Australian Cattle Dog questions?

[Mugu]

I have been looking through the animals at my local animal control and humane society. I am looking for a dog around 35-50 or so pounds and saw the Australian Cattle Dog, listed as red heeler which I believe is the same thing. Anyways, I have a few questions for those who have dealt with the breed. This one is listed as a young adult so probobly around 1-3 years of age. What I am wondering is first, how do they normally act around cats? I have a cat, and would prefer to get a dog from a shelter rather than from some breeder, so hoping it would be ok around a cat. I am also curious about life in apartments for them, I live in a decent sized apartment and hoping this breed is good in apartments

[Appylvr]

Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler....

I definately wouldn't get one if you live in an apartment, though. This is a HIGH energy working breed. If they don't have a job to do (heeling, agility....anything) they go crazy and drive their people crazy. My neighbor has one, she has a 1/2 acre of property that the dogs have the run of. That's still not enough for this dog. My neighbor has actually been debating about giving her to a rescue because she can't handle it anymore.

About living with other animals. I think any dog with the proper socialization will be fine with other pets and people, but since they are a herding breed (they heel cattle; their name states exactly what they are) I find they will do this to anything handy, other pets, kids....if they are not trained right. My neighbor's dog does this to her horses! Big problem! Instead of addressing the problem and correcting it, my neighbor works around it. When she has the horses out where the dogs are, she locks the dogs up.

Don't get me wrong, I think they are great dogs, but not the right dog for a lot of people.

[Lessica Jake]

I think that any dog could be good in an apartment given the required exercise each day. However, an Australian Cattle dog will require a lot more than most people are willing to give.
Personally, I wouldn't even consider an ACD unless I had a farm/agreage. But then, I have a Springer Spaniel who does amazingly well in an apartment, and most people wouldn't try that either.

[Moo]

Red Heeler, Blue heeler, yes they are the same breed as the aussie cattle.

A rescue heeler, though, I do not believe would fare well with a cat in home. They have a very high prey drive. Can cause problems, hard to socialize once already grown.

[southern_girl09]

I have a Blue Heeler Mix. Chance was fine around cats but that dont mean they all will be. Maybe you could have the shelter test thedog with them. I have 11 acres and Chance is a working dog. They require alot of exercise and love to play and run. I dont require this breed with a apartment unless you can get it out and wokr /play with it everyday and walk it as well.

[Pharlane]

Originally Posted by Mugu

I have been looking through the animals at my local animal control and humane society. I am looking for a dog around 35-50 or so pounds and saw the Australian Cattle Dog, listed as red heeler which I believe is the same thing. Anyways, I have a few questions for those who have dealt with the breed. This one is listed as a young adult so probobly around 1-3 years of age. What I am wondering is first, how do they normally act around cats? I have a cat, and would prefer to get a dog from a shelter rather than from some breeder, so hoping it would be ok around a cat. I am also curious about life in apartments for them, I live in a decent sized apartment and hoping this breed is good in apartments

I breed Australian Shepherds any herding dog needs room to run.We have 5 acers and no keenels we have 9 aussie.When I have pups that is one of the first thing I ask do you live in a apartment because I will not sell one of my pups to you if you do.If you go to our website it gives some good info.

[eXile]

ACD's are also one of the smartest breeds in the world. My trainer owns an ACD and had some serious problems with her. They tend to be a very stubborn breed. ALot of general training techniques dont work with them. So i hear...

[doglovin]

http://www.cattledog.com Here is a great site u might find useful to find out or ask questions about this dog

Originally Posted by eXile

ACD's are also one of the smartest breeds in the world. My trainer owns an ACD and had some serious problems with her. They tend to be a very stubborn breed. ALot of general training techniques dont work with them. So i hear...

The ACD we rescued was amazing!!!He made a huge turn over when we got him.He was terribly smart,and sooo willing to please.Learned things so quickly and easily!He is the only experience i have had with them,but from what i've heard they are very quick and eager to please.

Please remember these are working dogs,they need to be doing something.I would highly NOT reccomend getting one of these awesome dogs if u have no property,and live in an apartment.They arre not a dog that likes to just hang around with you,they are high energy,and very intelligent,And i if u don't give a dog like that something to do,and keep him busy.You will most likely end up with big problems!

oh,p.s. i have known three ACD and they all hated cats,but every dog is different!

[mitzy]

I own two Austrialian Cattle Dogs. They play with my cat and stay inside the house. They are very loyal. I do not put leashes on them when I take them out they stay on my side.

[Trace]

I would say that you need to look at the individual dog. Not every dog fits their breed "box".

I had two border collies, both of them quite happy to lie around all day, and perfectly happy to go for a walk when you want to.