Q&A for How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog

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Are Blue Heeler Dogs aggressive?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Blue Heelers are not overtly aggressive, but they do use their mouth as a tool and won't suffer fools gladly. A well-socialized dog can be taught bite inhibition and learn not to be mouthy, but a working dog may well nip to get their point across.

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Do Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of exercise?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Oh, yes, Australian Cattle Dogs are definitely energetic, and designed to be active all day long. To not provide enough exercise will lead to boredom, which may show itself in inappropriate behaviors such as barking, digging, or destructiveness.

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Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family pets?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Although affectionate to those they know and trust, Australian Cattle Dogs can sometimes be unpredictable around kids, especially those they don't know well. Also, their herding instinct means they can sometimes nip at the heels of children, as if to round them up, which some youngsters find distressing.

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Australian Cattle Dogs: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

What's good is also what's bad about them! Australian Cattle Dogs are bred to be active and on the go all day long, plus they are extremely intelligent. If you want a dog that can keep pace with you on day-long treks or hikes, then this is your dog. However, for owners who work all day and need to leave their dog indoors, they are a poor choice.

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