Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog are originated from Australia. Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog are having almost same height. Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog are of same weight. Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog has same life span. Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Both Red Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

red heeler - historyKnown also as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Red Heeler is also known as the Blue Heeler. This is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia.

These dogs are known for their stamina and resilience with driving cattle over long distances in hot weather and across rough terrain.

It was George Eliott who developed the Red Heeler – crossing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs.

In America, the breed was fully recognised in September 1980.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Australia
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Cattle Dog, ACD
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Reddish, Blue-grey
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
Shortish and dense
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler is a medium-sized dog standing at between 43 to 51 cm in height and weighing in the region of 14 – 16 kg.

He is muscular, with a sturdy build. The coat of this robust dog is shortish and thick and quite often you’ll find a white star marking on he forehead. The coat is a blue-grey color or reddish. The tail of this dog is long and the ears are erect.

Temperament:

The Red Heeler has always been a working dog so he is energetic and lively, being independent and strong-willed.

He is super intelligent too and can be easily trained and socialized. He is a dog that simply loves the outdoors and if you don’t live on a farm, he is going to need lots of exercise.

He gets on well with kids and other pets, but children should be taught to respect him and be kind towards him, otherwise he might not tolerate them. He is a loyal, protective dog, wanting to ensure the safety of his human family.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

Characteristics

red heeler dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Red Heeler into your home, you must know that you’re never going to have a dull moment. They’re not content to lie around with nothing to do. These popular dogs literally coax you to come out and to be active.

Red Heelers need lots of activities and lots of room, so they aren’t particularly suited to life in the city. Large properties and plenty to do is what they ask for.

Your Red Heeler is going to make a splendid pet, loyal and devoted, the perfect example of man’s best friend.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

Health Problems

red heeler puppies - health problemsYour Red Heeler can live to be 15 years of age with good care. Every dog however, can fall prey to some of the many common dog diseases there are, some of which can be -

Musculosceletal Problems:

There are quite a lot of congenital and inherited musculoskeletal disorders in dogs, with some of the more common ones being hip dysplasia and muscular dystrophy for instance.

There are some of these musculosceletal problems which can be fatal. Some of the typical symptoms you’ll see with these problems are difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, arthritis and lameness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

The retina of the eye is that light-sensitive part and which is part of the central nervous system. With retinal degeneration, the cells decline, leading to impaired vision and sometimes even blindness.

Some symptoms to look out for include dilated pupils, night blindness and the inability to see clearly in bright light. The disease worsens over times with sudden blindness being quite common with older dogs. Your vet will want a thorough history of your dog’s health.

Other dog diseases to be very aware of are cancer, obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

red heeler dogs - caringThe Red Heeler is an active dog, and apart from walks which will give him the chance to sniff around, he will need lots of other forms of exercise. Rope pulling games he’ll love and running after a ball will please him because it takes him back to days when he used to run around and herd livestock.

If you’re an outdoorsy type of person who loves hiking in the wilds and swimming in rivers, you can count this dog in.

Grooming:

You can look at the Red Heeler as a low maintenance dog. He does shed, but a good brush of the coat twice a week will be excellent for him. If he doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, you will need to trim them. Also, while you are brushing him, check his ears and eyes and inside his mouth to make sure he is clear of all infections.

Diet:

Red Heelers rely on good food for their resilience and stamina, and for convenience it is good to have commercially manufactured dog food as a backup. The best is home-made food which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pet's dry kibble once or twice a week. Simple and tasty, your Red Heeler will love it and thrive on it too.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Red Heeler vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Red Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Red Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Red Heeler vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Red Heeler vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Red Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Red Heeler vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Red Heeler vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Red Heeler vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Red Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Red Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Red Heeler vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Red Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Red Heeler vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Red Heeler vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Red Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Red Heeler vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  25. Red Heeler vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds