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Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Comparison - Dog breed selector: Blue Heeler or Little Blue Dog or Australian Cattle Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler" Compare Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
 
 
 
Name Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia United States flagUnited States Australia flagAustralia
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank5617518
Reviews472
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler breeds.
Blue Heeler
Cattle Dog
Red Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $600-$800 $400-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Australian Cattle Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Aggressive
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler social needs comparison:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Cattle Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Cattle Dog rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Australian Cattle Dog breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Cattle Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Cattle Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Deafness
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
No data available

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most active?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. What colors are available?
Red
Blue
Speckled
Mottled
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which drools least?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best with kids?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler?
Yes
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Cattle Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Cattle Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies, average 5 6-9 puppies, average 7 1-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
No data available

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