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With a long lineage of cattle herding ancestors, the Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue or Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is known as a tireless, loyal breed that loves having something to do. They need mental and physical stimulation to stay out of trouble, but if you can keep them entertained, they’ll be wonderful companions. Full-grown, they typically weigh 35-50 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall.

Australian Cattle Dogs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Australian Cattle Dogs make ideal companions for children and other dogs if they’re socialized at a young age and treated with respect. Their herding instinct may cause them to nip at running kids, so training is important to teach them good behavior. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Australian Cattle Dogs have loads of energy and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Otherwise, they're likely to get into trouble. Their herding roots make them great companions for running, biking, and other outdoor activities. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Australian Cattle Dog’s outer coat is weather resistant, short, and a bit rough. The inner layer is short and thick. They are born with a white coat, but it darkens over time to become red-speckled or blue/blue mottled, and they often have markings as well. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Australian Cattle Dogs are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. Australian Cattle Dogs are wary of strangers, so they may not be the best fit for homes with constant visitors. They’re an indoor/outdoor breed that needs the space of a home rather than the tight confinement of apartment. They are fairly easy to train.

Australian Shepherds are a beautiful breed with merle coats, high energy, and and an obsession with being close to their families. These dogs are wonderful family companions, but be prepared to keep them active and occupied to avoid having a sad, destructive Aussie. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches tall.

Australian Shepherds are generally excellent with children of all ages. Australian Shepherds are great companion for kids and other pets, especially if they’re socialized as puppies. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Aussies need a lot of high-energy activities and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They’re the perfect exercise buddies, especially for families that like being outdoors. Take your Australian Shepherd for a run, hike, or a long play session in a big backyard to keep their hearts soaring and their minds sharp. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Australian Shepherd has a dense undercoat and outer coat with medium to long hair that’s straight or slightly wavy. Aussies’ fur is short and soft on their head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. These dogs can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light background), or blue merle, and some may have white markings or tan points too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Australian Shepherds are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.