Australian Cattle Dog Dogs for Adoption

1,171 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,111–1,140 of 1,171 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.

1,171 Australian Cattle Dog dogs available — page 38 of 40

Photo of Jasper, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Dana Point, California

Jasper

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleSmall1 year

Jasper is an energetic and smart 18 month old cattle dog mix. He is a very handsome boy, mostly white with some brown markings, including a heart shap…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Photo of Bogart, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog in Dana Point, California

Bogart

Australian Cattle Dog MaleMedium0 years

Meet Bogart! He’s a sweet, playful and loving 6.5 month old Shepherd/Cattle Dog Mix. He’s a little shy at first but once he warms up he’s very affecti…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Photo of Rodney, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog in Mountainair, New Mexico

Rodney

Australian Cattle Dog MaleMedium0 years

Meet Rodney! 💙 Rodney is a sweet Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) mix who will make a loyal companion for someone. He was found in the desert with…

Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) • Mountainair, NM

Photo of Phyllis, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog in Mountainair, New Mexico

Phyllis

Australian Cattle Dog FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Phyllis! ❣️ Phyllis is a sweet Red Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) mix. She was found in the desert with three other dogs similar aged (likely lit…

Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) • Mountainair, NM

Photo of Betts, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog in Mountainair, New Mexico

Betts

Australian Cattle Dog MaleMedium0 years

Meet Betts (affectionately named after Mookie Betts)! 💙 Betts is a sweet Red Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) mix. He was found in the desert with thre…

Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) • Mountainair, NM

Photo of Hip Hop, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hip Hop

Australian Cattle Dog Male1 year

If you’re looking for a gentle boy whose heart is finally blooming, that’s me — HipHop — trying my best every day to trust humans and let them into my…

White Rose Sanctuary • Colorado Springs, CO

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

Echo

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium1 year

The new girl is here! All 16 lbs of her! Echo is a one year old cattle dog mix- nice small size! Echo came from Kern County, where her two siblings we…

Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue • Paso Robles, CA

Photo of Sunshine, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Washington, District of Columbia

Sunshine

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium3 years

SUNSHINE NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Sunshine Best Guess for Breed: Cattle dog mix Best Guess for Age: 3 years as of August 2026 SEX: Female Approx…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Ziggie, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Tallahassee, Florida

Ziggie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Hi, I'm Ziggie! I'm a handsome 34-pound guy patiently waiting for my forever home. The shelter environment can feel a little overwhelming for me at ti…

Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center • Tallahassee, FL

Photo of Cleo, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Parker Ford, Pennsylvania

Cleo

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

Meet Cleo! Currently 14.5 weeks old Cleo and his littermates arrived from Tennessee. He has adjusted well to his home with two other dogs. Sleeping in…

Forever Home Rescue • Parker Ford, PA

Photo of Billie, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Wetumpka, Alabama

Billie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMedium1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please make sure you have…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

Photo of Scooter, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Lindsay, California

Scooter

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium0 years

If you’re looking for a happy, social, all‑around good boy, Scooter is your guy. This sweet pup was found on the side of the road, but you’d never kno…

Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA

Photo of Roo, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Texas City, Texas

Roo

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium3 years

Hop right into happiness with Roo! This handsome Australian Cattle Dog mix is an absolute dream of a companion who lives to please his favorite humans…

Galveston County Animal Shelter • Texas City, TX

Photo of Champ, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Gardena, California

Champ

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleLarge4 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, 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.