.
Australian Cattle Dog Food
Cattle dogs are high-energy breed dogs that were bred to run over long distances and work for long hours in all weather conditions. Therefore, they require food formulated to keep them fit, provide stamina, and keep the coat nourished.
Depending on the time and budget of a pet owner, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of a Cattle Dog based on age and activity level.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your pooch is to take them to the vet about their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog. If you can see your Cattle Dog’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If a dog parent cannot feel the ribs of the pet under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get a Cattle Dog from a breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food about 1/4 with 3/4 old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your dog with the same amount of the new food and old food.
On the third week feed your pet with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For a pet parent who wants to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog Neck Size
A Cattle Dog has a neck size of 22 to 28 inches ( approx. 56 to 71 cm ).
Blue Heeler Collar Size
The neck size of a Cattle Dog is the same as its collar size since the collar rests around the neck region. Always ensure that you can insert two fingers between the collar and the neck. The collar size of a Cattle Dog is 22 to 28 inches ( approx. 56 to 71 cm ).
Australian Cattle Dog | Blue Heeler Colors
A Cattle may either have a Blue or Red colored coat. Cream and Chocolate are considered faulty. A Blue colored Cattle Dog can be blue mottled, blue, or blue speckled with tan on the chest and legs with white markings and a black patch on one or both sides of the head. As for the red-coated Cattle Dogs, they are evenly speckled with solid red markings and have a brown patch on one or both sides of the head. Both blue and red coated puppies are born white. The red or blue hairs show from around 4-weeks as the pup grows and mature.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Allergies
A Cattle dog is also susceptible to various forms of allergies including:
Food allergies – This inflammation also affects Cattle dogs and result to an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms from skin issues to digestive problems. A Cattle dog is also affected by food intolerance.
Skin allergies – Skin allergy is caused by food, contact, and environmental allergies that affect the skin.
Contact allergies – This is an allergic reaction that is triggered once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect Cattle Dogs include plastics, lawn chemicals, grooming products like shampoos and conditioner, carpet cleaning detergents, latex, bed linens, and medication. Commonly affected body parts include the paws, around the muzzle, and feet.
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergens that affect Cattle Dogs include fleas. The saliva of the flea causes excessive scratching around the skin in the bite area until the skin is raw. Commonly affected body parts include the back legs and underneath the tail. Other allergens include ragweed, mites, pollen, grass, trees, dust and dust mites, and house molds. Signs of environmental allergies include nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and scratching at various body parts including the feet, around the muzzle, groin, underarms, around the eyes, belly sides, and between the toes.
Australian Cattle Dog Skin Allergies
As earlier discussed, skin allergies are caused by food, contact, and environmental allergies that affect the skin. A True food allergy will result in an immune response that results to a wide range of symptoms including hives, crusting lesions, dermatitis, facial swelling, hot spots, and pruritus.
Environmental allergies result to atopic dermatitis, a condition that results to inflammation when the cattle dog inhales or ingests something that the immune system is sensitive to. Atopic dermatitis results in reddened hives, lesions, and rashes.
Commonly affected body parts by skin allergies include paws, feet, muzzle, belly sides, groin, around the eyes, and ears. Signs of skin allergies in Cattle dogs include excessive itchiness, scratching, sores, lesions, a dry flaky skin, hair loss, and ear infections.
Australian Cattle Dog Food Allergies
True food allergies in Cattle dogs results in an immune response. This breed may also be affected by food sensitivities or food intolerance. However, food allergy is rare as compared to food intolerance. It is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including gastrointestinal stress including acute vomiting and/or diarrhea as well as skin issues symptoms such as hives, sores, crusting lesions, facial swelling, pruritus, and dermatitis.
Food intolerance affects a Cattle dog due to a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of the dog including additives, chemicals, preservatives, soy, corn, wheat, eggs, milk, lamb, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, fish, etc.
Signs of food intolerance include itchiness, poor skin and coat, vomiting, diarrhea, foot infections, and ear infections. It is highly recommended for Cattle Dog pet parents to work along with the Vet to manage the symptoms exhibited and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the dog.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Ears
A Cattle Dog has pointy ears that are moderate in size. The ears are also muscular and wide at the base. Set wide apart on the skull, the ears are prickled when alert.
Blue Heeler Tail
According to the breed standards of Canadian, American, and Australian Kennels Club, a Cattle dog should have a natural long and undocked tail. Often, there is a white color on the tip of the tail and a solid color at the base of the tail. The tail is set moderately low. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight curve. However, an excited dog carries its tail high. In the USA, working dogs sometimes have docked tails.
Blue Heeler | Australian Cattle Dog Teeth
At birth, a Cattle dog is whelped with no teeth. The deciduous teeth starts growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until it has a total of 28 milk teeth. From the age of 12 weeks, the teeth starts falling out as the permanent teeth starts growing in. At the age of 6 months, all deciduous teeth are replaced with a set of 42 permanent teeth.
Start brushing the permanent teeth from the age of 6 months using a tasty canine toothpaste and a finger toothbrush. Regular teeth brushing at least twice a week prevents bad breathe and periodontal diseases.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Hypoallergenic
No. Although, Cattle dogs shed seasonally and not all-year round, they are not regarded hypoallergenic. This is because shedding spreads dander and hair in the house. Dog’s urine, dander, saliva, mucus, and hair contain a protein allergen that causes allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Blue Heelers Smart
Yes. They are regarded smart. Cattle dogs were ranked 10th in the intelligence of dogs by Stanley Coren.
Are Blue Heelers Aggressive
Yes, if not properly socialized. According to a study conducted in the United States, Cattle Dogs dog-directed aggression and stranger-directed aggression were higher than the average of other breeds that were studied.
Australian Cattle Dog Quick Facts
- Dog Psychologist, Stanley Coren ranked Australian Cattle Dogs in position 10. It was also rated as one of the smartest dogs ranked by obedience command trainability.
- It is not a pack dog. When Multiple dogs are present and there is an established pecking order, it is likely to trigger aggression in Cattle Dogs.
- A Cattle Dog makes a great hunting partner due to its natural endurance and general lack of interest in hunting. It prefers to stay by its owner’s side.
