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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.

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.