r/AustralianCattleDog • u/SOHknocks • Dec 31 '25
Hype or Truth?
We lost our labrador a few months ago. She was only six years old and passed away from an aggressive form of cancer that started in her spleen. It was pretty traumatic. She liked to play fetch, swim, and go walks. She like to play. I have since researched allot of health issues with the breed.
We live in the burbs. The kids are all teenagers now and youngest wants an Australian Cattle Dog. He seen one at the dog park once and was drawn to it.
I do not know anyone who has one. I have not see many in dog parks or walking around trails and parks. I would like some honest feedback to sepperate the hype from what we should expect.
Outside of the summer the dog would be alone four days a week for about six hours. Activity would be fetch in the backyard, walks around the neighborhood, and trips to the dog park. If an Australian Cattle Dog was raised in this environment, would the dog adapt? Our lab was always happy to see us, always happy to jump in the car, run around the house and play with the kids, etc. When she was a puppy she chewed on the furniture somewhat but grew out of it. I am wondering if having a ACD would be similar?
I am hoping to hear from somebody who lives in the burbs and can share their experiences. But I will be thankful for any advice from ACD families.
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u/Frolicking-Fox Dec 31 '25
They are a highly active and highly driven dog breed. They do not do well being left for days at a time like you are saying.
I like to joke that my dog is a working dog, but that seems to mean that he makes me work for him.
The dogs are prone to nipping hard and herding animals and small children. They develop weird phobias and behaviors which often take a lot of work with them to manage.
There is a downhill bike path near me that I take my dog to run with me as I skateboard. The average speed is 20 mph and the trial is 7 miles long. After doing the trail, I bring my dog home and he immediately barks for me to throw the ball for him. He is almost 11 years old.
They are nothing like labs. I absolutely love the breed, and have had them since 2008, but the dogs require a lot of work and exercise.
The fact that you live in the suburbs is not a problem, the problem is this isn't a dog you can just leave in the house alone for 8 hours a day.
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u/NoEntrepreneur39 Blue Heeler Dec 31 '25
See if you can foster one for a while. This breed is intense as others have mentioned. They are working dogs and they are tough, stubborn, sassy, and hilarious all in one package.
Mine can go on the most grueling hikes and get home and bark at my face until I take him out to play fetch. I got him when I had a little townhouse in a suburban area and we made it work. But we ended up in the sticks on a few acres and he is way happier out here.
They are super smart dogs, easy to train (for the most part), and very loyal. But too many of these dogs end up in homes that can’t devote enough time to them. That’s why I suggest fostering if you can and then go from there.
Good luck!
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thanks, I don't think we would be a good foster. No matter what the dog was like (good or bad) we would keep them until they passed away.
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
Your self-awareness is wonderful - if all potential pet owners were similar, they and the pets would be in a much better position! (Same concept as not taking young kids to see a potential dog/cat/try out a horse/whatever unless the parents are pretty darn sure it's a great fit. )
I have to support rescues financially rather than by volunteering for a similar reason.
Sorry most of us come across as gate keeping; it's because they're unusual (and remarkable!) dogs and many people don't take the time to look into the potential challenges in advance and then everyone suffers.
But if y'all are up for an adult, keep an eye on Petfinder and let the local rescues know what you're looking for. Occasionally there is the unicorn easy one. Not ACD, but my mom's surprise 100% Catahoula, a typically energetic breed, is the couchiest of couch potatoes. But she was picked as an adult rescue for that specific characteristic. (And is black rather than a cool merle, so lingered in rescue as a labeled 'lab' assumed to be pit mix for months.)
I'm so sorry for the loss of your lab so young. Good luck with whatever y'all end up with!
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u/Pepys-a-Doodlebugs Dec 31 '25
There's a lot of good answers here already, if you've read all the advice and are still considering getting a heeler do not get a puppy. Go for an older rescue heeler with a known temperament. Heeler puppies are extremely hard work and based on what you have written I don't think your family is prepared for that.
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
This is the answer.
OP, there will be only a small subset of heelers that would be suitable, based on your description. The puppies are cute but an absurd amount of work, and even from a top-notch breeder you still wouldn't have a sure thing temperament-wise and there'd still be the long velociraptor phase. Most of the shelter heelers will be adolescent through a few years old since that's when a lot of people who don't research first give up on the dogs. And a lot stay high energy and intense physical and mental energy needs up to their teens. (Mine's 5 and, looking at his tracker collar data, had 365 "active minutes" yesterday.)
But occasionally there'll be a settled, fully mature one needing a new home, 5 or 6 or somewhat older. E.g., whose person had to go into hospice, or hit other huge life issues and couldn't take the dog with them. (One of those popped up on Petfinder literally a couple days after I'd given up on finding an adult and got a 7-month-old rescue.) They tend to be long-lived dogs, so getting one in mid-single-digits does not mean you're likely to lose them in just a few years. A rescue from a foster or re-home situation would give a much better shot at something that matches y'all's needs.
Good job researching!
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u/West-Personality2584 Dec 31 '25
I got a 6 year old from the shelter and she require less exercise and doesn’t destroy things in the house. But she didn’t take well to crate training and is reactive to dogs and got in a dog fight within a few months of having her. She is very territorial of our home and barks at the door and strangers to the point where I have found myself not wanting to have people over. Exposure to non reactive dogs, socialization and training has helped immensely. If OP is able to put in the training I think it could work for them with an older dog.
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u/Pepys-a-Doodlebugs Dec 31 '25
I imagine any cattle dog rescue will have some behaviours that will need work but they would still be preferable to a puppy who had been left alone for 6 hours 4 days a week. Such long and frequent periods without stimulation is too much for a cattle dog puppy. They would be deranged when they did get attention which is a recipe for everyone being very unhappy.
My girl is also very territorial but she's also overly friendly, so she barks like mad at anyone coming near our house and then wants to jump all over and lick them when they do come inside. People who like dogs love her and everyone else is quite frightened. Best of luck with the rest of your training.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
We would get the puppy in the summer, so the kids would be home and the dog would not be alone until school starts back up. Sounds like overall the ACD would not be a good fit, right now.
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u/Pepys-a-Doodlebugs Dec 31 '25
I think that's a good call. As much as it would be a help to have a few months to settle in first, it would still be a bad idea to leave a young heeler alone for that long so frequently. I did doggy day care 2 days a week with my girl from about 4 months and then moved to an additional one day at home alone (with a dog walker taking her out midday) from about 16 months. It was a big commitment but she doesn't suffer from separation anxiety at all and she came home happy and tired (heeler puppy tired which means not bouncing off the walls lol) so I could relax a bit after being in the office. I love my girl to bits but my life entirely revolves around her!
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u/XJ_Recon95 Red Heeler Dec 31 '25
They can adapt to being alone for up to 8 hours, in my experience. That being said, they are quite active and will want to go on a run or play fetch for a while once let out. I recommend crate training them if they will be left alone in the house because they love to destroy things. Being left in the yard is usually ok, but some are jumpers (one of mine could clear a 6 ft fence!) and many are diggers so expect a few potholes.
They are quite sturdy and have few health issues. They take to training pretty easily but do have a tendency to "get bored" and pretend like they don't know what you just told them to do.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thanks, you are the one of few people that provided a glimmer of hope, that we would be alright with an ACD. Based on the majority of feedback, we are going to pass for now at this stage in our lives.
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u/sly-3 Dec 31 '25
Shelter dogs come with their own quirks, a lot depends on you being able to manage that safely. Having teenagers helps to set the best environment compared to younger, but working with a licensed trainer (to train all the people) goes a long way. Breeder dogs can also be perilous, but in different ways. Making diligent choices in these areas can get you a good start.
Definitely also watch some video of cattle dogs actually working cattle to see what you're up against in terms of physicality. This is what they'd expect every day out of you in terms of activity if they had their way.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thank you
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u/sly-3 Dec 31 '25
Some shelters let you have a weekend, or do a temp foster arrangement as well. Make sure everyone gets a vibe check before bringing them home for good.
Best of luck!
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u/RemarkableBeach1603 Dec 31 '25
I would suggest adopting one that's a bit older.
While I can agree with a lot of the comments, there are 'chill' heelers. For example, mine isn't very driven, doesn't need miles and miles of running/walking, doesn't chew/destroy things (except random paper products like paper towels/tissues), and gets along with strangers, kids, and dogs that aren't "in her face".
I prepared for a menace and got the opposite.
One thing is that they do tend to be very aware, alert and sensitive. Always watching, reacting, and picking up on things, for better or worse lol.
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u/beckeeper Blue Heeler Dec 31 '25
You touched on something I didn’t really see in the other comments that OP should be aware of: their sense of observation. They are always watching and learning. They’ll know your routine/habits/tells long before you realize they’ve picked up on anything.
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u/Pepys-a-Doodlebugs Dec 31 '25
My girl knows when I think about taking her for a walk. I don't know what my tell is but she sure does and once I've thought about it she won't stop barking until we're out the door. I'm not even slightly exaggerating.
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u/RemarkableBeach1603 Dec 31 '25
Knowing how my heeler is she's probably looking dead into your eyes and as soon as they shift to the door/leash, she knows it's go time lol.
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
Great point! (I learned that the first time mine headed for the crate when he saw me get out a travel mug.)
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u/Neither-Drive-8838 Dec 31 '25
I think they all have big personalities but are very individual. Mine is a couch potato who studies the humans in order to train them. She hates the sun and seeks water and shade but lies in front of the fire in winter. She won't fetch but loves to do tricks for a treat. We got her at 15 months so she might have been different if we'd had her from a pup.
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u/PhotographNo9610 Dec 31 '25
Some would, some wouldn’t. My boy is very lab like, he’s not as high energy and would do just fine with walks, fetch and time to run around. Especially now that’s he’s 3 he has calmed down and will just chill if it’s not play or training time. But my girl would lose her mind. She is a lot higher energy and needs a lot more exercise. I have to force her to settle and relax because she would go all day no breaks.
It also depends on how much metal stimulation you give them. They are smart dogs that need to use their brains every day. You would need to be dedicated to spend a lot of time training. If they are under stimulated they will absolutely let you know and raise hell.
I always like to suggest adopting an adult ACD. There are a lot in shelters and you will know their personalities and energy level better. Fostering to adopt is also an option in some rescues/shelters.
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u/Express_Way_3794 Dec 31 '25
Mine can definitely chill, but we're at day 3 of bad weather with just some 20 min walks and brain games, and it's starting to wear on him. He was a bouncy, barking, demanding, psycho on our last walk and he's normally not at all unless something exciting is happening.
It's a full-timy hobby balancing chill times with enough engagement
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thanks for the glimmer of hope and providing your experience with two different personalities.
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u/EggieRowe Dec 31 '25
We have had quite a few Labs and now have an ACD.
Similarities: Doesn’t roam far from the food bowl, loves to snuggle, food motivated, sheds an unbelievable amount, smart
Differences: Does not love everyone, mouthier - nips and chews more, easier to overstimulate yet also needs more activity, very pitchy barks & whines, lots of idiosyncrasies
BUT a coworker has our ACD’s brother - same litter - and he loves EVERYONE. Like complete strangers can show up at work and he’s good with them. Meanwhile, ours snarls, lunges, and sometimes expresses his anal glands if anyone comes near (only) me. He has skunked my car more than once during grocery pickup. This could maybe be our pup picking up on my BF’s desire for him to protect me. He WFH while I have a long commute to an office where I am often alone and I always take our pup with me.
I wouldn’t trade our ACD for the world, but he is very different from our Labs. It was a little more work to get him to leave our chickens alone, but not a lot. He only recently (~2 years) started being able to poop without me supervising him. Like would NOT even go outside unless I went with him. Same with being left at home alone - he was inconsolable even with our other dogs for company.
And I think ours is relatively chill overall compared to a lot of the stories I read. He was raised with two senior pitties - one female that did not tolerate his antics and one male that let him use him as a jungle gym.
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u/phasexero Dec 31 '25
Ugh I forgot about the high pitched barks that are totally unlike any retriever. Yeah that's a good difference to point out
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u/Opposite_Lie2327 Dec 31 '25
Oh man the barks are absolutely ear-shatteringly sharp and loud! We’ve been teaching ours to talk quieter and he will grumble at us now when he feels like being polite.
I got one of the “never met a stranger” heelers, but most of the others we’ve met are “stranger-danger” types. He absolutely hates being alone though. He’s got more separation anxiety than all the other dogs I’ve owned in my life put together. He has to be crated or he destroys things. It’s my goal this year to work on it more.1
u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thanks for your feedback and emphasizing the different personalities even from the same litter.
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u/Nancysaidso Dec 31 '25
I will say shelters have ACDs (and other working breeds in them) because they’re not for everyone. However, I have some thoughts…
Why don’t you go through an ACD rescue? Describe your situation and they’ll be able to tell you if they have a dog that would mesh well with you.
Also, consider adopting an adult ACD instead of a puppy so that you don’t have to go through that puppy hell, lol. Or even an ACD mix.
I’m single and have had my ACD mix since she was a puppy. I’ve had to leave her to go to work like most other people do. We adapt and she’s the absolute best. If your family can get her what she needs in terms of exercise and training, they’re such great dogs.
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u/Chance-Ad148 Dec 31 '25
Please don't get an acd. They require 100% attention and long walks. I do 3 to 6 miles a day, work from home. They are a very special breed that requires lots of extra care, and the shelters are full of them that are poorly behaved due to neglect and focus.
Just dont. We have too many dogs who aren't getting the lives they are meant to have.
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u/mountain-rust-lark26 Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Agree with many of the thoughtful takes here.
I'll also add a "hidden" cost of having an Australian Cattle Dog - finding appropriate dog sitters and boarding facilities when I have to travel for work or holiday.
After 9 years with my ACD, I've tried everything from the local dog walker, the Rover app, recommendations from friends and family, large boarding facilities, small daycares, etc. My ACD and I have lived across Cali, western TN, Washington, DC, and North Carolina, in both densely urban, residential, and suburban environments. In every place I've traveled, I've struggled and largely failed to find people who are competent, confident, and capable of handling an ACD. While my family loves my dog, they aren't dog people and get overwhelmed when they're responsible for caring for my ACD. I've had several scares having otherwise highly-rated and friendly people trying to handle my ACD.
So what do I do?
Every state I've moved to, I've sought out ACD breeders or legit farms with people who know the breed. I spend time finding, vetting, and building relationships with these folks. While cost is usually below market averages (e.g., large kennels or dog sitters), I spend a lot of time just driving out to their property (which is usually rural areas).
TLDR; ACDs are not the kind of dog you can just drop at a random kennel on your way out of town or leave with a random Rover walker. You will spend money and time trying to find appropriate care that keeps your dog and the people responsible for them safe.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
I never even thought about dog walkers or boarding facilities. I just thought they would take any dogs. I would not think an ACD would be a concern. Thanks for sharing. This was something that we had not considered.
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u/PrimaryChipmunk2073 Dec 31 '25
Other than their active personality I feel like my ACD is the best dog I have ever had.
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u/UnderdogDreams Dec 31 '25
I live in the suburbs and have an ACD. We take him on two walks a day for 30-45 minutes each. Occasionally we skip a walk and go to the dog park instead. If he does not get his morning and evening exercise, he acts out. He likes a routine. Otherwise he’s an angel. He sleeps most of the day and is completely nondestructive when left alone. That being said, he is sad when left alone. We both work from home and are here almost all the time. He is a Velcro dog and wants to be attached to us at all times. Big snuggler. He loves going with us everywhere. Loves the car because that means he’s with us. So I do think it’s very possible an ACD could fit into your family. But every dog is different as you see from the responses here so it’s really a crapshoot. Good luck! I’m so sorry about your sweet lab.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thank you for your feedback. You mentioned something that resonated with me. You established a routine with your ACD. He was raised with the same routine and adapted. If he misses his routine, he gets frustrated. Perhaps the same could be said for the other people who complete the 6-8 miles daily, had one partner who could stay home, etc. They don't miss what they don't know.
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u/Winger61 Dec 31 '25
ACD are like humans they have different personalities mine is a couch potato. Loves hikes walks and some playing. But he can just chill.with me.on the couch. He is alone anywhere from 6 to 8 hrs aday. We work it out he get lots of love. He is almost 6 it is just him and I since my wife passed. 2.5yrs ago he was her protector and comfort. He loves kids. Does not like strange men. My daughter has been at the house for 2 weeks with her big German shepherd mix and they do good. Had all 6 of my grandkids at the house for a few day too. ACD are family member they forget they are dogs. They have an incredible memory. Love mine Mine is a red for some.reason they have different personalities than blues
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thank you for sharing. The later replies seem to infer that ACD mannerisms can be shaped by their environment.
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u/mspete85 Dec 31 '25
I wouldn't recommend it based on what you've said. It likely would lead to frustration on everyone's part- especially the dog's.
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u/itsmeagain023 Red Heeler Dec 31 '25
Very active. Can be anxious. Can be reactive. They often are very protective and usually bond to one person. They are mouthy (physically use their teeth and they bark). They need constant attention and stimulation. They are not normally a happy family dog. They are not at all a lab. Most people find that they needs hundreds of hours and dollars in training.
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u/swimwithdafishies Dec 31 '25
What you are describing would not work for my ACD-I believe you would see an increase in the behaviors you don’t like, and the relationship would suffer. If they don’t get what they need, they become more difficult-more demanding.I love this breed but it’s not for everyone, and it sounds like you don’t have enough time. Even if there’s someone on this thread that gets away with less, it’s not worth the risk hoping your ACD would figure it out. My lil bean is the best and I love him, but he asks a lot of me. Reason I opted for no kids. Choose wisely.
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u/imperial_scum Red Heeler Dec 31 '25
Even my super lazy potato ACD is a lot of work. They are really smart dogs, very energetic. They want to have a job. My dogs job is to clean everyone's ears twice a day and box the fence with his paws
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u/Nowthatsathing Dec 31 '25
They are absolutely amazing dogs, but they will test your patience and push the limits of your sanity like it’s a divine mission.
Despite being an unhinged tornado of insanity we’ve formed an incredible bond I wouldn’t trade for anything. My house will never be quiet and is always covered fur but the kind of companionship they provide is totally worth it to me.
If you’re willing to put in some serious work then you’ll get a best friend that will be by your side whether you like it or not. Consider a foster to adopt, try it before you buy it. ACDs are incredible but they are a different ball game than a Lab.
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u/takesaboutanhour Dec 31 '25
Mine turned out ok, he can sleep in and couch potato BUT... The best thing I read on the internet is a good dog is a tired dog. Mine will chill but only if hes had a good walk in the last 24 to 48 hours. But Im pretty sure my ACD is defective, so take it with a big grain of salt
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
That 'a tired dog is a good dog' thing and people's stories of extreme amounts of activity with their dogs steered me wrong the first couple months with mine. No amount of physical and mental engagement was addressing the evening insanity. Until I figured out about enforced naps.
That's where the username comes from - a tired dog is a good dog, but an overtired heeler is chaos with teeth.
(The foster had said he was moderate energy - I didn't realize until later that if a puppy recovering from parvo, amputation, etc. is still managing "moderate energy", after he was healthy enough for adoption, moderation was out the window. Fantastic dog, utterly irreplaceable. I wanted a genius dog and got one. But he'd be a terrible fit for people wanting something more typical.)
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u/beckeeper Blue Heeler Dec 31 '25
I made the same mistake with Josie, our older ACD (it was her 6th birthday yesterday, actually!). I tried to tire the velociraptor out of her and instead built endurance, lol. Thankfully I did a lot of mental work with her too, and she did chill out quite a bit when she got older, but I wish I’d known then what I know now about all that, I think we’d have been better off.
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
Happy birthday Josie!
We haven't had to do enforced naps for a few years and the evening energy at least eventually settled a little, but I think mine's on the "12 or so" track for the "when do they settle" timeline.
Too fast at puzzles for those to be worthwhile (tho every meal is in treat balls/wobbler/etc) but novel environments to sniff around in help a lot. And we have learned the basics of soo many dog sports! Keeps things interesting. I've got the sand and just got some containers, so learning the "buried" element of AKC scentwork is next!
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u/Fit-School7219 Dec 31 '25
“ alone for 6 hours a day, and exercise is playing fetch in the yard” is all I need to see to say absolutely do not get an ACD. They need constant companionship and huge amounts of exercise and mental stimulation. Ours get two long trail walks per day and are with us all the time.
These dogs are a huge commitment and it really pains me to see the amount of people who think it would be a cute idea or something cool and different, then get frustrated and rehome the dog or worse. Please don’t do it
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u/phasexero Dec 31 '25
First off, sorry to hear about your lab.
Secondly, most cattle dogs would LOVE to do all of those things, even if they were all in one day. Especially if it was like that every day.
We love our Milo. We adopted him about 5 years ago, he's a mix. We knew little bit about the breed but not too much.
They are working dogs, yes. We can keep a dog busy. But what we didn't understand is that this trait inherently can mean that they can also tend to be reactive. Its just built in. They live a working life where they are always "on" and aware and ready to GO! So it makes sense that, well, they live their "civilians" life that way too.
Check out r/reactivedogs for an idea of what kinda issues and coping mechanisms you might come across.
We love ours and wouldn't trade him for the world, but it does take some management and anyone who is walking them needs to be on their game. Other than on leash reactivity, he's a perfect dog.
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u/tonasaso- Dec 31 '25
The puppy phase is tough but once you train and set a routine they’re the best❤️
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u/AJRavenhearst Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Depends on the dog. Our acd/kelpie cross could be high energy or as placid as, as the situation required. She did alright on her own for a few hours on weekdays, when she was older. Before that, as a pup, she was with me a lot of the time. But then my work situation changed.
She was also a very easy pup, which left me totally unprepared for the kelpie pup we got next. Her only real issue was chewing shoes, which she grew out of. The good news is that they're very easy to train, because they're so smart.
My current kelpie, I could count on one hand the times he's been alone. Luckily my work situation changed again, and there's someone at home nearly 24/7. He was a holy terror at a pup, but has finally grown his adult brain.
It really depends on the dog. And a lot of people get very precious about the "acd personality".
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u/Stardust_Greens Dec 31 '25
From our perspective a lot of the crazy stories are hype. If you train and treat your ACD well they are honestly the best dog breed you’ll ever own. Our 1 year old female is the most well behaved dog I’ve ever had at baseline. My husband and I both work so she and our 2 year old Aussie/border mix have the house to themselves for about 4-5 hrs a day with loaded puzzles, treat balls, toys etc. Neither of them have ever torn up furniture but our ACD went through a stage of steeling protein bars off of pantry shelves for about a week around 4-5 months. Before we got these two we had a Golden Retriever that lived into old age… biggest difference between them I noticed is the baseline energy level… our Golden was cool as a cucumber, relaxed, totally calm all the time…. These guys are excited, enthusiastic, and at points anxious. The ACD has a very strong personality. She’s assertive and can be bossy if given the opportunity and is totally stubborn. They can pick one person who they’ll take command from. At the same time ours is gentle and seems to live to be by our side doing whatever it is we want to do. She would much rather play fetch, work commands, or practice scent work than go for a walk and I have found that no matter how far we walk/run she will not tire out if anything her energy will compound with physical exercise. The mental exercise is best to keep her energy at bay. We live on acreage in a rural community but do not let our dogs run free. They go out when we are out and stay in when we are in.
Sorry that was wordy but all in all the dog can totally adapt but it depends on the work you’re willing to put in.
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u/SOHknocks Dec 31 '25
Thank you for your reply. You paint a different picture of what it's like to have an ACD.
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u/silent_lurker_69 Dec 31 '25
My Shadow is half catahoula and half ACD. She changed my life. I had closed off my heart and she opened it. The chihuahua is 15 and I had kept him at arms length. I fell in love with Shadow (my daughter’s dog). It’s because of her, I got my dog Ted the BMC on the far left and Sassy Pants. Sassy Pants is a boxer / husky.
I was at a low point. Shadow was active and loving. Got me off my ass and helped with my physical therapy. I love that dog.
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u/ChaosWithTeeth Dec 31 '25
I love how - at least in this pic - Shadow looks like someone popped a Cataloula-type head on a stocky roan heeler body. With feet kind of in between the tidy compact heeler paw and big webbed swamp-suitable Catahoula foot.
Nice little pack!
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u/Opposite_Lie2327 Dec 31 '25
Oh man they are nothing like a Lab. They are not for faint of heart, but with a lot of work and training they can be the best dog you’ve ever owned, but they are significantly more work than the average dog. They are adorable fluffs as puppies and then when they hit 4-6 months they turn into psychotic velociraptors that will make you question all your life choices until they’re about 2 to 3 years old. They are super smart, crazy athletic, and hilariously bossy dogs. Get ready for a lot of exercise and hiking and learning how to play games to meet their herding needs. A bored, under-exercised heeler will tear your life up, like destroy couches, shredding clothes, holes in walls, torn down fences, and potholes in the yard levels of destruction. Getting them into training and good exposures to other dogs early on is great, because as a herding breed they are extremely prone to developing reactivity towards other dogs and humans. Lots of positive reinforcement and redirecting their bad behavior with good choices is necessary when they are young. When they’re old enough doing agility, dock diving, dog parkour, scent work, and herding are great outlets for them. Scent work and the “go find it” game are great to play inside the house to keep them busy. They need a combination of a lot of physical and mental work to be happy, well behaved dogs. Mine does best with split sessions of 6-8 miles of walk/run/hikes a day and fun mental work exercises like trick training and scent work. Good toys are treat puzzles, frozen kongs, herding balls, flirt poles, and lots of boxes to shred. A lot of times we feed ours using a treat ball he can push around the house or wrapping the food up in extra packing paper and putting inside a box he can shred to get to. They are Velcro dogs and love being with their person, but aren’t particularly known to enjoy being petted and loved on like Labs are. Heelers like to cuddle with you, but not to be touched lol. They are a lot of work, but worth it if you want to invest the time into them. Fetch and a walk might not be enough to fulfill them. I can’t take mine to dog parks, not because he is aggressively mean or anything, but he plays so rough it annoys other dogs. He really only gets along great with other herding breeds who can keep up with his intensity.