Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as heelers, blue heelers, red heelers, and Queensland heelers.  The Australian Cattle Dog is not the same thing as an Australian Shepherd, which is a completely different breed.

The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) was developed in the mid-to-late 1800's in Australia where the stockmen were desperately in need of a dog that had the stamina to withstand the rigors of the harsh conditions in their country. While there is great controversy over the breeds actually used in the development of the ACD we know today, some of the breeds reported to have been used are: the Native Australian Dog (Dingo), Smooth Haired Scotch Merle Collies (reported to be a cross between the Rough Haired Scotch Collie and the Blue Italian Greyhound), the Dalmatian, the Bull Terrier and the Australian Kelpie.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a relatively hearty, healthy breed that has an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. They are a medium sized muscular dog that stands 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm.) at the shoulders and weighs between 30 and 50 lbs. (14-23 kg) when in good condition. The Australian Cattle Dog comes in two colors: Blue or Red.   Most Australian Cattle Dogs have a stripe or spot of white hair in the center of the forehead called the Bentley Mark. This mark can be traced to a purebred dog owned by Thomas Bentley. According to legend, a popular dog owned by Tom Bentley passed on this distinctive mark to all Australian Cattle Dogs.

Australian Cattle Dogs are born white with whatever facial marks (masks) and/or body patches they will have in later life. As ACD pups age, their blue or red coloring gradually emerges. The correct Australian Cattle Dog coat is what is known as a "double coat". The short, straight outer coat is protective in nature, keeping the elements from the ACDs skin while the undercoat is short, kinky and dense. Australian Cattle Dogs are not year-round shedders, instead they "blow" their coat once a year just before the summer months. The week or two an ACD is blowing his or her coat can lead to hair everywhere, many people find it preferable to constant shedding.

While many ranchers dock the tails of Australian Cattle Dogs, to do so is a disservice to the breed. Just watching an ACD at work shows one how much they rely on their tails to act as "rudders" as they quickly maneuver around the livestock.

The Australian Cattle Dog personality is often reserved with strangers and protective if they perceive that their property and/or persons are being threatened. The ACD is intelligent, but can certainly often be described as hard-headed and stubborn. Once an ACD has befriended you, they are a friend for life, but that friendship must often be earned. Australian Cattle Dog are often referred to by their owners as "velcro" or "shadow" dogs because wherever you go, there they are!!

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active breed, with mental stimulation being of paramount importance. A tired ACD is a happy ACD!! The Australian Cattle Dog is a social breed that needs to be with "its people". This is not a breed to leave penned in the back yard as such isolation will lead to serious behavioral problems!! Because the Australian Cattle Dog is an active breed, a firm commitment must be made to exercise. ACDs make excellent running or biking companions.

Because of their intelligence, ACDs make good obedience prospects if you can get past the ACDs stubborn streak!  Australian Cattle Dogs are also known to excel at dog sports such as flyball, agility, and frisbee competition.