Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 13 years. A suitable diet, regular activity without excess, maintaining an optimal weight and preventive monitoring help preserve its quality of life over the years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, this dog was selected to work outdoors over vast territories. Its double, waterproof coat protects it effectively, and its athletic build allows it to sustain prolonged effort. This sturdiness does not exempt it from screening for hereditary conditions known in the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to hearing, vision and locomotion. Choosing a breeder that carries out the recommended screenings reduces the risks without eliminating them, while a prompt consultation is required in the event of any decreased reaction to sounds, visual discomfort, lameness or difficulty getting up.
Congenital deafness: Unilateral or bilateral deafness can affect the breed; the BAER hearing test allows objective screening.
Progressive retinal atrophy: This hereditary disease causes a progressive deterioration of vision and can lead to blindness.
Hip dysplasia: Poor congruence of the joint can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis, with expression influenced by genetics and the environment.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its dense undercoat and waterproof topcoat, the Australian Cattle Dog tolerates cold as well as moderate heat. It must nevertheless have water, shade and rest periods in hot weather, with activities postponed to cooler hours. Its coat must not be clipped, as it contributes to its thermal protection.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Very active, the Australian Cattle Dog generally maintains an athletic build when its intake matches its expenditure. Rations must nevertheless be adjusted according to age, neutering, workload level and body condition. Treats are included in the daily ration and weight must be monitored regularly in order to limit the load on the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the puppy's hearing checked with a BAER test.
- Request eye and joint screening tests for the breeding dogs.
- Check the eyes, ears and paw pads after outings.
- Brush the coat regularly, more during shedding periods.
- Maintain a varied daily activity without overloading the growing puppy.
- Consult the veterinarian at least once a year.
Vaccination
Australian Cattle Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Australian Cattle Dog need? Like all dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Australian Cattle Dog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Australian Cattle Dog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Australian Cattle Dog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Australian Cattle Dog
Before breeding, breeding dogs should undergo a hearing examination by BAER test, regular ophthalmological screening and the available genetic tests for progressive retinal atrophy. A radiographic evaluation of the hips and, depending on the recommendations of the breed club and the veterinarian, of the elbows is also relevant. Routine follow-up includes vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental check-up and annual clinical examination.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
