Blue Heeler - Australian Cattle Dog 19

Known as the Blue Heeler, or the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), this breed hails from Australia and can trace its roots all the way back to the wild Dingo. They were bred specifically to drive cattle over long distances and often across rough terrain. They received their “Heeler” nickname due to their common habit of nipping at cattle’s heels to herd them.

These dogs are most well-known in the United States by their Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog names, but they are also sometimes called Australian Heeler, Queensland Heeler, and Halls Heeler. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Australian Cattle Dog in 1980 and the ACD was a charter member of the Herding Group when it was established in 1983.