Welcome to my page

I’m an Australian cattle dog and I’m glad you visited my page!

My page will help you learn more about the breed of cattle dogs, heelers, ACDs or any other names we are known by.  I also will show you the fun adventures that I have with my humans!

 

About MeAbout Cattle Dogs
Getting to Know Me

Getting to Know All About Me

I’m Barqs The Cattle Dog

I hope that you will explore my page and come back often.  My goal and the goal of my humans is to not only show you our fun adventures but also help you to learn more about the breed of Australian Cattle Dogs and dogs in general. My human Momma is a veterinarian so she knows a thing or two about keeping me healthy, happy & strong.  My human Daddy loves taking photos of me and helping me with my social media.  I hope that you will find my page both informative and fun!

Following My Adventures

Maybe the best way to keep up with me is to follow some of my social media platforms. There are always lots of photos from our adventures. Thankfully Momma & Daddy have tried hard to socialize me, so it only seems appropriate to share those times on social media!  I am on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and I have a few videos on my YouTube Channel.  The button below will take you to my social media page.

Things You Might Not Know About Us Australian Cattle Dogs (ACD)…

ACDs are one of the most intelligent dog breeds

Cattle dogs requires hours (yes, that’s hours with an s!) of exercise and mental stimulation every day, or expect a life of nuisance barking, chewing, and escapes.

ACDs have a dense double coat that sheds twice a year

Get a Furminator!  We’ll be shedding two dogs worth of fluff annually.

Cattle dogs are descended from dingoes

Originally, “English sheepdogs, or “kelpies” were brought to Australia to herd, but they didn’t have the oomph to work long days under the hot Australian sun moving cattle hundreds of miles.  Those heelers were then cross-bred with native Australian dingoes and later with dalmations and collies to lock in desired traits.

Cattle dog pups are born white

This trait most likely comes from their Dalmatian heritage. Puppies start getting colorful quickly and you can see their pattern strongly by six weeks.

ACDs have a lot of aliases

Also known as just heelers, blue heelers, red heelers, Queensland heelers, and Australian heelers.

ACD are bred to work with cattle specifically

The name ‘heeler’ comes from the job of driving cattle by nipping at their heels. Cattle are more ornery and so much larger than sheep, it takes a special kind of dog to get their attention— and respect.

ACD were accepted into the AKC in 1980

The standard for the breed was set in Australia in 1903. The breed moved from the Working Group to the Herding Group when the AKC revised grouping in 1983.

The Guinness Record for oldest dog is held by a ACD

Bluey, a cattle dog lived a record 29 years and 5 months.

About Us

Cattle Dogs


Temperament: 
Alert, Curious, Pleasant

 

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 54 of 194
Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Group: Herding Group

The compact but muscular Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo. These resilient herders are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.

Read the complete Official Standard of the Australian Cattle Dog CLICK HERE

-American Kennel Club