australian cattle dog

Anyone have an australian cattle dog?? Also known as red heeler. Considering getting one
Since the loss of our schnauzer. What do you think.

 

I do not own one personally... but I own an Australian shepherd mix.. Also a herding dog... Let me tell you... with herding dogs, be prepared to exercise with the dog DAILY... If you don't, they love to cause trouble. Also, plan on doing some obedience classes. I found this worked wonders with my Aussie. She obeys my commands almost always better than my other 10 year old dog. Definitely do your research and make sure you are able to take care of the dog, both exercise wise, and having a yard/ place to run the dog.

 

My family had one previously (it has since died). They are smart and active dogs, which means they need BOTH mental and physical stimulation DAILY! They can be taught lots of tricks and commands and it is a great way to challenge them mentally. You will need to run them or play fetch with them daily. Anything less is unfair to the dog! I do not recommend if you are not prepared to put in the time and energy to train the dog and use it for its potential. I do not mean to be a downer or sound stuck up, but I believe you should give each dog breed what it needs and in this case, it requires exercise and mental stimulation.

I know nothing about a schnauzer so cannot compare it to that breed.

 

exactly what he said ^^^^ we do agility type exercise with my Aussie. This makes them work both mentally and physically. You could definitely tell a difference when she had been out in the back working agility and when she hadn't for a few days.

 

Thanks for the replies. We are gonna visit her on sat. Will post pics as soon as possible. Pic is in my gallery. Let me know what you think.

 

I have owned 3 of them and will never be without one. They have all been Reds, no blues. Do you have young children? They are very pack oriented and find there place very quickly. They will guard you and your family against all and will keep the kids in line. The one I have currently, would grab my daughter by the diaper and drag her away from the river if she got within 10 yards or so. VERY loyal and will HEEL people if they are not sure of them. You just have to watch them. They are VERY quick and extremely smart. You will not regret your choice for they are easy to train. Good luck and AWESOME dogs.

 

Ive got two buddies that have them (blue) both are beautiful dogs. Ones smart as a whip, the other not so much, but that's all on the owners. A dog is as smart as his master wants him to be. Both dogs are ankle nippers when you walk away.

 

my brother had a blue heeler, very smart dog, but too smart for her own good. We were training horses and that point and she would run circles around the round pen for hours and still not be tired she had some behavior problems because we could never wear her out. very smart, but hard headed, atleast she was. she would chase the horses sometimes, they definitly like to work, and chew...she chewed up my saddle was a very expensive saddle

you have to make sure they dont "heard" people because they will nip ankles, and they are very quick and nimble, she would gets the cows heels and never once got kicked.

 

I have a 6 month old Heeler and she is amazing. Very loyal. She didn't leave my side the first night we had her. Her radius is bigger now but she always comes back. Great dogs. We just picked an Australian Shepard Labrador mix. I love cattle dogs.

 

We have a blue heeler. Which is the same breed just different color. She is the most loyal and amazing dog we have ever owned. Shes so smart its crazy. She understands every word you say. I have to worn you though. She was a terribble puppy though. It wasnt until she was about two where she stopped chewing on anything wood. Other than that shes amazing. We also have a Mini Schnauzer. Hes a great dog as well. he thinks he a cattle dog now too! They work toghether now. Its funny. Just dont let them herd people. THey will nip at heels.

 

I had one pure bred blue and I have a mix now. The blue was a great dog. One of the best I've ever had.

One thing I didn't see mentioned is there are apparently a couple different blood lines out there. The true, pure Australian line barely sheds. The more American lines shed like crazy. We had an Australian line and he hardly shed.

Also, I can't remember the ligament in the knee but these dogs are prone to tearing them. My purebred blew out his left, my mix blew out both sides. It's $1800-$3000 per leg to fix if they do.

They're worth it though.

 

Shes definitely a cute one!

My Aussie mix has started doing the ankle nipping thing lately.. she actually tripped me one day and made me fall flat on my face. I am working on nipping that little habit in the ass.

Also like people have said about the chewing. Make sure you have chew toys and LOTS of bones in stock. My Aussie is now almost 2 years old now and she still chews on the big raw hides like crazy. She gets in to trouble if she doesn't have a bone (or kong toy with peanut butter in it) to keep her occupied.

 

I have both a red and blue heeler both males and they are great dogs. Mine have tons of energy and extremely tough and they amaze me how athletic they are. they will catch frisbee's in the air all day. Great dogs