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Harry
Meet Harry! A spirited two-and-a-half-year-old Australian Cattle Dog/Labrador Retriever mix currently in Mission Viejo, CA, whose joyful personality c…
Joyful Pets • Mission Viejo, CA
Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption
1,170 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 1,170 below.
About adopting a Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, often listed as a Blue Heeler or Red Heeler, was built to move cattle across hard country, and the ones that end up in rescue are usually there because someone underestimated that. This is a dog with stamina, intelligence, and a nipping instinct that shows up in play.
A young heeler needs work, not just walks. Herding-style games, agility, long hikes, and puzzle feeders all help, and the breed shines when training is consistent and challenging. Without a job, heelers tend to invent one, which may involve chasing bikes, herding children by the heels, or redecorating the couch. Puppies are intense, and adolescents more so.
Cattle dogs are often devoted to one person and suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent companions for an active single or couple and a harder fit for a busy social household. Cats and small kids require careful introductions. Ask the shelter or rescue about the individual dog's history, whether it has lived in a home before, and what training it has already had.
1,170 Australian Cattle Dog dogs available — page 1 of 39
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Red
Hi, I'm Red! I was found as a stray and luckily a nice person found me and is fostering me until the humane society has room to take me. I'm a sweet b…
Polk County Humane Society • Bolivar, MO
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Dash
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
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A614650
Stanislaus County Animal Services • Modesto, CA
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Moby
Meet Moby Moby is a 2 year, 8 month old Australian Cattle Dog weighing about 50 lbs. He is a neutered male who is both crate trained, leash trained an…
Peace 4 Paws Inc. • Westwood, NJ
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Maximus
Location: Haymarket, VA Meet Maximus! He is approximately 3 year old male, neutered ACD mix. Approximately 35lb. Things to know about me: * I’ll be yo…
Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY
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Snowflake
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Norbert
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
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Momosa
Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM
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Freckle
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Mousy
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Jack
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region — Pueblo • Pueblo, CO
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Lina
Little Lina is about 1 1/2 yrs old. Lina was at Kern County. At 24 lbs. She's just small-not a mini heeler. She's in fantastic shape and has a tail. S…
Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue • Paso Robles, CA
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Coffee
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Reeses
Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield • Bakersfield, CA
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Luca
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East Valley Animal Care Center • Mesa, AZ
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Jasper
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Jasper and I weigh 33 LBS! ~I’m a happy, energetic pup with a big personality and an even bigger lov…
Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ
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Atreyu
Atreyu is a spunky, energetic girl with plenty of personality! She loves to run and play, so she’ll thrive in a home with plenty of space and opportun…
Animal Refuge Center • North Fort Myers, FL
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Sheila
Meet Sheila This sweet 8-month-old Red Heeler girl is 38 pounds of adorable, and we are so excited to have her with AAHA. Sheila was recently rescued …
Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue • Baltimore, MD
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Mayor Humdinger
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Austin (Puppy)
Due to the high demand for puppies we anticipate multiple applications for each pup. Our volunteers will review each submitted application, then conta…
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
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Abilene (Puppy)
Due to the high demand for puppies we anticipate multiple applications for each pup. Our volunteers will review each submitted application, then conta…
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
Australian Cattle Dog dogs by state
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Adopting a Australian Cattle Dog — FAQ
Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs?
Australian Cattle Dogs can be great family dogs for active households that give them work to do, but they may nip at running children because herding is instinctive. Families with older kids and time for daily training tend to do best. An adult with a known history is easier to assess.
How much exercise does an Australian Cattle Dog need?
An Australian Cattle Dog needs a lot, more than most breeds you will find in a shelter. Plan on vigorous daily activity plus mental work. Hiking, running, fetch, and structured training all count, and the dog will let you know when it has not had enough.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs get along with other pets?
Many Australian Cattle Dogs live with other dogs, though they can be bossy and may try to herd them. Cats are a mixed picture and depend on the individual. Ask the rescue whether the dog has been around other animals and how it behaved, then plan slow introductions.
How do I adopt a Australian Cattle Dog?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are Australian Cattle Dog dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Australian Cattle Dog dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a Australian Cattle Dog?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are Australian Cattle Dog dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a Australian Cattle Dog instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Australian Cattle Dog gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Australian Cattle Dog?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
