HEALTH TESTED Family Raised AKC AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS
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Australian Cattle Dog
Blue and Red Heelers
Welcome,
This page serves as a growing collection of resources, history, knowledge, and information dedicated to the world of the Australian Cattle Dog. Here you will find materials and references gathered from breed governing bodies, organizations, preservationists, and fellow enthusiasts who share a deep passion for protecting, preserving, and celebrating this extraordinary breed.
Whether you are new to the breed or have spent a lifetime with them, we hope this collection provides insight, value, and appreciation for the Australian Cattle Dog. As this resource continues to grow, we welcome contributions from fellow ACD enthusiasts who wish to share meaningful information, history, or educational materials with the community.
Above all, we are here for the breed.
RedHorizonn ACD
History
The Standard
The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly intelligent, athletic, and loyal working breed originally developed in Australia to herd cattle across harsh terrain. Known for endurance, instinct, and problem-solving ability, the breed is compact, powerful, and agile with a weather-resistant speckled coat. ACDs are devoted companions with strong protective instincts, thriving in active homes, ranches, farms, and working environments.
Genetics
Today, through the advancements of science, technology, and modern genetic research, we are able to not only preserve this remarkable breed, but strengthen and improve it for future generations. Ethical breeders now have access to tools that help us make more informed breeding decisions with the health, structure, temperament, and longevity of the breed in mind.
Modern genetic testing allows us to identify carriers of certain hereditary conditions, helping breeders thoughtfully pair dogs for healthier and more compatible unions of genetics. These advancements can provide insight into coat types, color genetics, inherited diseases, traits, and in some cases even behavioral tendencies and temperament markers.
Combined with responsible breeding practices, proper evaluation, instinct, structure, and preservation-minded goals, these tools help ensure that the Australian Cattle Dog continues to remain the intelligent, capable, resilient, and devoted working companion it was originally developed to be. Science should never replace purpose, instinct, or ethical judgment — but when used responsibly, it becomes an invaluable tool in protecting and advancing the integrity of the breed.
The BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test is an important tool used to evaluate hearing in puppies and dogs. Because some breeds can carry hereditary deafness, BAER testing helps breeders identify whether a puppy has normal hearing in both ears, hearing in only one ear, or complete deafness. Many forms of congenital deafness cannot be detected simply by observing a puppy’s behavior, making proper testing extremely important.
Early hearing evaluation allows breeders and owners to make informed decisions regarding training, placement, breeding programs, and long-term care. Puppies with hearing deficits may still live full and rewarding lives, but identifying these conditions early helps ensure they receive proper management and understanding from the beginning.
Responsible breeders use BAER testing as part of a larger commitment to preservation, transparency, and the long-term health of the breed. Alongside genetic testing, health evaluations, and thoughtful pairing decisions, BAER testing helps support stronger breeding programs and healthier future generations.
For breeds known for unique coat and pigment genetics — especially those involving heavy ticking, mottling, or white patterning — hearing evaluations are an especially valuable part of responsible breeding practices. By utilizing modern science and veterinary technology, breeders today are better equipped than ever to protect, preserve, and strengthen the integrity of the breeds they love.
Resources
section under development