Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption

1,172 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 871–900 of 1,172 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.

1,172 Australian Cattle Dog dogs available — page 30 of 40

Photo of Augustus, adoptable Cattle Dog in Charlotte, North Carolina

Augustus

Cattle Dog MaleLarge0 years

Meet Augustus! Augustus is a 5-month-old Australian Cattle Dog/Collie mix who is as sweet as they come! Currently weighing 33 pounds, Augustus is expe…

Greater Charlotte SPCA • Charlotte, NC

Photo of Halo, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Brighton, Colorado

Halo

Queensland Heeler FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Halo! Halo is a bright, playful, and incredibly affectionate young girl who’s ready to light up her next home! She’s very smart and already knows…

Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO

Photo of Rookie, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Tavares, Florida

Rookie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleLarge0 years

Meet Rookie! This adorable Cattle Dog puppy is full of energy, curiosity, and love to give! As a young working breed, Rookie is an intelligent and act…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Photo of Fred, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in San Andreas, California

Fred

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleSmall0 years

Calaveras County Animal Services • San Andreas, CA

Photo of Shnookums, adoptable Cattle Dog, Australian (Blue Heeler) in Raleigh area, North Carolina

Shnookums

Cattle Dog, Australian (Blue Heeler) Female1 year

Affectionate · Apartment Appropriate · Calm · Friendly/social · Gentle · Good with Dogs · Housetrained · Leash Trained · Maybe Out of State Apps · Pla…

Freedom Ride Rescue • Raleigh area, NC

At Risk
Photo of Apollo, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Garden City, New York

Apollo

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Location: Louisville, KY Available: Apollo 7 months old / Neutered Male / 43 lbs Dog friendly Kid friendly ✔️ Neutered male ✔️ Up to date on vaccinati…

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

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

Carmie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleYoung

Location: Watsontown, PA. This cutie is Carmie, a very athletic ball of energy. At 19 weeks and 14 pounds she is relentless in her play with her much …

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

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

Phelps

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium2 years

Location: Doswell, VA Available Phelps Meet Phelps !! Are you looking for your next outdoor adventure buddy? This 2 year old cattle dog is it ! Phelps…

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

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

Ollie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleYoung

Location: Watsontown, PA Ollie is a male ACD mix with many many naughty spots which explains his personality. He is a fearless pup. He is nearly five …

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

Photo of Nyla, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in LEBANON, Connecticut

Nyla

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium1 year

Meet Nyla! Nyla is a beautiful Heeler mix who weighs 35 pounds—the perfect size! She’s big enough to be your adventure buddy, but small enough to fit …

East Coast Canine Rescue • LEBANON, CT

Photo of Diesel, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Coldwater, Michigan

Diesel

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium1 year

Meet Diesel! Diesel is a 1-year-old, 55-pound working dog looking for an active home that will continue to help him grow. He is neutered, up-to-date o…

Project Hope Animal Rescue • Coldwater, MI

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.