Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier Mix

australian cattle dog border terrier mix

Table of Contents

The Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier Mix is a medium-sized crossbreed from Australia and the United States, described by its long legs, large head, and deep chest. Known for its athleticism and intelligence, this dog makes an ideal companion for owners who enjoy daily exercise with their pets. But what else should you know about this popular breed? Keep reading to find out!

These dog breeds were first bred in Australia in the late 1800s to help farmers with herding their cattle. They are still often used for this purpose today, although they have also become popular pets in recent years.

If you are thinking about getting an Australian Heeler, it is important to understand that they require a lot of daily exercises and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are not the right fit for everyone, but if you can give them what they need, then they make wonderful additions to the family. 

Australian cattle dog is sometimes referred to as;

  • Border collie mix
  • Australian heeler
  • Aussie herder
  • Border heeler

History Of The Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier Mix

The Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier mix originated in Australia in the 19th century. Farmers needed a dog that could herd cattle and guard against predators, so they bred the Australian Cattle Dog with the now-extinct White Highland Collie and the Black and Tan Kelpie. Later, these dogs were crossbred with Dalmatians and Blue Heelers to produce the Australian Cattle Dog we know today. 

The Border Terrier, on the other hand, is a much older breed that hails from England’s border country. These dogs were used for rabbit hunting, and their tenacity, endurance, and strong prey drive made them perfect for the job. In 1879, the Border Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. 

This breed is not without its challenges, however. One of the most common problems owners faces is separation anxiety—because Border Heelers love spending time with their families so much, being left alone for long periods can cause them undue stress.

Boredom can also lead to behavioral problems, such as chewing or barking excessively. Border Healers or Australian cattle dogs get along well with other animals—particularly if they are raised together—but because of their natural herding instincts, they may try to herd smaller animals such as cats or rabbits if given the opportunity. 

Given their high intelligence, they require consistent training throughout their lives to prevent boredom and behavioral problems; without it, they may become difficult to live with. Achieving success with this breed requires patience, positive reinforcement training methods, and plenty of praise, but it is well worth it when you see how much happiness your dog gets from working alongside you.

australian cattle dog border terrier mix

A Comprehensive Guide To Their Appearance

Size And Weight

The Australian Cattle Dog Border Heeler is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, while females usually weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. They stand 18 to 20 inches tall on the shoulder.

Coat And Colors

The coat of the Australian Cattle Dog Border Heeler is short, dense, and waterproof. Common coat colors include blue, red, tan, black, and brindle. Some dogs may have white markings on their chest or toes. 

Australian cattle dog border heelers have a double coat, comprising a dense outer coat and a soft undercoat. The outer coat sheds dirt and protects the dog from harsh weather, while the undercoat insulates against heat and cold. Brushing your dog’s coat once or twice a week will help remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and free of mats. 

Temperament 

Border collie heeler mix is an intelligent, hardworking dog that excels at herding livestock. They are also loyal and protective of their family and make excellent working dogs or family pets. Like all dogs, border collie mixes need plenty of exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. 

Read More: A Guide To Border Terrier Training

The Health Of The Australian Cattle Dog 

Despite the hardy nature of border collies, there are some health concerns that owners should be aware of. 

Hip Dysplasia 

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket joint in the hip does not fit together properly. This can cause pain and arthritis later in life. X-rays can be done to check for this condition, and it is recommended that you get your dog’s hips checked before breeding them. 

Eye Problems 

Border Healers are also prone to eye problems, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). PRA is a degenerative disease that leads to blindness, while CEA is a defect in the development of the eye that can cause vision problems. Again, it is recommended to have your dog’s eyes checked by a veterinarian before breeding them. 

Deafness 

One of the most common health problems seen in Border Heelers is deafness. It is estimated that 20% of all Border Heelers are born deaf in one or both ears. Various tests can be done to check for deafness, so if you are thinking about breeding your dog, make sure to have their hearing tested first. 

Read More: How To Stop A Border Terrier From Biting?

Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is another common health problem in Border Heelers. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Border Heelers will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. Seizures can be controlled with medication, but there is no cure for epilepsy. If you think your dog may be having seizures, take them to see a veterinarian immediately. 

australian cattle dog border terrier mix

Autoimmune Disease 

Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. This can lead to a variety of different health problems, depending on which cells are attacked. Autoimmune disease is seen more commonly in female Border Heelers than males, and it is believed to be hereditary. If you think your dog may have an autoimmune disease, take them to see a veterinarian so they can be properly diagnosed and treated. 

Read More: Border Terrier Vs American Hairless Terrier

Pros And Cons Of The Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier Mix As A Family Dog

As such, they make excellent family dogs. However, there are some things you should consider before bringing one home.

Advantages

1. It is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. 

2. They are good with kids and make excellent babysitters. 

3. They are very loyal and protective of their family. 

4. They are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, which makes them good walking or running partners. 

5. They are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. 

6. They are not prone to barking excessively. 

7. They tend to be healthy dogs with few health problems. 

8. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years, which is longer than many other breeds of dogs. 

9. They are relatively low energy indoors, making them good dogs for apartments or small homes. 

10. They’re not picky eaters and will eat just about anything you give them. 

Disadvantages

• They need a lot of exercises, which means they may not be suitable for families with small children or people who live in apartments or small homes. 

• They may be too many dogs for first-time dog owners. 

• They may chase smaller animals or children if not properly trained or socialized. 

• They may bark excessively if not given enough attention or exercise. border heeler puppy.

Read More: How Much Exercise Does A Border Terrier Need

Conclusion

So, what do all of these things mean for the Australian cattle dog border terrier mix? They are an incredibly versatile breed that can fit into a number of different lifestyles and homes. If you’re looking for an active dog that loves to be around people and is willing to learn, this may be the perfect breed for you. However, it’s important to remember that they will need plenty of exercise and training, as well as a good amount of socialization.

Read More: American Pit Bull Terrier Vs Border Terrier

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Tony K.

Tony K.

I got our Border 3 years ago "for my daughter" and this bundle of joy became a beloved member of our family, so I thought why not share the love!

About Me

I got our Border 3 years ago “for my daughter” and this bundle of joy became a beloved member of our family, so I thought why not share the love!

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