Australian Cattle Dog
Smart, tough, and driven. Australian Cattle Dogs are working dogs that usually thrive with daily training, high exercise, and a clear job like sport, hiking, or structured activities.
size
Medium
energy
Very High
shedding
Medium
grooming
Low
trainability
Easy to Medium
goodWithKids
Sometimes
barking
Medium
aloneTimeTolerance
Medium
climate
Mild
Best for
- Experienced or very active owners who want a working partner
- People who enjoy training, sport, and problem-solving games
- Homes that can provide structure and boundaries
- Owners who want a loyal, focused dog
Not ideal for
- Homes looking for a low-energy companion
- People who cannot provide daily mental work
- Very busy households without time for structured training
Temperament
- Highly intelligent and alert
- Often loyal and closely bonded to one or two people
- Can be intense and nippy if under-stimulated
- Needs early socialization and training for good manners
Daily routine
exercise: High daily activity, brisk walks plus running, sport, or structured games.
training: Daily training with clear rules. Work on impulse control and polite herding instincts.
grooming: Minimal. Brush weekly and keep nails trimmed.
Living fit
apartment: Challenging. Needs significant daily exercise and mental work.
family: Can work with experienced families who provide structure and supervision.
firstTimeOwner: Often difficult for first-time owners due to intensity.
Health notes
- Boredom often leads to behavior issues, structure and work prevent problems.
- Teach kids calm interaction and supervise play to prevent nipping.
Cost and time
time: High. Needs daily training and activity.
cost: Moderate. Training and enrichment are key ongoing expenses.
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