Australian Cattle Dog

History

He originated in Australia from dogs who were crossed with Dingo's in 1840
He was developed for the sole purpose of herding cattle
He allowed Australian farmers to maintain huge herds of cows on large, open farmlands
He was first known ad the Australian Heeler and is also called the Blue or Queensland Heeler in Australia

He's extremely intelligent and learns your commands very quickly
He's devoted and affectionate to his owners
He is highly athletic
He protective of his property, family and other household pets
He may try to herd children or guests, nipping at their heels
He gets along well with dogs he knows but can be aggressive around dogs he doesn't know
He's suspicious and cautious around strangers
He's very alert and makes a good watchdog
He has a very high energy level and likes to be active outdoors
Not given enough exercise or mental stimulation he will find ways to occupy himself: often destructive

He's one of the easiest of all breeds to train because he learns so quickly. (There's only a few of these super-fast learning breeds--and he's one of them!)

He sheds profusely! You will find a lot of hair in your home - stuck to your couch, carpets and clothes - and to just about everything else. You will be vacuuming regularly.

His short coat only needs to be brushed occasionally. However, because it sheds profusely you may find yourself brushing it a couple of times a week, or even daily, to reduce the hair in your home (what you remove with a brush doesn't end up on the couch!).