Australian Cattle Dogs - Choosing the Best Breed

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Active, playful, and protective. The Australian Cattle Dog is all of the above and more!

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as Red Heeler, Blue Heeler, and Queensland Heeler can be a wonderful pet, for the right family. As with any pet adoption, one should consider many factors involved in the decision of which breed will be suitable. Australian Cattle Dogs are adorable with a personality all their own! Read on to see what kind of environment is best suited for this breed of dog, and if you would enjoy adopting a Heeler dog for your family.

Please choose to adopt...

If you're are thinking of buying a dog from a breeder or pet store, please visit this link first.

http://www.hsus.org/pets
/pet_adoption_information/
buying_a_puppy/


You'd be helping in more ways than you realize, if you adopt. There are plenty of links below for adopting Heelers and Australian Cattle Dogs. Thank U! :)

Heeler History 

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the Herding group, as the breed has a history of being loyally devoted to its mission when controlling the movement of cattle. Australian Cattle Dogs are hardworking, powerful and agile. They have protective instincts, which were appropriate for assisting stockmen in harsh conditions, and are still used by ranchers, and farmers of today. Developed in Australia in the 1800s, this dog is surrounded by controversy over what breeds were actually used to create this small, yet muscular animal. Suspicions include Collies, Terriers, the Dalmatian, and the Dingo, just to name a few.

Awww...any Australian Cattle Dog lover is sure to appreciate this! 

Plush Tulsa Australian Cattle Dog 9"

Amazon Price: $14.41 (as of 12/02/2009)Buy Now

The 9" kohair dogs are Douglas' most popular size and are available in more than 27 different breeds. There's one available for just about anyone!

Anybody up for Dog Sports? 

Heelers can make the perfect pet, under the right conditions. This breed is extremely active, and must remain so in order to thrive in a family situation. An ideal setting would include ample room to run, and exercise, lots of attention from its owner, and a stable environment. This breed is said to be an excellent participant in such things as Frisbee and other 'Dog Sports.' Australian Cattle Dogs are extremely intelligent, but also protective, so as an owner, one must attempt to keep this dog in somewhat calm, and non-chaotic situations. When the animal senses a threat, or imminent danger to its owner or surroundings, it has the potential to become over-protective, or even fierce.

YouTube vids 

blue heeler jumping up a tree to get her frisbe

This is my blue heeler Abby. She is trying to get her frisbe down from a high tree limb

curated content from YouTube

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The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it's saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources wi

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Heeler Breed Specifics 

The Australian Cattle Dog's coat is what is known as a double coat. The outer layer is short, and straight, while the undercoat is dense, and curly. This type of coat is ideal for keeping the dog safe in harsh weather conditions, although, an owner would not be wise to keep an Australian Cattle Dog outside for long periods. This breed typically sheds about once per year, making for minimal cleanup of dog hair, and as a smaller dog of between 30 and 50 lbs, and about 17 to 20 inches tall, a large inside area is not necessary.

Australian Cattle Dogs goodies from Amazon 

Need more info, or want to give a calendar to the Heeler lover in your life? Check out these great gift ideas...

Australian Cattle Dogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

List Price: $7.99

Australian Cattle Dogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

List Price: $8.99

Interesting Facts 

There are some interesting facts about this breed. Australian Cattle Dogs are all born white in color, with either blue or red coloring coming in as they age. They are sometimes referred to as Red Heelers, Blue Heelers, or Queensland Heelers. They may also be referred to as 'shadow dogs,' as they love to be near their owners, and suffer greatly if regularly left alone for long periods.

Get one of a kind, or discounted items 

Red Heeler, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog goodies

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Best environment for Heelers 

Australian Cattle Dogs would be best suited in country homes, with no small children, and lots of stability. A home environment including working tasks, or energetic participation in sports and outdoor games would be idea.

Resources for Adopting Australian Cattle Dogs and Heelers 

Please list any resources for dog adoption, specifically any type of Heelers. I've listed a few that I found. Thanks for your participation! :) You may also vote your favorites.
Next Day Pets
Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler Rescue
Cattledog.com
Rescue Dogs Needing permanent homes
AuCaDo.us
Forums for Australian Cattle Dog Rescue
URL.biz - Dogs
Find and list anything about dogs and pets
Find a Pet Online - Pets for Sale
Great website to browse!

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