Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption

1,170 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,021–1,050 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 35 of 39

Photo of Penny, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Paramus, New Jersey

Penny

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleSmall2 years

Poor Penny was left behind when her owner went to prison. We hope to find her a wonderful family that will give her the love and security that she did…

Friends for Life Animal Rescue • Paramus, NJ

Photo of Peanut Butter, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Fenton, Missouri

Peanut Butter

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Meet Peanut Butter He is about 4 months old and is a happy boy with the perfect blend of puppy fun and love muffin! His daddy is a blue healer and his…

4 Paws 4 Rescue • Fenton, MO

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

Callie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium2 years

Location: Dover, NH AVAILABLE Callie Approx 31lbs, 2 years old, good with dogs and kids. Callie is so sweet. She has a drive that shows on walks but i…

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association • Garden City, NY

Photo of Declan, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Declan

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Declan a Heeler mix, born 2/21/2026, is full of personality and never shy about letting you know how he feels! This sweet and spirited little guy is e…

No Dog Left Behind • Brooklyn Center, MN

Photo of Moomoo, adoptable Cattle Dog in Incline Village, Nevada

Moomoo

Cattle Dog FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Moomoo . Moomoo is a sweet cattle dog mix with a playful spirit and a heart that just needs a minute to feel safe. She can be a little shy when m…

Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation • Incline Village, NV

Photo of Selma, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Paramus, New Jersey

Selma

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium3 years

Selma, who is showing off her beautiful brindle coat, is about 3 years old and weighs approximately 40 pounds. She has been fully vetted and is up to …

Friends for Life Animal Rescue • Paramus, NJ

Photo of Mollywobbles, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Greenville, South Carolina

Mollywobbles

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler Female1 year

Meet Mollywobbles! If you love a pint sized friend who packs a punch, Mollywobbles is for you! These breed mixes are not for the faint hearted but the…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

Photo of Nala, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Santa Maria, California

Nala

Queensland Heeler FemaleMedium4 years

Meet Nala! Nala is a sweet **4-year-old Queensland Heeler mix** looking for a special person to call her own at our **Santa Maria Shelter**.Nala can b…

Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA

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

Bon Jovi

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium4 years

Meet Bon Jovi, a charming 4-year-old male Brittany Spaniel ready to find his forever home! This handsome boy is a perfect blend of calm and playful, w…

City of Tulsa Animal Welfare • Tulsa, OK

Photo of Callahan, adoptable Cattle Dog in Kennesaw, Georgia

Callahan

Cattle Dog MaleMediumYoung

A SWEET & HANDSOME FRIEND: Approx. 1 year old / Approx. 35 lbs. Hi, I'm Callahan! I came to Mostly Mutts when I found myself in need of a home! Thankf…

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. • Kennesaw, GA

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.