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How often should I brush my Australian Cattle Dog?
Brush your Australian cattle dog once a week. This will help keep his coat clean, distribute natural oils in his coat and eliminate loose hair. This breed has a medium-length double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and a smooth, rainproof overcoat.
Do Australian cattle dogs need to be brushed?
The Australian Cattle Dog requires bathing and brushing. This determined dog can be bathed as frequently as every other week up to no longer than every 8 weeks in order to keep the coat clean and minimize the doggie odor. The care and maintenance of the coat set the foundation for obtaining healthy skin and coat.
How often should you brush your blue heeler?
Australian cattle dog grooming is easy, so you won’t have to spend much time grooming your blue heeler. He sports a short, but double, coat designed to resist water and dirt. He does shed, so you’ll need to give him a quick brushing once or twice weekly.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
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Keep your Blue Heeler active and he will be happy. Credit: tntemerson/iStock/Getty Images
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Understand your Cattle Dog
If you are bringing a Blue Heeler into your life, you need to understand what these dogs were bred for. Down Under, they spent their days herding cattle in one of the harshest places on earth. These intelligent canines, with some dingo ancestors, worked both in conjunction with ranchers and independently. According to the American Kennel Club, blue heelers are high-energy dogs and need a job to stay happy. Without any job at all, your Blue Heeler will direct his immense energy into unacceptable causes – such as demolishing dog houses.
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Not the dog for everyone, the Blue Heeler is a particularly poor choice for the inexperienced dog owner. For the seasoned dog lover who understands working dogs and their need for human guidance, he makes a great partner and companion.
Provide positive reinforcement in training
Because the blue heeler is exceptionally bright, it picks up workouts with ease. Your Blue Heeler puppy should learn the basics of housecleaning without a fuss. Because he needs a good base, take him to obedience classes starting with puppy kindergarten. He responds best to positive reinforcement, which may include treats, when he is doing what is expected. Since it is his herd instinct, make sure you nip such behavior towards children in the bud. Socialize your pup as much as possible. He is territorial by nature and needs to learn to accept other dogs and people.
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Get plenty of exercise
The Blue Heeler is one of the two colors approved for an Australian Cattle Dog. Credit: rdonar/iStock/GettyImages
An exhausted cattle dog makes a good cattle dog, according to the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association, which is working to provide new homes to blue heelers whose previous owners may not have the knowledge or time to attend to these active animals. These dogs need a lot of physical exercise. When you walk or ride your bike, let your blue heeler accompany you on a leash. Take him on long hikes or practice and compete in agility, rally, flyball or other canine sports.
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Australian cattle dog grooming
Australian Cattle Dog grooming is easy, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time grooming your Blue Heeler. He wears a short but double coat that resists water and dirt. He sheds, so you’ll need to give him a quick brush once or twice a week. His undercoat sheds biannually, but it’s not the overwhelming hair event that owners of long-haired dogs experience. It just means you’ll need to brush him more often during this time, using a “rake” dog brush to get rid of the undercoat. Your Blue Heeler doesn’t need a bath unless it’s dirty.
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Health problems in cattle dog breeds
Your Blue Heeler doesn’t need a bath unless it’s dirty. Credit: Photo by Jules Clark/Moment/GettyImages
Australian cattle dog breeds are relatively healthy, with few common genetic conditions. Eye problems are somewhat common, including progressive retinal atrophy – eventually leading to complete blindness – and primary lens luxation. Deafness and certain orthopedic problems also occur. The latter include patellar dislocations and hip or elbow dysplasia. Before purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder to provide certification of the parent’s eyes, hearing, and physical health from the Canine Health Information Center. The national breed club, the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, participates in the CHIC program.
Can you trim Blue Heelers hair?
Should Blue Heelers Be Trimmed? It is not recommended to trim a Blue Heelers fur, but if the fur becomes matted or if there is mud or debris stuck in it, you can trim it as long as you don’t cut it too short.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Blue Heelers are energetic and social. They are also bred to be working dogs, meaning their coats are designed to protect them from the elements and insects.
It is never a good idea to shave a Blue Heeler as it can cause the coat to grow back thicker and lead to more shedding. There are other things you can do to reduce hair loss.
Can you shave a Blue Heeler? Blue heelers should not be shaved. Their thick double coat is designed to regulate body temperature and protect them from the elements. Once the coat is shaved, the dog has no protection, which can lead to sunburn and numerous injuries, and the coat may not grow back normally.
If you have a blue heeler and are thinking about shaving the coat, be sure to read on to learn why it’s not a good idea.
3 reasons why blue heels should not be shaved
If you’re considering shaving your blue heeler, these three reasons will change your mind.
1. Their fur helps regulate body temperature
A Blue Heeler’s coat helps regulate body temperature. The coat will keep you warm in winter and protect your skin from the sun to keep you cool in summer.
2. The coat serves as protection
Blue Heelers spend a lot of time outdoors, and their fur protects them from sunburn, extreme weather, cuts, scrapes, and even insect stings and bites.
Shaving them makes them much more prone to these things.
3. Once shaved, the fur may not grow back normally
Blue Heelers have a double coat and once shaved it will likely grow back thick and wiry and likely shed a lot more.
What Happens When You Shave a Blue Heeler?
Shaving a Blue Heeler can make it difficult for the dog to be comfortable outdoors as they are more vulnerable to the elements and insects.
The coat can also grow back much thicker and cause the dog to shed more.
Should Blue Heelers Be Trimmed?
It is not recommended to trim a Blue Heeler’s coat, but if the coat becomes matted or has mud or dirt in it, you can trim it as long as you don’t cut it too short.
How to keep your Blue Heeler cool
A Blue Heeler’s double coat helps keep them nice and cool in the summer. You can also keep your dog cool by providing them with shaded resting areas and plenty of fresh water.
A plastic children’s pool is often appreciated too!
How to Control Blue Heeler Shedding
If your Blue Heeler is shedding and you’re looking for a way to reduce the mess, there are a few things you can do instead of shaving the coat.
Feed a quality diet
Diet plays a huge role in the health of your dog’s coat. If you want to reduce shedding, make sure your dog is eating a balanced diet.
Brush routinely
Brushing your dog often can help remove loose fur so he’s less likely to shed. Using a quality brush will allow you to effectively depilate your dog.
Best Blue Heeler Shedding Brush – Hertzko Slicker Brush
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The Hertzko Slicker Brush is a great brush for grooming blue heelers and reducing hair loss.
It gently removes loose hair and is self-cleaning, so you don’t have to spend time pulling out all the collected hair.
You can remove the hair with a simple click of a button. It’s painless for the dog and does an excellent job of removing shed hair from the coat.
Use a deshedding tool
If a traditional brush won’t cut it, you can also help reduce the amount of fur your dog sheds by using a depilatory tool.
This will help thin out the hair and remove loose hairs that may become tangled or stuck to the dog.
Best Blue Heeler Deshedding Tool – Safari Undercoat Rake
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This tool penetrates deep into the undercoat, allowing it to remove loose hair that has not yet fallen out. It has thick pins that are blunt and gentle but effective in removing hair of all lengths.
This tool is especially useful in spring, when hair loss is at its worst.
Bathe regularly
Bathing helps keep the coat healthy and also removes loose hair. Be sure to use a quality shampoo designed for dogs.
You can even find solutions that reduce hair loss.
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Related Questions:
Do Blue Heelers Lose Big?
Blue heelers are considered moderate eliminators. They have a double coat, but the top coat is short and easy to groom. Proper bathing and grooming can reduce hair loss.
Do Blue Heelers like water?
Blue Heelers like the water. They are full of energy and love to play, swim and jump in the water.
Conclusion
Blue Heelers are adorable and social dogs. Although known for being a relatively low-maintenance breed, they have double coats that make them prone to shedding.
While shaving your Blue Heeler is not recommended, there are other things you can do to reduce hair loss.
Last update on 07/27/2022 at 09:44 am / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do cattle dogs stink?
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to work outdoors and has a smooth, double-layer coat that protects him from the elements. This coat has no odor or oily residue, so an Australian Cattle Dog generally needs just a quick brushing once a week and an occasional bath.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Explore by trait or group. Select Trait or Group Toy Group Non-Sporting Group Herding Group Miscellaneous Class Foundation Stock Service
Do cattle dogs groom themselves?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a hard, flat coat that is rain and dirt resistant. This makes grooming a simple task – he will just need to be brushed once or twice a week to remove dead hair.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Finding a good breeder is key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will no doubt have completed all the health certifications necessary to screen out health issues as much as possible. He or she is more interested in getting puppies into the right homes than making big bucks. Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed or who advertise dogs as “good with children” without having any context as to what that means or how that comes about.
Good breeders welcome your questions about the dogs temperament, health clearances and living conditions and will come back to you directly with their own questions about what you want from a dog and what kind of life you can offer him. A good breeder can tell you about the breed’s history, explain why one puppy is considered a pet and another is not, discuss what health issues affect the breed and what steps they are taking to avoid these issues. A breeder should want to be a resource to you throughout your dog’s life.
Find more information about the Australian Cattle Dog and begin your search for a good breeder at the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America website. Choose a breeder who has agreed to abide by the ADCCA’s code of ethics, which prohibits the sale of puppies to or through pet stores and encourages the breeder to obtain recommended dog health clearances prior to breeding.
Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can offload a puppy on you and if your credit card will pull through. It is unethical for breeders to offer puppies at one price “documented” and a lower price “undocumented”. You should also keep in mind that buying a puppy from sites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky endeavor as you have no recourse if what you are getting is not exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your pup as you would into a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run.
Many reputable breeders have websites, so how do you tell who is good and who is not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, choice of any pup, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. These things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.
Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, pet store, or other source, don’t forget the old adage, “let the buyer beware.” Shady breeders and facilities that deal in puppy mills can be difficult to distinguish from reliable operations. There is no 100% guaranteed way to ensure you will never buy a sick puppy but to research the breed (so you know what to expect), check the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals) and choose the right ones Asking questions can reduce the likelihood of getting into a catastrophic situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies.
The cost of an Australian Cattle Dog puppy will vary depending on the breeder’s location, whether the puppy is male or female, the titles of his parents, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet. The puppy you buy should be raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation (show) and ideally working titles to prove they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be character tested, examined, dewormed and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life.
Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Australian Cattle Dog would better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are tons of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow into the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and is likely to be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health, and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog that needs a new home. If you are considering adopting a dog, read the following advice on how to do it.
Adopting a dog from Australian Cattle Dog Rescue or an animal shelter
There are many great options when looking to adopt a dog from a shelter or breed organization. Here’s how to get started.
1. Use the Internet
You can quickly search for an Australian Cattle Dog near you on sites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com. The site allows you to be very specific in your inquiries (e.g. housebreaking status) or very general (all Australian Cattle Dogs available nationwide on Petfinder). AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Some local newspapers also have “pets looking for homes” sections for you to read.
Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you’re looking for a specific breed so your entire community can be your eyes and ears.
2. Contact local experts
Talk to any pet professional in your area about your desire to own an Australian Cattle Dog. These include veterinarians, dog walkers and groomers. When someone has to make the difficult decision of giving up a dog, that person will often turn to their own trusted network for recommendations.
3. Talk to Breed Rescue
Networking can help you find a dog that could be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Australian Cattle Dogs love all Australian Cattle Dogs. For this reason, breed clubs have rescue organizations dedicated to caring for homeless dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog Club of America Rescue Network can help you find a dog that could be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Australian Cattle Dog rescues in your area.
The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they are usually very open about canine health issues and are a valuable source of advice. They also often offer sponsorship opportunities so you can bring home a bulldog with training to see what the experience is like.
4. Ask key questions
You now know what to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group workers or volunteers before bringing a dog home. These include:
What is his energy level?
How about other animals?
How does he react to shelter staff, visitors and children?
What is his personality like?
How old is he?
Is he housebroken?
Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone you know?
Are there any known health issues?
Wherever you acquire your Australian Cattle Dog, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. In states with “puppy-lemon laws,” make sure you and the person you are getting the dog from understand your rights and remedies.
Pup or adult, take your Australian Cattle Dog to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your vet will be able to identify problems and will work with you to put in place a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health problems.
Why is my Australian cattle dog shedding so much?
Australian Cattle Dogs Have a Double Coat
There is also an outer coat that is longer and lays closely over the undercoat. So, when Australian Cattle Dogs shed, it is the undercoat that sheds seasonally, and the outer coat that sheds non stop.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
The intensity of the sun increases and decreases from summer to winter.
These changes in the amount and length of daylight affect the pituitary gland, which lies at the base of the brain.
(It’s not the temperature change)
As the changes in sunlight affect the pituitary gland, this leads to an increase or decrease in the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. The TSH causes the thyroid to increase or decrease its production.
It is the thyroid that directly stimulates the hair follicle to grow and shed hair. The undercoat shows more seasonality than the topcoat.
As spring arrives and the days lengthen, the winter undercoat begins to shed to make way for the summer coat.
In the fall, the shorter days mean that the summer coat sheds and gives way to the denser winter coat. This would explain what some call a “blow” twice a year.
All this time, the longer outer coat continues its own growth, resting, and shedding cycle.
Do Australian cattle dogs have an undercoat?
The Australian Cattle Dog’s weather-resistant outer coat is short and straight; he has a dense undercoat. The typical Australian Cattle Dog doesn’t shed year-round, but instead he “blows” his coat once or twice a year (think of a snowstorm). In just a few weeks, the undercoat sheds in clumps.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic working dog. He is not a couch potato – we repeat: he is not a couch potato. He wants to be active and busy most of the time. His energy needs to be channeled or he will get bored and entertain himself, usually doing something you consider indecent like digging in the garbage or digging up your flower garden.
The Australian Cattle Dog is also very devoted to its owner and family. He usually bonds closely with one person and bonds less closely with others. They are often referred to as “Velcro” dogs because they are so tight; he likes to be in close physical contact with his chosen one all the time.
Because the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd by forceful biting, it is a well-spoken dog. Its instinct is to smother cattle, children, pets, cars, anything that moves. He has a strong tendency to bite, even when playing. This tendency needs to be properly controlled through socialization and training when he is a puppy or it can develop into dangerous behavior.
Another part of the breed’s instinct is its strong hunting drive. Squirrels, cats and other small animals fascinate him. When the Australian Cattle Dog is raised with other pets, including cats, from puppyhood, he can be counted on to live peacefully with them in his home. However, he will likely consider those outside his household fair game.
The Australian Cattle Dog is generally friendly, but they are protective of their family and home range and tend to be suspicious of strangers.
The Australian Cattle Dog has a toughness – they have had to be tough to cope with the high temperatures, rough terrain and long distances of their ranch work – that makes them both very pain tolerant and extremely focused. He will keep working even if he is injured. Owners must carefully monitor this breed to ensure that it stops working or competing if it becomes injured.
Do Cattle Dogs have a double coat?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a double coat—the short, straight outer guard hairs are protective in nature, keeping the elements from the dog’s skin while the undercoat is short, fine and dense.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
dog breed
Australian Cattle Dog A blue Australian Cattle Dog Other names ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler Origin Australia Characteristics Size Males 46-51 cm (18-20 inches) Females 43-48 cm (17-19 inches) Weight 15-22 kg (33-49 lb) Coat short double hair Color blue, blue speckled, blue speckled, red speckled, red speckled Kennel Club Standards ANKC Standard FCI Standard Dog (Domestic
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia to herd cattle over long distances over rough terrain. This breed is a medium-sized, short-haired dog that comes in two main color forms. It has either brown or black hair that is fairly evenly distributed through a white coat, giving the appearance of a “red” or “blue” dog.
As with other working breed dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, especially when it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting and has been known to choke running children. It forms a strong bond with its owners and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to care for and groom, requiring little more than brushing during molting season. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness (both hereditary diseases) and accidental injuries; otherwise it is a hardy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.[1]
In the 19th century, New South Wales rancher Thomas Hall crossed the dogs used by the drovers in Northumberland, his parents’ home county, with dingoes he had domesticated. The resulting dogs became known as Hall’s Heelers. After Hall’s death in 1870, the dogs became available beyond the Hall family and their associates. They were subsequently developed into two modern breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Robert Kaleski, who wrote the first standard for the breed, was instrumental in its development.
Australian Cattle Dog has the nickname “Red Heeler” or “Blue Heeler” based on its coloration and the practice of moving reluctant cattle by nibbling on their heels. Dogs from a line bred in Queensland, Australia that were successful at shows and at stud during the 1940s were called “Queensland Heelers” to distinguish them from lines bred in New South Wales. This moniker is now occasionally applied to any Australian Cattle Dog.
Characteristics
Looks
Black mask and brown markings on a blue dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular, compact dog that gives the impression of agility and strength. It has a broad skull that flattens to a definite stop between the eyes, with muscular cheeks and a medium-length, deep, powerful muzzle. Ears are erect, small to medium in size and set wide apart with hair on the inside. The eyes are oval and dark, with an alert, sharp expression. Neck and shoulders are strong and muscular; the front legs are straight and parallel; and the feet round and arched, with small, strong toes and nails.[2]
The Australian Cattle Dog breed standard states that it should have well conditioned muscles, even if bred for companion or show purposes, and its appearance should be symmetrical and balanced with no individual parts of the dog being exaggerated. He should neither appear delicate nor ponderous, as both traits limit the agility and endurance required of a working dog.[2]
size
The female Australian Cattle Dog measures approximately 43 to 48 centimeters (17 to 19 inches) at the withers and the male measures approximately 46 to 51 centimeters (18 to 20 inches) at the withers. The dog should be longer than tall, that is, the length of the body from the breastbone to the buttocks is greater than the height at the withers, in the ratio 10 to 9.[2] An Australian Cattle Dog in good condition weighs around 18 to 25 kilograms.
coat and color
Red hairs grow through the puppy’s white coat as it matures.
There are two accepted coat colors, red and blue. Chocolate and cream are considered faults. Blue dogs can be blue, blue speckled, or blue speckled, with tan on the legs and chest and white markings, and a black patch or “mask” on one or both sides of the head. Red dogs are evenly mottled with red markings throughout and, similar to the blue dogs, may have a brown (red) patch “mask” on one or both sides of the head and sometimes on the body.
Both red and blue dogs are born white (except for solid body or facial markings) and the red or black hairs begin to show from around 4 weeks of age as they grow and mature. The distinctive adult coloring is the result of black or red hairs narrowly scattered through a predominantly white coat. This isn’t merle coloring (a mottled effect associated with health issues) but the result of the ticking gene. A number of breeds show ticking, i. H. the presence of color from areas of white, although the overall effect depends on other genes that change the size, shape, and density of the ticking.[3]
In addition to the basic coloration, an Australian Cattle Dog will exhibit some solid or nearly solid patches. Most common in both red and blue dogs are masks over one or both eyes, a white tip of the tail, a solid patch at the base of the tail, and sometimes solid patches on the body, although these are undesirable in dogs bred for conformation shows. Blue dogs may be tanned halfway down the legs and extending to the chest and throat, with a tanned jawline and eyebrows.[2] Both color forms can have a white “star” on the forehead called the “Bentley Mark” after a legendary dog owned by Tom Bentley.[4] Common miscolorations in the Australian Cattle Dog include black hair in a red-headed dog, including the extreme of a black saddle in a red dog, and an extensive tan on the face and body in a blue dog, referred to as a “creeping tan”] The Australian Cattle Dog has a double coat – the short, straight outer guard hairs are naturally protective and keep the elements off the dog’s skin, while the undercoat is short, fine, and dense.[4]
A cattle dog with a single mask and a Bentley mark displays the breed’s typical alert expression.
The mask consists of a black patch over one or both eyes (for blue coat color) or a red patch over one or both eyes (for red coat color). Depending on whether one or both eyes have a patch, these are referred to as “single” (or “half”) mask and “double” (or “full”) mask. Dogs without a mask are referred to as plain faces. All of these are acceptable according to the breed standard. In conformation shows, even markings are preferred to uneven markings.[2]
tail
The Australian, American and Canadian Kennel Club breed standards state that the Australian Cattle Dog should have a natural, long, undocked tail. There is often a solid patch at the base of the tail and a white tip. The tail should be set moderately low and follow the slope of the back. It should hang in a slight curve at rest, although an excited dog may carry its tail higher. The tail should be well brushed.[2]
In the United States, tails are sometimes docked to work material. The tail is not docked in Australia and serves a useful purpose of increasing agility and the ability to turn quickly. The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed distinct from the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, an angular-bodied dog born with a naturally “bobbing” tail. The Stumpy Tail is similar to the Australian Cattle Dog, but with a taller, leaner conformation. It occasionally has a natural long thin tail, but most are born without tails.
temperament
Like many working dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog has high energy levels, an active spirit, and a degree of independence.[8] The breed is ranked 10th in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs and is ranked as one of the most intelligent dogs as measured by obedience-command trainability.[9] The Cattle Dog needs plenty of exercise, company, and a job so a non-working dog can participate in dog sports, learn tricks, or engage in other activities that keep their mind and body engaged.[8]
On home soil, the Australian Cattle Dog is an affectionate and playful pet.[8] However, they are reserved around people they don’t know and are naturally wary of new situations. His attitude towards strangers makes him an excellent watchdog when trained for the task, and he can be socialized to get used to a wide variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It’s fine for older, considerate children, but it will scare people away by nibbling on their heels, especially younger children who run and scream.[10] By the time the puppies are weaned, they should have learned that human company is pleasant and that responding to a person’s cues is rewarding.[11] The bond this breed is able to form with its owner is strong and makes the dog feel protective of the owner, which usually results in the dog never straying too far from the owner’s side. The Australian Cattle Dog can be the friendliest of companions, although they are quick to respond to their owners’ emotions and can defend themselves without waiting for a command.[12] The ACD was originally bred to move reluctant livestock by biting, and it will bite if handled roughly. The protective nature of the Australian Cattle Dog and its tendency to bite its heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if undesirable behavior is not controlled.[13]
While an Australian Cattle Dog generally works silently, it will bark when alarmed or to get attention. It has a characteristic intense, tall bark. Barking can be a sign of boredom or frustration, although research has shown that domestic dogs increase their vocalization when raised in a noisy environment.[14] It responds well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order can trigger aggression. It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs.[10]
A 2001 review of incidents in Melbourne in which a dog bit, charged or chased a person or animal in a public space found that sixty breeds were involved, as well as the German Shepherd and German Shepherd crosses, as well as the Australian Cattle Dog and cattle dog crosses accounted for 9% of incidents.[15] Surveys of US breed club members showed that both dog- and stranger-directed aggression in the ACD were higher than the average for the breeds studied, with dog-directed aggression being the more common of the two types of aggression.[16]
As pets
personal hygiene
Known as the “wash and wear” dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming, and an occasional brushing is all that is required to keep the coat clean and odor-free. A damp wipe is also sufficient for the show ring. It is not a year-round shedding, but blowing his coat once a year (twice for intact females) and frequent brushing and a warm bath during this time will curb shedding. As with all dogs, regular grooming of their nails, ears, and teeth will help prevent health problems.[17]
education
In Katherine Buetow’s Guide to the Australian Cattle Dog, Ian Dunbar points out that while people think of dog training as teaching a dog to sit, talk and roll over, the dog already knows how to do those things. Training, he says, is about teaching the dog that saying a certain word or giving a signal is a good idea to do these things. He goes on to explain his belief that training is about opening channels of communication so the dog knows what the handler wants from them and knows it’s worth doing. Consequences for the dog can be rewards for what is required, as recommended by Dunbar, or corrections when an undesirable behavior is performed.[18] Like other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent and responsive; Both of these traits can be beneficial in training when a structured, varied program is used, but they can lead to undesirable results when the training is inconsistent or repetitive and boring for the dog.[19] Stock dog trainer Scott Lithgow recommends turning training into a game so the cattle dog learns that obedience breeds happiness.[11] Many of a Cattle Dog’s natural behaviors are undesirable in a pet: barking, chewing, chasing, digging, defending territory, and heel-biting. Training, therefore, involves helping the dog adopt a lifestyle that is likely very different from that of its driving ancestors.[19] The Australian Cattle Dog is docile and responds well to training.[20]
activities
The breed does well in agility trials.
The Australian Cattle Dog requires a high level of physical activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, the Cattle Dog has an active and fertile mind and when not given work will find activities of its own. It will appreciate a stroll around the neighborhood, but needs structured activities that keep it engaged and challenged, and regular interaction with its owner. While individual dogs have their own personalities and abilities, as a breed, the Australian Cattle Dog lends itself to any activity that requires athleticism, intelligence, and stamina.[8]
Herding trials sponsored by the Kennel Club, featuring a range of events, cater to the driving ability of the Cattle Dog and other upright breeds, while German Shepherd trials are more suited to the “eye” breeds such as the Border Collie and Australian Kelpie. Herding instinct and trainability are measured in non-competitive herding tests, and basic commands are sometimes taught through herding games, applying rules such as “stay,” “get it,” and “that’s enough” to fetch a ball or chase a garden broom. [21]
Developed for its ability to encourage reluctant cattle to travel long distances, the Australian Cattle Dog is possibly the best breed in the world for this work.[11] However, some working dog trainers have expressed concern that dogs bred for the show ring are increasingly being too short in legs and stocky in body to do the work they were originally bred to do.[11]
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to herd cattle but are also used to herd sheep.
One of the most popular activities for an Australian Cattle Dog is dog agility. He is ideally suited to obstacle courses because, as a herding dog, he is responsive to the handler’s body language and willing to work accurately at a distance from the handler. Agility has been used by cattle dog owners to instill confidence in their dogs and improve their performance in training and competition.[22]
The Australian Cattle Dog thrives on change and new experiences, and many handlers find training the breed challenging because of this. An Australian Cattle Dog can excel in obedience competition. It will enjoy the challenges such as B. finding a scented item, but the breed’s problem-solving ability can lead it to find solutions to problems that aren’t necessarily rewarded by the obedience judges. Rally obedience offers more interaction with the owner and less repetition than traditional obedience trials.[23]
Australian Cattle Dogs have enjoyed success in a number of canine sports, including weight pulling, flyball, and guard dog.[24] The breed is particularly well suited to activities that a dog can share with its owner, such as canicross, disc dog, and skijoring or bikejoring. It is an effective hiking companion due to its natural stamina, general disinterest in hunting, and penchant for staying by its owner’s side.[23] Most Australian Cattle Dogs love the water and are excellent swimmers.[25] It is not a hyperactive breed and once exercised it will happily lie at its owner’s feet or rest in its bed or crate while keeping an ear and eye out for signs of upcoming activity. The Australian Cattle Dog is an adaptable dog that can accept city or house living conditions provided its significant exercise and companionship needs are met.[26]
The Australian Cattle Dog can be used in a variety of ways. Cattle dogs are service dogs for people with disabilities or therapy dogs,[24] some work for customs in drug enforcement, some as police dogs,[23] others smear pests, like geese, for city or state agencies,[27] and some work as scats -Tracker dogs that track down endangered wildlife species.[28]
health and lifespan
An active seventeen year old Australian Cattle Dog
life span
In a small sample of 11 deceased dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs had a median lifespan of 11.7 years (maximum 15.9 years).[29] A larger study of 100 deceased dogs found a mean lifespan of 13.41 years with a standard deviation of 2.36 years.[30] The median lifespan of breeds of similar size is between 11 and 13 years.[31] There is an anecdotal account of a cattle dog named Bluey born in 1910 and living to 29.5 years, but the records are unconfirmed.[32] Even if this is true, Bluey’s record age would have to be seen as an uncharacteristic exception rather than an indicator of the breed’s usual exceptional longevity.[30] However, it remains that Australian Cattle Dogs generally age well and appear to live, on average, almost a year longer than most dogs of other breeds in the same weight class.[30] Many members of the breed are still healthy and active at the age of 12 or 14, and some retain their sight, hearing, and even their teeth into their last days.[33]
Common Health Problems
Cattle dogs have more injuries than illnesses.
The Australian Cattle Dog carries recessive piebald alleles that produce white in the coat and skin and have been linked to congenital hereditary deafness, although it is possible that there is a multigenic cause of deafness in a dog with the piebald pigment genes.[ 34] About 2.4% of cattle dogs in one study were deaf in both ears and 14.5% were deaf in at least one ear.[35]
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the dog breeds affected by progressive retinal atrophy. It has the most common form, progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), a condition that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, leading to blindness. PRCD is an autosomal recessive trait and a dog can carry the affected gene without developing the disease.[36]
Hip dysplasia is not common in the breed,[17] although it is common enough for many breeders to have their breeding stock tested. The Cattle Dog has a number of inherited diseases,[37] but most of these are not common. Australian Cattle Dog Hereditary Polioencephalomyelopathy is a very rare condition caused by an inherited biochemical defect. Dogs diagnosed with the condition were completely paralyzed within their first year.[38] Based on a sample of 69 surviving dogs, the most common health problems noted by owners were musculoskeletal (spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis), reproductive (pyometra, infertility, and pseudopregnancy) and blindness.[29] A study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges in the United States and Canada over a 30-year period reported fractures, lameness, and cruciate ligament tears as the most common conditions in treated Australian Cattle Dogs.[39]
story
In Australia
An early Australian Cattle Dog photographed in 1902
George Hall and his family came to the New South Wales Colony in 1802. By 1825 the Halls had established two cattle ranches in the Upper Hunter Valley and begun a northward expansion into the Liverpool Plains, New England and Queensland. Getting his cattle to Sydney markets presented a problem as thousands of cattle had to be moved thousands of kilometers along unfenced cattle routes through sometimes rugged bush and mountain ranges. A note, in his own handwriting, records Thomas Hall’s anger at losing 200 heads in the brush.[40]
A cattle dog was needed, but the colonial working dogs were probably of the Old English Sheepdog type, commonly referred to as Smithfields. Descendants of these dogs still exist, but they are only useful for short distances and for yard work with domesticated cattle. Thomas Hall addressed the problem by importing several dogs used by drovers in Northumberland, his parents’ home county. At that time, dogs were generally described by their profession, regardless of whether they represented a breed as understood today. The Hall family historian, A.J. Howard, gave these blue-speckled dogs a name of the day: Northumberland Blue Merle Drovers Dog.[41]
Thomas Hall crossed his Drovers Dogs with dingoes he had domesticated and by 1840 was pleased with his resulting offspring. For the next thirty years, the Halls heelers, as they became known, were used only by the Halls. Since they depended on the dogs, which gave them an advantage over other ranchers, it is understandable that the dogs were not distributed beyond the hall properties. It was only after Thomas Hall’s death in 1870, when the properties with the shares on them were auctioned off, that Hall’s Heelers became freely available.[42]
Cattle dogs were introduced to horses in the 1900s.
By the 1890s the dogs had attracted the attention of the Cattle Dog Club of Sydney, a group of men with a recreational interest in the new practice of showing dogs in competition. Neither of them were ranchers working livestock on a daily basis and initially they were interested in a range of working dogs including the Smithfield. They reportedly adopted the term “Australian Cattle Dog” to refer to the dogs bred from bloodlines derived from Thomas Hall’s “Heelers”, and prominent members of the group focused on breeding these lines. Of these breeders, the Bagust family was the most influential. Robert Kaleski of Moorebank, a young associate of Harry Bagust, wrote: “When I got rid of my crossbred cattle dogs and started the Blues in 1893, breeders of the latter had begun breeding … to fix the type.” I made a standard for them on these lines”.[44] This first breed standard for the Cattle Dog breed was published with photographs by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture in 1903.[45]
Kaleski’s standard has been adopted by breed clubs in Queensland and New South Wales and re-issued as their own with local modifications. His writings from the 1910s provide an important insight into the early history of the breed. However, dog breeder and author Noreen Clark has noted that his opinions are sometimes exactly as they are, and he introduces some contradictory claims in his later writings, as well as some assumptions that are illogical in the light of modern science.[46] Some of these have remained; For example, he saw more dingo in the red color form than the blue form, and there is an enduring belief that red is more vicious than blue. Kaleski’s most enduring myths relate to Dalmatian and Kelpie infusions into the early Cattle Dog breed. These infusions are not mentioned in Kaleski’s writings until the 1920s, and it seems likely that Kaleski was attempting to explain the mottled coloring and tan on the Cattle Dog’s legs by resemblance to the Dalmatian and Kelpie, respectively.[47] Coat color genetics and current understanding of hereditary traits make infusing Dalmatian to increase the cattle dog’s tolerance to horses an extremely unlikely event. Motor vehicles were relatively scarce in Australia in the early 20th century, so most dogs of all breeds would have been accustomed to horses.[48] The Kelpie breed was developed following the description of the Cattle Dog type, so infusion is unlikely.[49] It is possible that Bull Terriers were infused somewhat, but there is no verifiable record of this and the Cattle Dog did not have the Bull Terrier’s instinct to bite and hold, which would have been an undesirable trait. In the early 20th century, significant fighting broke out among members of the Cattle Dog Club, and a number of disputes about the origin of the breed appeared in the newspapers and magazines of the time. While many of these arguments were misleading, some irrational, and most unsupported by historical fact, they continue to circulate,[43] leading to a number of theories about the origins of the breed. In recent years, information technology allowing the manipulation of large databases, coupled with advances in understanding of canine genetics, has allowed for a clearer understanding of the breed’s evolution.[51]
Little Logic A medal awarded to A. Bevis, holder of
In the 1890s, Cattle Dogs of Hall’s Heeler derivatives were seen in the kennels of exhibiting Queensland dog breeders such as William Byrne of Booval and these were a different population from those shown in New South Wales. Little Logic was bred in Rockdale, New South Wales, but Sydney exhibitors first saw Little Logic after the dog was accepted into Arch Bevis’ Hillview kennels in Brisbane. The show records of Little Logic and his offspring created a demand for Queensland dogs in New South Wales. In the late 1950s, few Australian Cattle Dogs were born that were not offspring of Little Logic and his best-known son, Logic Return. The success and popularity of these dogs led to the growth of the nickname “Queensland Heeler.”[53]
The prominent place of Little Logic and Logic Return in the pedigrees of modern Australian Cattle Dogs has been immortalized by Wooleston Kennels. Wooleston supplied breeders in Australia, North America and continental Europe with basic and supplementary breeding stock for about twenty years. As a result, Wooleston Blue Jack is the ancestor of most if not all Australian Cattle Dogs littered in any country since 1990.[54]
In the United States
Soldiers stationed in Australia during World War II played a role in introducing the breed to the United States.
US soldiers met the cattle dog mascots of Australian divisions overseas. This pup is being bathed in preparation for a visit from General Douglas MacArthur
In the 1940s, Alan McNiven, a Sydney veterinarian, introduced Dingo, Kelpie, German Shepherd and Kangaroo Hound into his breeding program; However, the Kennel Club of the Royal Agricultural Society (RASKC) would not register the crossbreeds as Australian Cattle Dogs, although McNiven argued that they match conformation, color and temperament. McNiven responded by giving his puppies registration papers from dead dogs and was consequently expelled from the RASKC and all of his dogs removed from the registry. Meanwhile, Greg Lougher, a Napa, California cattle farmer who met Alan McNiven while stationed in Australia during World War II, had imported several adults and several litters from McNiven. Nach seiner Abmeldung exportierte McNiven seine “verbesserten” Hunde weiterhin in die Vereinigten Staaten. Viele US-Soldaten, die während des Krieges in Queensland oder NSW stationiert waren, entdeckten den Australian Cattle Dog und nahmen ihn bei ihrer Rückkehr mit nach Hause.[55]
In den späten 1950er Jahren wurde ein Tierarzt in Santa Rosa, Kalifornien, Jack Woolsey, mit Loughers Hunden bekannt gemacht. Mit seinen Partnern kaufte er mehrere Hunde und begann sie zu züchten. Die Züchter bewarben die Hunde in Western Horsemen mit der Aussage, dass sie garantiert arbeiten würden, und nannten sie Queensland Heelers. Woolsey importierte mehrere reinrassige Australian Cattle Dogs, um sie seinem Zuchtprogramm hinzuzufügen, darunter Oaklea Blue Ace, Glen Iris Boomerang und mehrere Glen Iris-Hündinnen. Das National Stock Dog Registry von Butler, Indiana, registrierte die Rasse und vergab amerikanische Nummern ohne Bezugnahme auf australische Registrierungen.
Australian Cattle Dogs wurden seit den 1930er Jahren vom American Kennel Club (AKC) in die Kategorie “Verschiedenes” eingestuft; Um die volle Anerkennung der Rasse zu erhalten, verlangte der AKC, dass ein National Breed Parent Club zur Förderung und zum Schutz der Rasse organisiert wird. 1967 lernte Esther Ekman Chris Smith-Risk bei einer AKC-Show kennen und die beiden kamen ins Gespräch über ihre Australian Cattle Dogs und den Prozess der Gründung eines Elternclubs für die Rasse. Bis 1969 hatte der junge Club 12 Mitglieder und beantragte offiziell Anweisungen beim AKC. Eine der Anforderungen war, dass der Club anfangen musste, ein eigenes Register für die Rasse zu führen, und dass alle Hunde im Register eine Erweiterung des australischen Registers sein müssten, die auf registrierte Hunde in Australien zurückgeht.[55] Die Mitglieder des AKC Parent Club begannen, ihre Hunde zu recherchieren, einschließlich des Austauschs von Korrespondenz mit McNiven, und stellten fest, dass nur wenige von ihnen Hunde hatten, die auf in Australien registrierte Hunde zurückgeführt werden konnten. Der AKC übernahm 1979 das Clubregister und die Rasse wurde im September 1980 vollständig anerkannt. Der Australian Cattle Dog Club of America ist immer noch aktiv in der Förderung der Rasse und der Aufrechterhaltung der Rassestandards. Das National Stock Dog Registry erkannte weiterhin Cattle Dogs ohne erforderliche Verbindungen zu in Australien registrierten Hunden an, unter der Bedingung, dass jeder Hund unbekannter Abstammung, der zur Registrierung vorgelegt wurde, als “American Cattle Dog” registriert würde und alle anderen weiterhin registriert würden als “Australian Cattle Dogs”.[55]
In Kanada
Die Rasse wurde im Januar 1980 vom Canadian Kennel Club offiziell anerkannt, nachdem sie fünf Jahre lang Stammbäume gesammelt, Unterstützung gesammelt und von zwei Züchtern und Enthusiasten Lobbyarbeit bei Beamten geleistet hatte. Die kleine Anzahl australischer Rinderhunde in Kanada war zu dieser Zeit hauptsächlich Arbeitshunde auf Farmen und Ranches, die über große Entfernungen verstreut waren. Der junge Zuchtverein veranstaltete jedoch Exterieur-Shows, Gehorsams- und Beweglichkeitswettbewerbe und nahm mit seinen Hunden an Sportarten wie Flyball und Lure Coursing teil. Ende 1980 wurde Landmaster Carina zum ersten Australian Cattle Dog in Kanada ernannt, der sowohl ihren Exterieur- als auch ihren Gehorsamstitel erhielt.[56]
In Großbritannien
Die ersten registrierten Australian Cattle Dogs, die im Vereinigten Königreich ankamen, waren zwei blaue Welpen, Lenthal Flinton und Lenthal Darlot, denen 1980 Landmaster Darling Red als Welpe folgte.[23] Landmaster Darling Red wurde von John und Mary Holmes importiert und erwies sich als hervorragende Zuchthündin. In den nächsten Jahren kamen weitere Cattle Dogs aus den Niederlanden, Kenia, Deutschland und Australien nach Großbritannien, obwohl der britische Genpool vor der Lockerung der Regeln für die künstliche Befruchtung begrenzt war. 1985 wurde eine Australian Cattle Dog Society gegründet und vom Kennel Club offiziell anerkannt; zuvor mussten sie in der Kategorie “Alle nicht separat klassifizierten Sorten” antreten. Australian Cattle Dogs nahmen in den 1980er Jahren im Vereinigten Königreich erfolgreich an Gehorsams- und Arbeitsprüfungen teil.[23]
See also
references
How do you Deshed a blue heeler?
Bathing your heeler is another highly effective method of removing loose fur from your dog’s coat. While you won’t need to bathe them too often, it’s a great idea during coat blowing seasons. The ASPCA recommends giving your Blue Heeler a bath at least once every three months.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Like all double-coated dog breeds, Blue Heelers have a thick undercoat that makes them moderate to heavy shedders. However, in fall and spring, Blue Heelers adapt to seasonal changes by experiencing excessive shedding in clumps. But with a little preparation and care, shedding can be minimized.
So what makes Blue Heelers such powerful shedders? And why do they shed so much more than other dog breeds? It all boils down to a few specific reasons. Read on to learn why those heels are shedding and how to deal with it.
RECOMMENDED: 57 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Reasons why Blue Heelers shed
Almost all dog breeds shed to some degree. Unless you have a hairless breed, no owner is safe from shedding. Needless to say, some dog breeds shed significantly less than others.
Unfortunately for allergy-sensitive owners, the Blue Heeler sheds a lot. But why do they shed so much compared to hypoallergenic dogs (or even low shedding dogs)? Here are some reasons why you may not be able to escape with your Australian Cattle Dog.
1. They have thick coats designed for herding
Blue heelers are herding dogs. As such, they require thicker coats that provide extra protection while working in harsh conditions around the world. This additional protection applies not only to herding dogs, but to all working dog breeds.
In fact, almost all herding dogs have double coats. And because some dogs work in colder climates, some of them may have longer and thicker coats than others.
For example, corgis are notorious shedders because they were bred in Wales, where temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, Swedish Wall Dogs live in temperatures that can reach a staggering minus 40 degrees!
While Australian Cattle Dogs don’t have to work in extreme conditions, they are still working dogs that spend most of their day outdoors. That being said, it only makes sense for them to have thicker coats than other dogs.
2. Blue Heelers have a “double coat”
The “thicker” coat that many working dogs sport has a name; the double coat. It not only keeps the Blue Heeler warm in winter, but also cool in summer. Double coats always adapt to the season.
As the name suggests, double coats are made up of two layers of hair. There is the undercoat, which has a wool-like feel and acts as an insulator to keep the heel warm in colder climates. This coat is short, thick and dense.
The second layer is the top hair, also known as “wax hair”. These much longer hairs serve to protect the Blue Heeler from all environmental elements such as debris or tall grass and unpredictable weather conditions.
For example, Blue Heelers have a water-resistant coat that keeps them dry on light rain days. They owe this additional protection, which was developed for outdoor use, to their top coat.
Compared to single-coated dogs, heelers shed more because they essentially have twice the amount and opportunity to shed fur. But despite what you might think, that’s not the main reason why double coats lose so much more.
3. The heeler’s coat “adapts” to the temperature
The real reason double-coated Blue Heelers shed so much is because their “smart coat” is always shedding to adapt to the weather. In other words, these coats go through a major seasonal shedding to regulate body temperature.
Blue Heelers experience excessive hair loss at least twice a year. This process is called “fur blowing” in the dog world. And while almost all dogs are affected, it’s much more evident in double-coated dog breeds like the Heelers.
Jack, my 3 year old Blue Heeler’s hair loss is ridiculous! It not only blows its coat twice a year, it is constant. – Wilcox511 (Reddit user)
The fur needs to be thick to keep the heeler warm in winter. But for the warmer summer months, the same coat is not needed.
So, a blue heeler must undergo a massive winter coat shedding in the spring. And at about the same time, the lighter summer coat grows out at the same time.
Likewise, as summer draws to a close and the colder months approach, the Blue Heeler must shed his summer coat in preparation for his thick winter coat. This coat blowing season takes place during the fall season.
The shedding and growth cycle continues. That being said, it’s important for owners of double-coated dogs to learn and prepare for these molting periods.
4. Malnutrition leads to excessive hair loss
All the causes of hair loss that we have discussed so far are beyond the control of the owner. But when it comes to your dog’s diet, you have full responsibility and control.
Like humans, dogs need to be fed an appropriate diet with all the necessary nutrients. According to Roy Cruzen DVM, the number one cause of excessive hair is poor diet.
People go to discount stores with a 40 pound bag of cheap food and then see their pet hair loss increase. Even if the food meets the minimum quality requirements, it may not contain enough protein or nutrients for your pet. – Roy Cruzen DVM
Proper nutrition is even more important with working dogs like the Blue Heeler. Heelers have a lot of energy and use a lot of energy. With a poor diet, the negative side effects like hair loss can be even worse.
Cruzen goes on to say that there is no need to buy the most expensive dog food. He estimates that “quality pet food” should cost about $4 a pound.
Aside from the quality of the food, the biggest annoyance I have among pets is gluten-free pet diets. – Peter Land’s DVM
Peter Lands DVM adds that feeding your dog a gluten-free diet can also lead to excessive shedding. There just aren’t many dog breeds that are gluten/grain intolerant, so there’s really no need for it.
How Much Do Blue Heelers Lose?
Blue heelers can potentially lose a lot. They are moderate to excessive shedders and everything in between. It really depends on the individual dog.
To get a good idea of how much a Blue Heeler actually loses, we decided to ask real Blue Heeler owners about the Heeler subreddit and dog forums. Here’s what the owners had to say.
Answers from real owners:
1. Wilcox511 says to Heavy, “He’s always been like this since he was a puppy. I was prepared to shed and blow the coat a few times a year, but it just seems like there’s more…”
2. Bmhcrazyguy says to Heavy, “Yes, my heeler is like that. He shakes all the time. I just had the carpets cleaned and 3 days later there was enough fur to fill the vacuum cleaner a couple of times.”
3. Nycdogwalker says to Heavy: “There’s no getting around it. If you want a heeler, you need to prepare for the insane amounts of fur. Invest in cleaning supplies and stick to a maintenance schedule!”
4. Lizardeater tells Low, “It’s weird. My current dog doesn’t shed and his predecessor never did. Current dog is a Blue Heeler. The last dog was a Heeler Aussie Shepherd mix.”
5. Twicethefluff says Moderately, “I won’t lie, my blue heeler loses quite a lot. I still think it’s manageable and not nearly as much as my previous lab mix.”
6. Spartanfatty tells Heavy, “Why doesn’t a heeler lose? Do you just soak your heeler in superglue to keep the hair on it? I have tumbleweeds of Heeler fur no matter how much I sweep.”
7. Seahawkville says Heavy, “I’ve tried everything to deal with my dog’s hair loss. Brushes, frequent baths, good food and more. Blue Heelers are only intended as coat-changing machines and I have accepted the fact.”
8. Thedukeof419 says Heavy: “Our Heeler has really started losing badly in the last few months. I’ve tried a few different brushes but he’s terrified of being brushed.”
9. Chartervhq says Heavy: “My little girl’s hair is killing me. I’ve tried all the top brushes but it feels like the more the brush the faster her fur grows. It’s amazing and terrifying.”
10. Harnerjims says Moderately: “I’ve only had heavy hairing breeds in the past, so I don’t know what ‘normal’ is. It still seems like my heeler isn’t that bad compared to the others.”
How to deal with a heeler’s hair loss
Blue Heelers shed moderately year-round, but experience fur blisters at least twice a year. While they’re not great dogs for allergy-sensitive owners, there are ways to minimize shedding.
Grooming your Blue Heeler’s coat is absolutely necessary to keep shedding at bay. Luckily, there are only two things you need to focus on: brushing and bathing.
1. Brushing your Blue Heeler is essential
Brushing is one of the most important things you can do for your Heeler’s coat. It not only removes the loose fur, but also the residues attached to the fur. And if your Heeler spends a lot of time outdoors, this is even more important.
Even so, you should brush your Blue Heeler every other day. You should brush the dog at least once a week. However, consider brushing once a day during the shedding season.
As far as dog brushes go, there is only one I would recommend for your heeler: The Furminator De-Shedding Tool. In fact, this brush was practically made for double-coated dogs, just like the Blue Heeler.
The Furminator does an excellent job of reaching under the top coat to reach and remove loose undercoat hairs. Just be careful not to cut the skin, especially with an active dog like the Blue Heeler.
The Furejector button makes it super convenient when brushing. Just press a button and the hair detaches effortlessly from the brush. If you are interested, I recommend choosing a medium or large size for short hair.
Check out the happy customers (and Blue Heeler owners) on Reddit:
Hundreds of Blue Heeler owners across the internet swear by the Furminator. These are just a few reviews from satisfied customers.
2. Occasional bathing helps with hair loss
Because Blue Heelers have short hair, they are unlikely to develop tangles on their coat. However, it’s still important to bathe your dog occasionally, especially if the dog is spending time outdoors.
Bathing your hound is another highly effective way to remove loose hair from your dog’s coat. While you don’t need to bathe them too often, it’s a great idea during the shedding season.
The ASPCA recommends bathing your blue heeler at least every three months. The frequency depends on your dog. My Australian Shepherd loves nothing more than the mud so we bathe him more often.
However, there is a balancing point. At the same time, you don’t want to give your Blue Heeler too many baths. This will wash away any essential oils from the dog’s coat.
Best Dog Shampoo for Heelers:
There are really two brands that we have used extensively. Our dogs are also both double haired dogs so we feel confident making these recommendations for the Blue Heeler.
Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – Made in the USA from all natural oatmeal, there are so many customers who are satisfied with the Pro Pets Shampoo. It was our go-to and we use it with our Australian Shepherd. Earthbath All Natural Dog Shampoo – We just started trying the Earthbath because we’ve heard so many good things about it. It has been on the market for a long time and is a tried and tested product. We had no problems at all after trying this with our corgi!
These are just a few recommendations that we really liked. Whatever you choose for your Blue Heeler doesn’t have to be one of them. However, you should make sure that you opt for all-natural shampoos.
Among all-natural shampoos, oatmeal-based dog shampoos seem to be the most popular. Just make sure you never use human shampoo with your heeler. It’s not made for dogs and can lead to skin problems (and more hair loss!).
Some “experts” say baby shampoo is fine. However, we do not recommend it. It’s not expensive, so spend the few extra bucks to have something made for your dog.
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What is a slicker brush for dogs?
Slicker brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. There are many different varieties of slicker brushes on the market, but choose one that is the correct size with a flexible handle to make grooming your dog easier.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Brushing your dog’s coat is an important part of dog grooming and serves many functions; For example, it gets rid of tangles and tangles, keeps their coat looking vibrant and beautiful, massages and lubricates their skin by activating your pet’s natural oils, and keeps stray pet hair off clothing and furniture.
Different types of dogs require different types of brushing. For example, it makes no sense to use the same type of brush on a poodle that you would use on a German shepherd. Your hair is just different.
If you use the right type of brush, your pet will most likely enjoy being groomed. If your pet is showing signs of pain or discomfort, you may be using the wrong type of brush. On the other hand, if he enjoys sitting on your lap and being groomed, you are probably on the right track.
There are four main types of dog brushes: slicker, rake, bristle, and pin brushes.
Slicker brushes
Slicker brushes have fine, short wires that lie close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium to long haired or curly haired dogs to remove tangles. There are many different types of grooming brushes on the market, but choose one that is the right size and has a flexible handle to make grooming your dog easier.
Slicker brushes are used on many dog breeds including Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Saint Bernards. Long-haired dogs are more likely to develop mats that need to be removed. It’s important to remember to always be gentle when using a slicker brush. The fine, closely spaced wires can cause your dog discomfort if too much pressure is applied. rake
Rakes are brushes designed to penetrate a dog’s thick coat and remove tangles and dead undercoat near the dog’s skin. They are often razor-shaped and feature one or two rows of closely spaced prongs. Like a razor, they are meant to be used with minimal pressure. Rakes should be used on thick-coated dogs such as German Shepherds, Malamutes, and Chow Chows. These breeds tend to develop dead undercoat, especially during molting season, and their thick coats also tend to scavenge debris. When looking for a rake, be sure to find one with pins that are roughly the length of your dog’s hair. Rakes that are too short will miss the inner layer of the undercoat, while rakes that are too long could irritate the skin. bristle brushes
Bristle brushes are used on short-coated, smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. Its tufts of tightly packed natural bristles remove loose hair and stimulate the skin. Bristle brushes can be used on breeds such as Pugs, Italian Greyhounds, Jack Russell Terriers and Boston Terriers. pen brushes
Pin brushes look similar to brushes commonly used by humans. They are usually oval in shape, with a loosely arranged set of flexible wires with pins on top. Pen brushes are the most commonly used type of brush, but often the least useful. They will pick up loose hairs before they fall on your furniture, or buff and fluff up a well-brushed coat, but will do little for your pet. They are best used to complete the grooming process.
In addition to the brushes mentioned above, you should also purchase a flea comb for your dog. Fleas can cause itching and irritation and lead to skin infections. Flea combs are universal and can be used on any dog. If you are unsure of the best brush to use, ask a zookeeper or veterinarian.
What is a shedding blade for dogs?
Safari shedding blades are designed to remove loose hair and leave your pet with a clean, healthy coat. The Safari dual shedding blade can be used with the handles together or separated. With handles together, stroke the dog from head to tail, covering small areas at a time.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
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Do blue heeler puppies shed?
The typical Australian Cattle Dog doesn’t shed year-round, but instead he “blows” his coat once or twice a year (think of a snowstorm). In just a few weeks, the undercoat sheds in clumps. The Australian Cattle Dog’s coloring is blue or red speckle.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic working dog. He is not a couch potato – we repeat: he is not a couch potato. He wants to be active and busy most of the time. His energy needs to be channeled or he will get bored and entertain himself, usually doing something you consider indecent like digging in the garbage or digging up your flower garden.
The Australian Cattle Dog is also very devoted to its owner and family. He usually bonds closely with one person and bonds less closely with others. They are often referred to as “Velcro” dogs because they are so tight; he likes to be in close physical contact with his chosen one all the time.
Because the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd by forceful biting, it is a well-spoken dog. Its instinct is to smother cattle, children, pets, cars, anything that moves. He has a strong tendency to bite, even when playing. This tendency needs to be properly controlled through socialization and training when he is a puppy or it can develop into dangerous behavior.
Another part of the breed’s instinct is its strong hunting drive. Squirrels, cats and other small animals fascinate him. When the Australian Cattle Dog is raised with other pets, including cats, from puppyhood, he can be counted on to live peacefully with them in his home. However, he will likely consider those outside his household fair game.
The Australian Cattle Dog is generally friendly, but they are protective of their family and home range and tend to be suspicious of strangers.
The Australian Cattle Dog has a toughness – they have had to be tough to cope with the high temperatures, rough terrain and long distances of their ranch work – that makes them both very pain tolerant and extremely focused. He will keep working even if he is injured. Owners must carefully monitor this breed to ensure that it stops working or competing if it becomes injured.
Best Deshedding Brush for my Australian Cattle Dog
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Best brush for Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)
The Blue Heeler is a medium-length, double-coated breed. This means they have a short protective coat about an inch and a half long that provides protection from rubbing on things they don’t put down. The second layer is the undercoat. The function of the undercoat is to keep you warm in colder weather. As the weather warms with the change of season, they shed this undercoat to keep it cooler.
They usually shed twice a year. However, this can vary depending on the climate they live in, whether they are an indoor or outdoor dog, whether they are neutered in the case of a male, and the overall health of their coat. Some Australian Cattle Dogs even shed year-round.
More information on how to deal with Blue Heeler Shedding can be found here.
What kind of brush do you use on a blue heeler?
Finding the right brush to groom your Blue Heeler can be confusing if you don’t have dog grooming skills.
With the right tools for each job, it becomes easier and you can do a much better job. Just like a carpenter doesn’t just use a hammer, having a variety of brushes with different functions is far more effective.
For brushing and de-hairing your Blue Heeler, I recommend using a good quality straightening brush, a steel comb, and some sort of de-hairing tool. These are some suggestions for the best brush to groom an Australian Cattle Dog.
Slicker brush for Blue Heeler
The slicker brush is a pin brush that is mainly used as a dressing brush. This adds shine to the fur and works well to untangle tangles and break up the fur so the other tools can finish the job.
Definitely worth spending a few bucks more for a quality smooth brush. Not only will it last longer, as the pins or bristles on these types of brushes will wear out and fall out over time. A better quality brush will have better quality pins and will be more effective.
You will also find that as you brush your Blue Heeler, the pins of a slicker brush will fill with fur. You can use your comb to remove the accumulated fur. An easier option is to use a self-cleaning slicker brush. With these, you press a button and the fur is lifted out between the pins.
My number one choice for a Blue Heeler is the professional quality Slicker Self-Cleaning Brush available here on Amazon.
Steel comb for Blue Heeler
A good comb is an essential tool for anyone grooming a dog. Once you’ve first gone over the area with the smooth brush, run the comb through to remove any tangles.
My personal choice is a 50/50 comb, which has two teeth of different widths. Check out 50/50 Steel Comb here on Amazon.
Run the comb through your dog’s coat first with the wider teeth and then again with the finer teeth. If you cannot pass the finer teeth of the comb through the coat without resistance, the coat will not be completely brushed out. Repeat the process until you can.
There are other types of steel combs, including some with a handle that some people find more comfortable to hold.
Best depilation tool for Blue Heeler
There are quite a few different types of depilation tools and brushes for double coated dogs. Not all are necessarily suitable or work as well for a blue heeler. These are my recommendations for depilating a Blue Heeler.
Top Pick: Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
Best Budget Buy: Long Tooth Undercoat Rake
The skinning blade is my personal favorite for quickly and regularly depilating a Blue Heeler. It can be held with one hand or the handle can be split in two so you can use it with two hands. Also great for removing excess water from your dog after a bath.
It’s best not to overdo it. Six to eight hits in one area are sufficient. Overuse in the same area can irritate your dog’s skin and even cause brush burns. By using a tool like this for five or 10 minutes a few times a week, you can significantly reduce your Blue Heeler’s coat shedding around the house.
See Shedding Blades on Amazon here
An undercoat rake works very well in removing undercoat and tangles and is gentle and comfortable for the dog. They are also very inexpensive which makes them the best budget choice for depilation tools.
Check out Long Tooth Undercoat Rake on Amazon
The Mars Coat King is my go-to choice for removing undercoat and dead fur from your Blue Heeler. Also works very well on very thick and voluminous surfaces. It leaves a nice shine and finish on the coat.
Check out Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake on Amazon
I’ve included the Furminator as it’s the most popular and well-known dog dehairing tool. From my personal experience, it’s not as effective as the Mars Coat King. I’ve also found that the blades can cut through the protective coating and leave a finish and shine that isn’t as nice.
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Best Brush for Australian Cattle Dogs : 2022 Picks for Blue Heeler Dog Brush
Finding the best dog brush for Australian Cattle Dogs can be a challenge if you’re not sure what to look for. If you’re tired of not being able to control the shedding of hair throughout your home and clothes in your Australian Cattle Dog, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for our top 2022 picks for the best Australian Cattle Dog Brush that will change the way you groom your pet forever.
Various popular types of brushes for Australian Cattle Dogs
Below are some popular brushes for Australian cattle dogs.
Natural bristle brush
Smooth brush
care glove
rake
Brushes with natural bristles
The most practical brush for Australian Cattle Dogs is a natural bristle brush.
Unlike brushes that use synthetic fibers and other man-made materials, natural bristle brushes are made from elements like bamboo and high-quality brush fibers. Natural bristle brushes are a fantastic way to distribute your dog’s natural oils throughout the coat during each grooming session to promote a smooth shine.
The bristles in natural brushes effectively remove things like dander and dirt that are preventing your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat from maintaining its full shine. The bristles in natural bristle brushes are typically installed closer together in the base than other types of bristle brushes, creating a powerful grooming tool for grabbing loose hair and working through mats.
Slicker brushes
The next brush for Australian Cattle Dogs on our list is the handy slicker brush. Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that rest in a flat or curved brush base. Slicker brushes typically feature angled bristles with nubs to protect your pet’s skin and hair during grooming sessions.
Slicker brushes are a wonderful tool for working through tangles and removing loose hair. They massage the skin with every application, promote blood circulation and help distribute the natural oils of your Australian Cattle Dog evenly in the coat.
grooming gloves
While not officially an Australian Cattle Dog brush, grooming gloves are an exceptional tool for grooming your pet’s coat. Grooming gloves are a much gentler way of grooming your dog’s coat than a brush or rake. So if your dog is very sensitive, this could be the way to go.
The teeth of grooming gloves are spaced farther apart than those of a comb or brush, but they work wonders for grabbing loose fur and reducing the amount of hair shedding on your pet.
Grooming gloves are also perfect when you bathe your Australian Cattle Dog to distribute the shampoo throughout the coat and ensure a thorough cleaning. Loose hair and dirt can be easily removed after cleaning your dog’s coat with a grooming mitt, and they are very easy to keep clean.
Each grooming session with a glove feels like a gentle massage, so your Australian Cattle Dog will likely stay nice and calm, allowing you to finish much quicker.
rake
Australian Cattle Dogs have a thick undercoat, which makes our next Australian Cattle Dog brush type an excellent choice. Undercoat rakes help you quickly and easily get rid of the loose fur your dog sheds in clumps. Rakes have wide teeth that seamlessly penetrate the top coat and grab the dead undercoat.
It is important to regularly remove the dead undercoat hairs to avoid matting and matting of your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat. You’ll also reduce your dog’s shedding, which means there’s less hair on your home’s surfaces, furniture, and your clothes.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Understanding your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat
Before we dive straight into the best brush for Australian Cattle Dogs, you need to understand the ins and outs of your dog’s coat to ensure you’re grooming it properly.
Looks
As with many types of dog breeds, Australian Cattle Dogs’ coats show variations in appearance and shape. Most Australian Cattle Dogs have a short, smooth coat.
The breed is characterized by high energy levels and loves to play outside in large open spaces or in your yard. Because of their activity level, Australian Cattle Dogs’ coats tend to become matted and frizzy easily.
Her top coat is a combination of reds and blues along with some elements of brown and tan. The undercoat is light brown or brown with patches of blue and red occasionally showing through.
Spill
The Australian Cattle Dog’s undercoat is responsible for all of their heavy shedding and requires consistent grooming. The good news is that since Australian Cattle Dogs have short coats, their shedding is not as extreme as other breeds.
You can find and remove loose fur with ease. Her periods of severe hair loss occur once or twice a year, typically after a cold season or right before one.
Because Australian Cattle Dogs are so active, your biggest challenge as a dog owner is keeping them clean. They love to run outside, play in the mud and get wet, so this can be a real problem when it comes to keeping their coat free of debris, dirt, tangles and mats.
You will need to bathe your Australian Cattle Dog regularly, including removing dirt and loose hair.
care needs
Grooming your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat with the right type of Australian Cattle Dog brush is paramount to both cleanliness and overall health. When grooming your pet, check the areas of their fur around and near their tummy, as these are the most vulnerable areas.
Also, in addition to full body exams, be sure to check the toes and ears for other contaminants when your Australian Cattle Dog comes out of playtime.
Australian Cattle Dogs tend to collect oil and particulate matter throughout the day, particularly because of their short coat. These dogs often have follicle and hair damage so using the right shampoo and conditioner along with the best brush for Australian Cattle Dogs is essential.
When your dog suffers coat damage, it can put him at risk for illnesses like fevers and colds. Pay close attention to your Australian Cattle Dog’s molting periods to ensure that undercoat loss does not make them vulnerable to colder weather outdoors.
You don’t have to constantly bathe your Australian Cattle Dog, but if you do, you do need to give them a thorough clean. You should use grooming products that offer protection from invaders like ticks and fleas. Bathe your dog at least once a month, preferably twice.
Aside from bathing your dog once or twice a month, the most important thing you can do is buy the right Australian Cattle Dog brush. Brushes with shorter bristles, such as natural bristle brushes, are an excellent choice for grooming your dog’s short coat without causing irritation.
Regular brushing of your Australian Cattle Dog not only ensures his coat is free of dirt and loose hair, it also soothes him and strengthens his coat to protect him from the environment. You should definitely brush thoroughly when grooming your Australian Cattle Dog, using a product like a slicker brush that penetrates the undercoat. Natural bristle brushes are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas without irritating sensitive skin areas.
It’s usually best to have several grooming tools on hand at once to meet your Australian Cattle Dog’s grooming needs. Tools like a grooming mitt massage your dog’s coat, effortlessly removing tangles and dirt while remaining easy to clean and non-irritating to your pet.
If your pet is prone to excessive tangles and tangles, an undercoat rake will serve you well to help manage those heavy moulting periods.
Best overall brush for an Australian Cattle Dog – ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake
Our number one pick for the best Australian Cattle Dog brush is this incredible product from ConairPRO. The undercoat rake makes grooming a breeze, with helpful memory grip handles to keep your hands free from fatigue and give you optimal control when grooming your pet.
The undercoat rake penetrates deep into your Australian Cattle Dog’s undercoat, reducing overall shedding.
The undercoat rake features stainless steel pins to grab loose hair and maintain your dog’s shiny, healthy coat color. If your Australian Cattle Dog comes in with burrs and other things stuck to his coat, the ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake removes them with ease, leaving your dog’s coat clean again.
buy online
Pros: Features a non-slip gel handle that makes grooming convenient and worry-free
Features stainless steel pins to collect loose hair and prevent matting
Eliminates clumps of hair so you have less fur in your home during periods of shedding
Perfect for gently penetrating the thick undercoat of Australian Cattle Dogs
Cons: Hair tends to collect on the handle when brushing a very thick coat
Our pick for the best Australian Cattle Dog matting brush is the Li’l Pals Double-Ended Dog Comb. The comb has 32 closely spaced stainless steel teeth on one side and 17 additional stainless steel teeth on the other side. The tool is fantastic for removing tangles from and smoothing out your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat. You can also use the comb to smooth down whiskers and delicate areas of hair around the mouth, eyes and ears.
Because the comb’s teeth are packed close to the base of the tool, the comb effectively removes intruders such as burrs and fleas from your pet’s fur. The comb also helps distribute your dog’s natural oils to enhance the shine of their coat. In addition, the massage movements of the comb promote good blood circulation and circulation when used.
buy online
Benefits: Eliminates mats quickly to flatten your dog’s goatee and prevent further tangles
Has 32 stainless steel teeth on one side and 17 on the other for a powerful grooming tool
Removes burrs, fleas and other debris
Works well in sensitive areas
Promotes oil distribution and proper blood circulation
Cons: A customer mentioned that the comb is not ideal for cleaning out foot tangles
3 other top quality brushes for Australian Cattle Dogs
Check out three other popular types of brushes for Australian Cattle Dogs.
Our next pick for the best dog brush for Australian Cattle Dogs is this handy grooming mitt from HandsOn. You can combine bonding time with your pet with grooming time. The five finger grooming mitt allows you to pet and relax your pooch while removing tangles, getting rid of loose hair and promoting that shiny coat shine.
You can use the grooming mitt to groom sensitive areas of the coat that brushes may not be able to reach. The glove features rubber nubs to remove mats and debris, helping you repel pests like fleas and mites in no time.
The gloves also double as a depilatory, so you won’t find so many loose hairs around the house. HandsOn All-In-One Bathing & Grooming Gloves are a great choice for both bathing and a quick grooming session.
buy online
Pros: Helpful five-finger design for thorough grooming
Makes it easier to reach sensitive areas and keeps them clean
Features rubber bristles to get rid of tangles, mats and dead hair
Helps you repel mites, fleas and other unwanted pests
The soothing massage sensation makes grooming time for your pet a pleasure
Works for bath time and grooming time
Cons: Gloves can be stiff when first used
Our next pick for the best Australian Cattle Dog brush is this Four Paws double-ended combo brush. It uses a combination of bristles and pins to help you detangle your pet’s coat and keep it smooth and clean.
The pins help get rid of knots and tangles, while the nylon bristle element encourages the distribution of your dog’s natural oils, leaving their coat shiny and bright.
buy online
Advantages: Two sides, one bristles and the other pins to help you groom your dog’s coat
Eliminates knots and promotes a healthy shine
Increases the production of your dog’s natural oils
Eliminates loose hair, dander and dust
Cons: The breasts are hard, so it can be hard on highly sensitive skin areas
Our top pick for the best Australian Cattle Dog Slicker Brush is the classic self-cleaning safari dog slicker brush. After each grooming session, all you have to do is press the button on the brush to retract the pins so you can brush away the loose hair.
The slicker brush features a comfortable handle and base with stainless steel pins to penetrate your dog’s undercoat.
The stainless steel pins are effective yet gentle so they won’t irritate your Australian Cattle Dog’s sensitive areas of skin. The smoother brush reduces your dog’s shedding, leaving less loose hair lying around. The bristles fight tangles and tangles, dig up dead hair with ease and encourage the spread of your Australian Cattle Dog’s natural oils throughout its coat.
buy online
Pros: User-friendly pin retract button and child play
Stainless steel needles that are thorough yet gentle on your dog’s coat
Features a comfortable grip to give you control and reduce hand fatigue
Reduces loose hair lying around the house and prevents hair fall
Cons: Some customers mentioned that the self-cleaning button wears out quickly with extensive use
5 tips for brushing your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat
Here are five quick and easy tips for brushing your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat.
bathing and brushing
About every four to six weeks, before brushing your Australian Cattle Dog’s coat, give your pet a thorough bath. Regular bathing will help wash away excess oil and prevent skin irritation.
Brush once a week
You should brush your Australian Cattle Dog at least once a week to keep their coat nice and clean, to promote proper oil distribution, and to get rid of loose hair.
Brush more during Prime Shedding Times
Your dog will shed a large amount of hair during his peak shedding periods, typically spring and fall. You may need to brush more frequently during these periods to ensure loose hair doesn’t collect and become tangled.
Take your dog to routine check-ups
In addition to brushing and grooming your dog’s coat at home, you should occasionally have your Australian Cattle Dog checked out by a veterinarian. Australian Cattle Dogs are usually fairly healthy, but you’ll want to make sure they have a professional check them for parasites and heartworms that your brush won’t eradicate.
Use a combination of tools
With Australian Cattle Dogs, it’s best to use a combination of tools to groom your pet’s coat. For example, start with a natural bristle brush and follow with a quality undercoat rake to ensure you don’t overlook any mats or debris.
FAQs:
How often should you brush an Australian Cattle Dog?
Brush your dog’s coat once a week, possibly more often during peak shedding season.
How can you prevent your Australian Cattle Dog’s hair from becoming matted?
The best way to prevent your dog’s hair from becoming matted is to brush them frequently and bathe them regularly. Conditioning prevents oil and dirt build-up, removes build-up, removes tangles and promotes a lustrous shine.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs have undercoat?
Yes, Australian Cattle Dogs have a double coat with a soft undercoat and a rainproof top coat. They don’t shed a ton year-round, but have heavy periods of shedding in the spring and fall. It is important to groom their coat regularly and to remove loose hair from the undercoat to prevent shedding.
How to stop an Australian Cattle Dog from shedding so much?
Brush and bathe! These two things are the best way to prevent your Australian Cattle Dog from losing too much. Tools like an undercoat rake get into those hard-to-reach spots and remove dead hair with ease.
Conclusion
Caring for your Australian Cattle Dog is easy. Bathe your dog at least every four to six weeks and brush them weekly using quality tools to prevent shedding and matting.
Any of the best Australian cattle dog brushes of 2022 are sure to remove dirt and debris, promote a healthy shine and keep your pet’s coat shiny and clean.
How to Care for an Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as the ACD, Blue Heeler, and Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is a strong and energetic member of the herd group, always up for a challenging job on the farm or an energetic walk with its owner. Originally bred to herd cattle, this intelligent, courageous dog is happiest with a loving owner who understands their high energy levels and need for daily activity. It is best suited to a rural setting with room to walk and work. When an owner provides the exercise the Australian Cattle Dog needs to have in order to thrive, other necessary grooming is relatively routine.
exercise and training
Step 1
Exercise your Australian Cattle Dog well and often. This is a working dog. Confining this breed in a house or apartment for long hours is likely to result in behavior problems such as a tendency to destroy things. If your Australian Cattle Dog is not herding and you don’t have access to large areas for them to run, it is important that you take them on long, vigorous walks daily.
step 2
Train your Australian Cattle Dog. Because the breed is strong-willed and highly intelligent, your dog will need guidance to direct their focus and energy. Using firm voice commands will help your pet set boundaries. Teaching your dog obedience will stimulate his mind.
step 3
Use a collar and leash when walking your dog to keep him safe and under control and to teach him proper manners when around other people or animals.
step 4
Consistent breaks outdoors lead to an easy break-in. When off a leash, your dog should be safe behind a fence in your yard. Because the Australian Cattle Dog is very energetic, a fence that is at least 5 feet high is needed to prevent it from escaping.
step 5
Socialize your Australian Cattle Dog well with other animals and children as early as possible in his life. Since the breed has a leadership instinct, he might try to show dominant behaviors towards other animals and children. Making your dog a part of the family and allowing him to go everywhere with you from an early age and to meet new people and animals gives you the opportunity to teach him acceptable behavior in social situations.
step 6
Enroll your dog in obedience or agility classes to meet their need for activity and your need for an obedient dog. Training your dog under the guidance of an expert will not only help him learn commands and manners, but also give him tasks that will stimulate his mind.
Food and health
Step 1
Feed your Australian Cattle Dog high-quality dog food specially formulated for active dogs. Follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging. Keep track of your dog’s weight and adjust the amount of food as needed. You shouldn’t be able to see the dog’s ribs, but you should be able to feel them slightly. If you can’t do this, the dog has too much fat on its ribs. To prevent indigestion and problems like bloating and gastric torsion, it is best to split your adult Australian Cattle Dog’s ration into at least two feedings per day, preferably three. Puppies should be fed three times a day. Make fresh water available to your Australian Cattle Dog at all times.
step 2
Take your Australian Cattle Dog to your veterinarian for routine checkups and basic health maintenance like routine vaccinations and heartworm and parasite checks. Although the breed is typically hardy and healthy, it is prone to genetic diseases such as deafness; hip dysplasia, in which the hip joint deteriorates; and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness. Regular vet visits help identify health problems as early as possible.
step 3
Keeping your Australian Cattle Dog on a regular basis for flea and tick control and heartworm prevention will help protect it from these parasites.
personal hygiene
Step 1
Bathe your dog as needed. The Australian Cattle Dog generally does not need a bath more than once every four to six weeks; More frequent bathing washes away needed oils and can cause skin problems. However, if your dog enjoys activities that get their fur dirty, you may need to bathe them more frequently.
step 2
Brush your Australian Cattle Dog once a week. This helps keep his coat clean, distributes natural oils throughout his coat, and gets rid of loose hair. This breed has a medium-length double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a smooth, rainproof top coat. Australian Cattle Dogs don’t shed much for most of the year, but they generally blow their coat twice a year, in spring and autumn. Unneutered females blow their coats at the end of their estrus cycles. Bathing your dog frequently while grooming will speed up hair loss and reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.
step 3
Trim your Australian Cattle Dog’s nails as needed. If you are not an expert at trimming a dog’s nails, take him to a professional groomer or your veterinarian to have his nails trimmed. It is easy for an inexperienced person to cut a dog’s mouth while clipping their claws, causing pain and bleeding. When your dog is active, their nails can stay worn down naturally; Trimming is only necessary when the nails become long or uneven. A less active dog may need nail trimming monthly.
step 4
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