When the settlers first arrived in Australia and tried to raise cattle, the dogs that they originally brought with them could not deal with the conditions. They were not up to chasing the wild cattle over the long distances in the heat. They started to cross the collies they brought with them with the native wild Dingo dogs in order to get a breed better suited to the environment. Later crosses with the Dalmatian, Australian Kelpie, and the Bull Terrier added other sought after characteristics and ended with the dog now known as the Australian Blue Heeler.

The Australian Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler, or Hall’s Heeler, is a medium sized dog. They are sturdy and have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. They also have a short coat that doesn’t require a lot of care and grooming.

Australian Cattle Dogs, like other herding dogs, require constant activity and exercise in order to keep them happy. If you do not have a lot of time to spend working with them this is probably not a good choice for you. Some dogs become bored if the training and activities you provide for them are vary repetitive, so you have to give them variety. Australian Blue Heelers also need to have an owner who makes it clear who is in charge. You have to be consistent in what you expect from them in order to train them since they can be stubborn and want to get their way.

These dogs require a decent amount of space, including at least a medium sized yard, so they do not make good apartment dogs. Since the Australian Blue Heeler can be prone to barking, it is also best if you do not live very close to other people that might be annoyed if your dog has this problem. You might be able to train your dog not to be so quick to bark, but this may take a while. They tend to be wary of strangers, and can be trained to make good guard dogs. They need to be taught what is normal behavior in people they don’t know so that they are less likely to be alarmed or suspicious of everyone they do not know