Theo

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.

German Short-haired Pointers are medium-large sized hunting dogs who also make excellent companions. They are loyal, loving, and protective. As long as they get plenty of exercise German Shorthaired Pointers are happy, family friendly dogs that fit right in with families who fill their calendar with lots of doggie-friendly outdoor activities. Full-grown, they typically weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.

German Shorthaired Pointers are generally excellent with children of all ages. Families with other pets, especially small furry kittens, should know that German Short-haired Pointers don’t always distinguish between your pets and animals they want to hunt. They can learn to play nice with your other pets if they are raised around them, but you’ll always want to keep an eye out for aggressive play. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

You know that friend of yours who does triathlons? That’s the German Shorthaired Pointer. They need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The German Short-haired Pointer never needs a raincoat because their hair repels water and keeps them warm in harsh conditions, but their coat does shed quite a bit. The shedding happens seasonally as they prepare their bodies for what nature will be throwing at them next. It’s best to brush them every week or so to keep their coat and skin healthy and to cut down on shedding. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. German Short-haired Pointers need room to roam. They do not do well in apartments and prefer homes with big backyards where they can safely play. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.