Australian ranchers developed the Australian Cattle Dog (nick-named "cow dogs" or "heelers") in the 1800's.  They were highly prized for their ability to control herds by quietly nipping at the cattle's heels rather than barking at their heads.  They were also prized for their dependability and extraordinary intelligence.  

Heelers are a combination of Dingo and Smooth-Coated Blue Merle Collie, plus Dalmation, Kelpie and a little Bull Terrier thrown in for tenacity.  Muscular, sturdy and agile, the Australian Cattle Dog is a natural athlete.  The ACD wants to do and is capable of doing most anything they set their minds to.   This breed does best in a very active household with people who have a lot of common dog sense. 

The ACD does not discriminate by gender.   Very loving, the ACD makes a great family dog, though they sometimes tend to be more of a one-person dog.   This trait also makes the ACD an excellent choice for an active single person, as long as that person is prepared to be the ALPHA of the household.   Once you get past their puppy "biting" stage and you could not ask for a better dog for yourself or your family.

The Australian Cattle Dog was accepted for registration by The American Kennel Club in 1980.

First and foremost, ACD's are not for everyone.  They make a good first time dog if you have as strong a personality as the puppy does.  They love to run, jump, bounce and NIP!!  This can sometimes frighten small children.  The pup is simply playing and does not mean any harm. The instinct to nip is in their blood, but it can be controlled.

ACD's are pushy by nature.  Do not mistake this for aggressive behavior... they are bred to push cattle, stand firm and be strong-willed in order to achieve their task.  This can easily be overcome by establishing from the first minute you bring your puppy home that you and other family members are dominant over the puppy. This does not imply to push around or be mean to the puppy, but to simply let it know that you are "top dog".  This can be done by letting the puppy eat a few bites of food from your hand and then allowing it to go to its' bowl and finish eating. The puppy will soon understand that you control when it eats and will realize that it depends on you for food.

ACD's are extremely smart.  This super intelligence can get them into some trouble when they get bored.  Make sure you have plenty of toys for them to play with and chew on.  When they do something wrong they should be corrected quickly and firmly.

Crate train your puppy.   It is not cruel or inhumane.   Most grow to love their crate and think of it as their own little private place.   Let the puppy walk in and out of the crate a few times, then with a small treat coax the puppy into the crate and close the door.  Of course the puppy will whine, but do not open the door.  When the puppy quiets down, then you can let it out.  Do this for a few days and you will notice that the pup gets more and more willing to go into the crate.

House training is very easy.  ACD's by nature are clean.   They will make a mess at least once or twice.  When they do, do not put their noses in it.  Simply show it to them and then take them outside and tell them to do their business.   House training can usually be accomplished in 2-3 days.

All puppies bite.  Your puppy will bite also.  This is normal and should not be discouraged, but should be controlled.  When they bite too hard, pull your hand away and tell them easy.  If the puppy immediately bites hard again, pull your hand away and stop playing for a few minutes. They will soon understand if they bite hard, play time is over.  The biting will ease as the pup gets older.  This is common for puppies of all breeds and is called teething.   While teething, puppies bite and chew to relieve the discomfort.  Even after the adult teeth come in, they will continue to bite and chew until adulthood.

The first year with your puppy is the hardest.  If you can make it through the first year, you will have a devoted friend for life.  If you find that you need outside assistance to train your puppy, we would like to recommend you visit www.barkbusters.com, read up on their training methods and contact a personal trainer to assist you.

p.s.  Start teaching your puppy tricks around four months old. You will be amazed!!!!!!