Breed profile

Australian Cattle Dog

Explore the care, lifestyle and household factors that matter before making a commitment.

Australian Cattle Dog
SizeMedium
ExerciseVery high
GroomingLow
ChildrenModerate
BarkingModerate
HealthLow
What this means

Source-linked data has been researched to help you make an informed decision about life with this breed.

Read how evidence is handled

At a glance

Key facts

Size classMedium
Adult weight16 to 20 kg
Exercise needVery high
Energy levelHigh
BarkingModerate
Grooming effortLow
Health burdenLow

Breed profile

Life with this breed

Home and lifestyle

Flat suitability
Limited fit
Alone tolerance
Low
Energy level
High
First-time owner fit
Limited fit

Care and training

Minimum daily exercise
120 minutes
Mental stimulation
Moderate
Trainability
Excellent
Grooming effort
Low
Professional grooming
Low maintenance
Shedding
Moderate

Household fit

Children
Moderate
Dogs
Moderate
Cats
Moderate
Prey drive
Moderate
Visitors
Moderate

Health and evidence

Health burden
Low
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Good

Health-burden evidence confidence: Medium.

Recorded health considerations

  • Deafness
  • Eczema
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Luxating patellas
  • Urolithiasis

These are breed-level considerations, not a diagnosis or a guarantee that an individual dog will be affected.

Children and pets need supervision and careful introductions. Individual behaviour varies.

Sources for this breed