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Red speckle coat color
A young Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler at the top of a dog agility A-frame.Many Australian Cattle Dogs have a stripe of white hair in the center of the forehead, usually 1/2 inch to 1 inch by 2 inches to 3 inches (about 2 cm by 7 cm) called the Bentley Mark. This is similar in appearance to the blaze markings sometimes found on horses. According to legend, a popular dog owned by Tom Bentley passed on this distinctive mark to all Australian Cattle Dogs.

A female Australian Cattle Dog should measure about 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) at the withers. A male Australian Cattle Dog should measure about 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) at the withers. An Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler is a well-muscled, compact dog with a short, dense coat and a naturally long tail. An Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler in good condition should weigh roughly 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg).

Some breeders dock Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler 's tails. This is a controversial practice and, in some countries, is illegal or is prohibited for dogs in the show ring.

blue heeler Temperament
Like many herding dogs, Cattle Dogs have high energy levels and active minds. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, such as participating in dog sports, learning tricks and practicing them daily, or other activities that engage their minds. Cattle Dogs who do not receive the appropriate exercise and entertainment will invent their own, often destructive, activities. Cattle Dogs are, by nature, timid or wary. They are naturally cautious, and grow more so as they age.

Cattle Dogs drive cattle by nipping at their heels. When around people, their instinct to herd is sometimes hard to suppress and they can nip at people to herd them. If these dogs will be around children, they and their owners must have sufficient training to know how to manage or avoid such situations.

Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler activities

Australian Cattle Dog blue heelers need and enjoy any activity, such as diving and swimming.Australian Cattle Dogs not only tolerate a high level of physical activity, they almost demand it. Like many other herding dog breeds, they have active and fertile minds that turn mischievous if not properly channeled.

When not active, an Australian Cattle Dog blue heeler can be kept occupied with mental puzzles such as a Kong (http://www.kongcompany.com) stuffed with treats or a Buster Cube (http://www.sitstay.com/store/toys/toysd.shtml).