Every Dog’s Chance

Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption

1,170 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 691–720 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 24 of 39

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Photo of Apple, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Phoenix, Arizona

Apple

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Female • Small • 0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Apple and I weigh 9 LBS! ~I’m curious, playful, and always ready for my next adventure. ~Come down a…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Mochi, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Fort Collins, Colorado

Mochi

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Medium • 1 year

Hello! My name is Mochi and I am a sweet boy looking for home! I have been very excited meeting other dog at the shelter so you can bring any dog frie…

Larimer Humane Society • Fort Collins, CO

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Photo of Maverick, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Maverick

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Large • 2 years

Meet Maverick, a charming 2-year-old male Australian Cattle Dog ready to find his forever home! Maverick is a handsome and energetic companion who wal…

City of Tulsa Animal Welfare • Tulsa, OK

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

Skye

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Female • Medium • 1 year

Meet Skye! If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for the next adventure, Skye is your girl! This beautiful 1-year-old Cattle Dog mix is smar…

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

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Photo of Mandon, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Mandon

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Medium • 0 years

Meet Mandon! He is one of 2 Australian Cattle dog puppies that came to us from Alabama. These pups enjoy being around people. They are smart, playful …

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA

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Photo of Dota, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Garland, Texas

Dota

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Female • Small • 0 years

Garland Animal Services • Garland, TX

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Photo of Edwin, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in San Bernardino, California

Edwin

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Small • 0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Australian Cattle Dog dogs by state

California369Texas161Arizona69New Mexico55Utah49New York48Missouri42Florida29North Carolina28Oklahoma25Colorado22Minnesota17

Other breeds

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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.