Collection: Personalised Australian Cattle Dog Gifts

The Australian Cattle Dog, or the ‘ACG,’ was bred to work on Australian ranches. They are a very energetic breed and work hard to meet their master’s demands.

An interesting fact about the Australian Cattle Dog is that it holds the Guinness world record for the oldest dog to live! Bluey, who worked as a ranch dog for nearly 20 years, lived until she was 29 years and 5 months old.

When Australian settlers used the British Smithfield dog on their ranches, they soon discovered that they weren’t well adapted. Smithfields had only ever worked in rainy British weather conditions, so they struggled under high temperatures and rough terrain. For many decades, experiments to create the perfect cattle dog took place. The final combination included both Dalmatians and the native Dingo.

The ACD can now withstand extreme climates and fulfil its purpose to herd cattle over long distances. Without this pooch, the Australian beef industry would not have experienced the same economic success.

It’s the energetic and independent nature of this breed that makes it so suited to cattle farming. Like other working dogs, it has a high level of intellect which means it responds well to obedience training. Stanley Coren’s website places this pooch as the 10th most intelligent breed! Just because this dog can look after itself doesn’t mean it isn’t suited to a family home. It makes friends with other domesticated animals and is protective of its favourite humans.

Height	43-51 cm
Weight	13-23 kg
Other names	ACD, Blue/Red/Queensland/Halls Heeler, Cattle Dog
Origin	Australia
Coat	Short, double
Colour	Black, brown, blue, red with a white undercoat
Eye Colour	Dark
Life Expectancy	12 to 14 years
Health Issues	Arthritis, Congenital deafness, Deafness, Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD), Pyometra
Care Tips	This breed needs to have an outlet for its high energy levels - it needs lots of exercise or it will end up digging at your flowerbeds!