Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption

1,170 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 31–60 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 2 of 39

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Photo of Abilene (Puppy), adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Lindsay, California

Abilene (Puppy)

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleSmall0 years

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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Photo of Chili, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Garden City, New York

Chili

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium5 years

Location: Berryville, VA Meet Chili! Chili is a 5 year old, 38 lb, spayed purebred girlie in need of an ACD experienced, child-free home (or older chi…

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

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Photo of Charles, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Paso Robles, California

Charles

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium1 year

Welcome Charles you handsome devil! Charles is stellar! He’s a very sweet and happy 18 month Cattle Dog mix. He's absolutely gorgeous. The shelter rep…

Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue • Paso Robles, CA

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Photo of Raj, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Hayward, California

Raj

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Hayward Animal Services Bureau • Hayward, CA

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Photo of Margot, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Maryville, Tennessee

Margot

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium4 years

Margot is a 4-year-old Mini Australian Cattle Dog weighing 32 lbs, and she lives life with the confidence of a dog twice her size. Bold, tenacious, an…

Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center • Maryville, TN

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Photo of Utah, adoptable Cattle Dog in Evansville, Indiana

Utah

Cattle Dog MaleLarge5 years

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Meet Utah! Looking for an adventure buddy who also loves to cuddle? Meet Utah! This handsome 5-year-ol…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Lucy Muffin, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Brighton, Colorado

Lucy Muffin

Queensland Heeler FemaleMedium3 years

This sweet and loving gal is a well-mannered companion—already potty trained and crate trained—with a heartwarming history of thriving in homes with k…

Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO

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Photo of Maggie, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Garden City, New York

Maggie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMediumYoung

Location: Middlebury, VT Meet the most marvelous Maggie! This adorable pint sized heeler girl was found at a shelter after being left by her people wh…

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

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Photo of Cacahuate, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in San Diego, California

Cacahuate

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMediumYoung

Meet Cacahuate! DOB: June 2025Weight: 42lbsDisposition: Sociable, Calm, PlayfulHistory: Cacahuate's previous owners decided they no longer wanted him …

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Heeler Pups, adoptable Cattle Dog in Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia

Heeler Pups

Cattle DogMediumBaby

We have an adorable litter of 3/4 Heeler and 1/4 ? pups 4 Adoption They are 6 weeks, they have had their first vaccines, deworming. Taking in applicat…

Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, Inc • Mouth Of Wilson, VA

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Photo of Churro, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Tracy, California

Churro

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium2 years

THIS PET IS A FOUND PET**Date Found: 9/11/26Location Found: N Tracy blvd & Lowell areaStatus of Pet: In FINDERS HomeMicrochip Status: None**This pet i…

City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA

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Photo of Margo, adoptable Cattle Dog in Grovertown, Indiana

Margo

Cattle Dog FemaleSmall0 years

This puppy is one of 32 we rescued from Louisiana, where animal welfare protections are almost nonexistent. Puppies there are often born into neglect …

Save A Dog Rescue • Grovertown, IN

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Photo of Chuck, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Fairfield, California

Chuck

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium6 years

Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Division • Fairfield, CA

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.