Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) Articles and Information

The High Energy Blue Heeler

Blue Heelers were born to run.  They cannot stay still.  I highly advise that if you are looking into owning a Blue Heeler, or perhaps any other type of Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) that you have some sort of active, and involving lifestyle.  Otherwise please do yourself, and the dog a favor, and look into getting another breed of dog.

Blue Heelers cannot stay still.  I cannot emphasize that enough.  Not only that they do demand some looking after because like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going, and going, and going.  They need some looking after in the department because they will go full hardy, and potentially hurt themselves.  They must be looked after in this regard.  Often times hurting their legs, paws, or anything else that may get in the way of their work, and or play.

I can take my dog to the beach for a good 3 or even 4 hours on a hot, sunny, summer afternoon.  I can throw the ball around for literally hours, nonstop.  I can take our Blue Heeler swimming in the ocean, chasing the ball, playing on his boogie board, and still, he demands more. 

Australian Cattle Dogs are not content with staying still.  Even after an extremely physical workout.  Even if they know, and are visibly worn out and tired.  They will demand more.  This is why I cannot stress enough.  If you are the type to sit on the couch all day, everyday, then get yourself a lap dog.  A Blue Heeler is the wrong dog for you.

Another good activity for the Blue Heeler is Frisbee.  They are excellent Frisbee retrievers.  This gives them the opportunity to sprint and use up some of that endless energy.  It is also a good time for them to use those hind legs, and spring into the air.  I do offer some words of caution here though.  Blue Heelers are known for getting bad hind legs.  So, perhaps in your dogs later years, the hard running, and jumping might not be such a good idea.  This is of course different for each dog.  They can sure spring into the air though.  It is quite the spectacle.

After a hard day of work, and play they will very contently snuggle up in their favorite sleeping area, and zonk out for the rest of the night.  Just watch what you say though, because if they hear the word walk they will wake up, and be ready to go in only a moments notice!