Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. Today it is a versatile breed: a courageous and tireless worker, an intelligent and athletic companion and a loving and playful family pet. The Australian Cattle Dog can bite "if harshly treated", they tend to nip heels to herd people, and they can be aggressive with other dogs.  However, Australian Cattle Dogs are loyal and biddable, and respond well to training.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. The dogs have either brown or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of red or blue dogs. Australian Cattle Dogs have been nicknamed “Red Heelers” and “Blue Heelers” on the basis of this colouring and their practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels.