Australian Cattledog / Heeler Puppies for Sale

overview of the Australian Cattledog / Heeler Dog Breed

Are you looking for a herding dog, watchdog, or running partner? 

Check out our Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale below!

Also called Blue Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent, determined, loyal, and energetic. Bred to herd cattle in the Australian Outback, this breed can handle heat, rugged terrain, and possess incredible endurance. They’re alert and won’t hesitate to take action if something isn’t right. 

Adopt your Australian Cattle Dog puppy today and enjoy the intelligent, loyal, and hardworking spirit of this amazing breed!

Australian Cattledog / Heeler temperament

Hardworking: The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) was bred to herd cattle on Australian Ranches. They are the ‘cowboys’ of dog kind: tough, determined, independent, brave, and not afraid to exchange blows with someone who’s out of line.

Devoted to their owners: Australian Cattle Dogs, or Blue Heelers, bond deeply with their owners and will follow them everywhere.

Intelligent: Australian Cattle Dogs are highly intelligent and are included in Dr. Stanley Cohen’s Top Ten Smartest Dog Breeds! ACDs can be independent thinkers and are even known to outsmart their owners at times. Their intelligence, energy, and determination mean that they need an owner who is a leader and gives firm, consistent training.

High need for activity: The ACD has an incredible amount of stamina – mentally and physically. This smart, energetic bred is happiest when busy, especially when that means working with their humans! Consider the time, space, and commitment it will take to keep your ACD happy. An ACD will not be happy in an apartment. Enrolling your dog in sports such as agility, tracking, obedience, and herding is an excellent option for channeling their energy and challenging their mind.

Excellent Watchdog: ACDs make excellent watchdogs; they are loyal to their family, wary of strangers, and ever on the alert. They are intelligent problem solvers and aren’t afraid to intervene when they feel something isn’t right.

A well-bred and well-socialized ACD will be protective but not unnecessarily aggressive. Socializing your puppy is essential to prevent them from becoming aggressive. Expose your ACD puppy to a wide variety of situations so it learns what situations are normal and safe. Puppy classes are also an excellent way to socialize your puppy.

Australian Cattledog / Heeler Breed history

While the official name of this breed is the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), it’s had a variety of names since its beginning. Some of these names are still used today and include:

• Australian Heeler
• Blue Heeler
• Queensland Heeler
• Queensland Blue Heeler

The nickname “heeler” comes from the breed’s ability to nip out-of-control cattle in the heels while herding them.

Australian Settlers in the 19th century wanted an extremely hardy herding dog that could work with them on their cattle ranches.

A man named George Elliot of Queensland crossed the native Dingo with domesticated breeds including Smithfield (extinct) and blue merle Highland Collies. Using the Dingo in creating this breed added native hardiness not present in the other breeds.

Jack and Harry Bagust wanted to make the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) even better. They crossed Elliot’s dogs with Dalmations. This added a speckled look as well as an improved temperament for working with humans and horses. Black and Tan Kelpies were also crossbred to add working ability.
Robert Kaleski took up breeding and showing “blue heelers” in 1897. He also created the first written standard for the Australian Cattle Dog.

In 1903, The Kennel Club (United Kingdom) accepted the Australian Cattle Dog.

In 1980, the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the Australian Cattle Dog.
Today, the Australian Cattle Dog ranks 55 out of all breeds registered with AKC.

You can learn more about ACDs at the Australian Cattle Dogs of America Club.

Australian Cattledog / Heeler Average size

Australian Cattle Dogs weigh between 35-50 pounds.

Female Australian Cattle Dogs are 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder and males are 18-20 inches tall at the shoulder.

Average Australian Cattledog / Heeler lifespan

The life expectancy of an Australian Cattle Dog is 12-16 years.

Australian Cattledog / Heeler body features

Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) are white as puppies and their coat turns red or blue-grey as they grow.

They have a distinct mottled or speckled pattern and their coats are red or blue and can have black, tan, and red markings.

While some people believe the red and blue-coated ACDs have different temperaments, AKC.org states that there is no difference in temperament.

grooming Your Australian Cattledog / Heeler Puppy

Australian Cattle Dogs, or Blue Heelers, were bred for outdoor work so they have thick double coats that keep them warm in all kinds of weather. Breeds with double coats shed heavily twice a year and moderately the rest of the year. 

Austrian Cattle Dogs have a smooth coat that doesn’t take a lot of maintenance. A thorough brushing once a week will be sufficient during non-shedding seasons. Plan to brush your ACD a few times a week during heavy shedding seasons. 

Their coats usually aren’t smelly or oily, so occasionally bathes are all this breed will need. 

Your Australian Cattle Dog will also need its nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly.

Keeping Your Australian Cattledog / Heeler Puppy Healthy

Australian Cattle Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but its important to be aware of conditions that may affect your dog.

Some conditions that may affect your Australian Cattle Dog (or Blue Heeler) include:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – gradual deterioration of the retina, which leads to blindness over time.
• Deafness – This can be linked to dogs that have white coats. Ask the breeder for a BAER (Brainstem auditory evoked response) test.

Protecting Your Dog from Obesity
You can protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Like all dog breeds, they are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues in dogs.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip and can result in limping, lameness, or arthritis if it’s not addressed.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can be genetic, or it can be caused by environmental factors such as overeating or injuries.

Here are some ways to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy:

1. Ask the breeder for an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Clearance. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred.
2. Talk to your vet about the right food for your puppy and stick to the correct amount to prevent unhealthy growth.
3. Keep your puppy from running or jumping excessively on hard surfaces and from standing on their hind legs.

Typical Australian Cattledog / Heeler Allergens

First of all, what causes allergies? 

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed. 

Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, have a double coat and shed heavily twice a year, so they are not considered an allergen-friendly breed. Allergens can be lowered with regular brushing and bathing. 

If you or someone in your home has animal allergy concerns, please consult your health provider before adopting a puppy.