Andy came to our local vet from a high kill shelter because he had mange.  This guy has since been treated, neutered and is all healed!  He is a typical Heeler, all energy and playfulness. He needs some basic training since he still jumps up on people, but that's easily taught.  He probably would be best in a home with no small children, with another dog that he can play with or with a very active person! He is VERY friendly to all, so anyone whom adopts him will have a good time taking places and enjoying his wonderful personality!

Foster Update:  Andy is a great dog - super friendly - loves my dogs.  He's such a joy!  He follows me and likes to be in the same room.  He walks well on a leash and after a couple of reminders is house trained.  I feed him in a different room since he seems so eager to eat when I'm getting their food ready but he does sit and take treats nicely with the other dogs - waits his turn and takes it gently.  He chases the ball or Frisbee about halfway and then looks back to see what I'm doing.  I think he'll be "fetching" soon.  The hair on his back in the bare spots is already starting to come in nicely.  I still haven't heard him bark - even when he plays.  He loved the walk through the woods and around the lake today - sniffed and sniffed.  

Foster Update:   Andy stays with me off leash going to the car, through the park and walking around our culdesac.  He seems like a bright dog and learned "sit" quickly.  He chases a stick, ball or Frisbee and usually brings it back.  He's a quiet dog.   I've only heard him bark once.  He has a friendly growl occasionally while playing with another dog.  He enjoys going to the dog park and likes chasing other dogs.  He's a little timid and waits for the dog to initiate play and then the chase is on. 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches. The dogs the settlers brought with them from Europe were not able to handle the long distances and inhospitable climate of the new continent. So ranchers began experimenting with new crosses. The result was an excellent herding dog, with few equals, who worked the stock quietly yet forcefully, willing and able to drive cattle across vast distances under harsh, hot, dusty conditions. With superior stamina, it was well suited to Queensland."Heelers" got their name because of the way they go about herding livestock: by nipping at the animals' heels.

A working, herding breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is not suited to life alone in the backyard. One of the most intelligent breeds, it can become easily bored, leading to serious behavior problems. These dogs need to be part of the action! They are loyal, protective and alert. An excellent guard dog. Brave and trustworthy. Very good in the obedience ring and in herding and agility. Can be obedience trained to a very high level. Firm training from the start and a lot of daily leadership along with daily mental and physical exercise will produce a fine and happy pet. It is absolutely loyal and obedient to its master, but it is something of a one-person dog. They are sometimes suspicious of people and dogs they don't know. It can be very dog aggressive, for its dominance level is high. Teach your Australian Cattle Dog that you are the one in charge, and you will not tolerate him fighting with other dogs. Best with children in the family it has known since puppyhood. It has been known to try and herd its human family members, including smaller children--which means nipping at their heels, the way the dog would if he were herding cattle. If you are buying a pet, avoid strictly working lines, as these dogs may be too active and intense for home life. Problems can and WILL arise with meek owners, and or owners who do not provide the proper amount and type of exercise. This breed does best with a job to do. If you do not have time to extensively work with and exercise your dog, or do not fully understand canine instincts and their need to have leadership, this is not the breed for you.