The mid-1800's were a time when both Australia and America were possessors of a vast, undeveloped wilderness, in which cattle played an important economic role.  In moving these cattle across this wilderness to market, America had a surplus of men who became cowboys.  Australia, on the other hand, did not have this surplus of men, but still had the wilderness and the need to move huge herds to market.  Australia invented the cow dog instead.
     The  Australian Cattle Dog is known by several different names, depending on where you are.  Some of these names are:  ACD, Queensland Heeler, Queensland Blue Heeler, Blue Heeler, Heelers, Blueys, Blue Dogs, or Cattle Dogs. It is a mistake to refer to these dogs as "dingoes".  Even though the dingo played an important role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog, so many generations have passed, and the breed is now distinctly different than a dingo.  The gene pool is established, and this dog is no more a dingo than it is a Dalmatian.
     Today's Australian Cattle Dog is used in many parts of the world as a herding dog. It has other functions as well.  You will see them working as a member of a Search and Rescue Team, Drug and Bomb Detection, Termite Detection, and as Service Dogs.  You can observe them in conformation, obedience, agility and herding trials, Frisbe and Flyball competitions. The ACD is not a couch potato, nor should a couch potato own one of these hard working, energetic dogs.
     The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium sized dog.  The male ACD averages 18 to 20 inches to the withers, and weighs 40 to 60 pounds.  The female ACD is usually 17 to 19 inches to the withers, and weighs 30 to 45 pounds.
     The life span of a healthy, active ACD averages 12 to 18 years.
     There has been discussion about whether an Australian Cattle Dog should have its tail docked.  The tail is a counterbalance for the dog when it is working, and the necessity of docking is highly questionable.
     The Australian Cattle Dog is high energy and is the epitome of the working, herding dogs.  It is an ideal dog for families that are very active and who want their dog to be a part of their activities.  It is not a dog that can be tied up in the back yard and used solely as a "watchdog".  It needs to have a job that is true.  But if the dog is not active and exercised daily, it can become destructive and unmanageable.  It can also become dangerous as it is very strong, and possesses powerful jaws. Without intense activity the dog will become frustrated, neurotic, and/or destructive. Working farm dogs can be seen in the southwest of the U.S. and it is normal for people there who see an ACD in the back of a pick up truck to steer a wide circle around that truck.  They know that the ACD is guarding that truck, and this dog is highly suspicious of any stranger.  This includes children, and other animals.
     The guarding instinct is a natural development for the ACD.  As a puppy, the ACD is just like any other well-bred, well-cared-for breed of puppy, friendly, playful and outgoing.  This guarding instinct does not make this dog any more dangerous than any other breed, the key is training.  ACD's are the most powerful of all stock dogs, and this power must be tempered and controlled by the owner. It must be taught to independently reason, yet willingly submit to the livestockman, to control livestock and to apply appropriate power in the correct place and manner.
     The more these dogs work, the more involved and proficient an ACD becomes in any activity, the more likely it is that the ACD will be a pleasant and devoted companion.
     The Australian Cattle Dog is very intelligent and has a mind of its own.  This breed is best suited for people with no qualms about being in charge and who do not hesitate to let the dog know that they are in charge.  The Australian Cattle Dog devises new ways of doing things on its own, so that the trainer and owner should be at least as intelligent as the dog.
     The ACD coat requires minimal care - daily brushing, bath as needed, clipping of the nails, cleaning of ears, and the required visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and checkups.  The ACD does not always let the owner know that it is in pain.  So close observation and knowledge of the dog and the daily routine of coat care can let the owner know if there is a problem that requires a veterarian's care.

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