We are thinking of adopting a dog for our family (Jason 35, Renee 33, Seth 6 and Zach 4). There are 10 Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler puppies at an animal shelter nearby by. I really like this breed, but we both work and we don't have a large back yard. I'm worried the dog won't get enough attention / exercise. Should we go ahead and take a chance or should we consider another breed???
2007-03-30 03:03:22 · 11 answers · asked by Jason T 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Wait another breed will come along that won't need quite as much. If the kids were older I would feel more comfortable but with you not have a large yard I would expect him to start nipping the kids.
Cattle dogs innate instinct to work and herd has not been bred out of them yet. Give it time and enough backyard hill jack breeders will have destroyed this breed as they have so many others.
2007-03-30 03:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jason, they are wonderful dogs. Awesome with children. I would definitely consider one.
Yes they are a working class dog, but they are still puppies. They will learn to live in your environment just fine. It is learned behavior. You will WANT to walk them on a leash. They do need some exercise...ALL dogs do.
The disposition of these dogs is such, I wouldn't worry about the biting factor only because of the breed. ALL dogs can and do bite. Not exclsive to Australian Cattle dogs. The Blue Heeler part of them, while their dispositions are equally awesome, they tend to be more of a "runner" than the Cattle dog is. They also have extordinarily keen senses.
If you cannot give the time for walks, then another choice might be better. Other than that, I see no reason why one of these pups couldn't fit into your family.
Remember.... a dog is only as good as it's training and the care and love from it's owners. It is a serious committment.
Good luck with whichever dog you choose.
2007-03-30 03:26:51 · answer #2 · answered by meg_an_728 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd look for another breed. This breed is a working breed that needs a lot of exercise every single day and really is at its best when it has a job. I live in a rural area and it is a very common working dog on local ranches where it is used for herding. Given the temperment and activity levels of the Australian Cattle Dogs I know, these puppies would be miserable living in a small backyard with little exercise and probably be destructive as a result.
2007-03-30 03:09:49 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI there,
I've actually had my ACD while living in an apartment, the catch was (and requirement) Daily Exercise! A herding dog REQUIRES a minimum of 45 minutes of serious activity every day! These dogs are very smart and will find ways to entertain themselves (and not always in a good sense) if left alone. There are plenty of activities you can engage your dog in (if you have the time) including, Agility, Flyball, Rally Obedience (after the basics have been taught) and Frisbee. This breed will attempt to herd the kids, so early socialization and consistant training is a must. I love the herding breeds (I have four, including a ACD) but they're not for everyone. Do your homework and ask yourself truthfully are you willing to make a commitment to your dog?
2007-03-30 03:27:00 · answer #4 · answered by Disc Dog Guy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most definitely consider another breed. I own 2 Australian Shepherds. They are very intelligent dogs and very athletic dogs. They require a lot of attention or they can become destructive. They are working dogs and without a large area to run. Anything less would take away from their quality of life.
2007-03-30 03:22:23 · answer #5 · answered by shasta_belle4me 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would think about another breed.Aussies are great dogs and love children but blue Heller are not good with kids. they can be very aggressive .they also do not make good house pets. they like to be out side and they love to work. be careful and chose wisely. sorry but Meg R is very wrong about working being a life style its not.it breed in to them and they well always have the need to work( as in heeling cattle other dogs the cat and every body that walks by them)
2007-03-30 09:36:17 · answer #6 · answered by BLOODHOUND 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own an Aus. Cattle Dog and live in an apartment, which means besides taking her for her daily walks, she needs lots of active play (fetching soft toys thrown in the house, etc.). With that said, generally speaking, this breed of dog does much better with a yard to run in or owners who take him/her for regular runs. These dogs are very intelligent, but can be a bit stubborn. Because of their breed, they will nip at people's ankles to "herd" them (think cattle herding) and are very stubborn about learning not to jump up on people to greet them. My dog is wonderful with young children, letting them do just about anything to her and still wagging her tail and loving them, but be prepared for your dog to knock over small kids with his/her exuberance.
2007-03-30 03:51:18 · answer #7 · answered by rivkadacat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am afraid they need major exercise. And frankly the worst thing you can do is isolate a dog all day in the backyard. They want to be with their pack ( you).
2007-03-30 03:11:27 · answer #8 · answered by barthebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you'd be better off with something else. It isn't fair to a working dog breed not to give them something to do---they WANT the activity.
2007-03-30 03:05:56 · answer #9 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are really good dogs & good with kids, but they do need alot of exercise. if you feel you can walk the dog & exercise him after hours, you might want to go for it. but if the only exercise he will get is in the backyard during work hours, i would reconsider.
2007-03-30 03:12:04 · answer #10 · answered by kg22 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋