There is some debate over whether the term 'heeler' is used to refer to purebred Australian Cattle Dogs or a mixed breed. http://bluespiritkennel.com/Heelers says that a heeler is a mixed breed, but http://www.deccoranch.com/Queenslands/FAQ.htm#Q3 says that the term 'heeler' is used to refer to the Queensland Heeler, which other sites say is just another name for the ACD.

I've always heard ACDs referred to as heelers, but in my neck of the woods, there are plenty of ignorant people when it comes to dogs. There are plenty of websites that refer to ACDs as heelers, so I would venture to say that the majority of people are referring to an ACD when they use the term 'blue heeler' or 'red heeler.'

The people I know use Border Collies on sheep and use ACD on cattle.

the dogs i am referring to are queensland heelers. i don't know what australian cattle dogs are.

some ranch hands i know use border collies and they work just fine with cows.

I've always considered ACD as heelers fwiw. They are very tough and resilent, but they get hot pretty easy and don't have the leg or the stamina to work all day over vast areas in my experience. I'm sure other people have different experiences with them but I worked with two who were great in the pens but couldn't really hack it on the "range". It all really comes down to picking the right "tool" for your needs. If you're working a small spread with a limited herd in a moderate climate none of this would matter. As a reference I've done this in Colorado, New Jersey and mainly Georgia. Heat and stamina has always been a concern even in the winter. I love Airedales, one of my favorite breeds, but they are not in the same league for herding. While many consider border collies sheep dogs, all the working cattle ranchers I know use them.

Blue or red heeler, Queensland heelers and ACD are the same dog. It depends on what organization you register the dog.

I will also offer my first choice for a stock dog. The working Kelpie. They are all-round stockdogs who can use "eye" and their teeth to move and control stock.


http://www.kelpiesinc.com/kelpie_registry/working_kelpie.htm

I have family in Idaho who have a little cattle ranch. (about 800 acres) They use Kelpies and they are freaking amazing.

You haven't seen anything till you see a 35lbs Kelpie put a hurtin' on a full grown Angus bull and drive him into a stockyard. Freaking cool!!

They could always tell people the Kelpie is a small, bi-colored GSD.(except the red ones) There was a movie out a number of years ago about a Kelpie/Dingo that was raised as a sheep dog. I think the movie was called Dusty. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

That movie made its way to the USA ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The one thing Kelpies are really well known for in Australia as well as their excellent working reputation is their hardiness. Hardly, barely any inherited genetic conditions even working line Bc's have problems like epilpesy and PRT,not really in kelpies. They're bred to be hardy from day one.

With purebred Australian Cattle dogs (Blue and Red Heelers) are mainly show dogs. There are Stumpy Tail cattle dogs ( different but similiar breed) used actually working cattle but they are making their way into the show ring too so who knows what will happen. But over here too Kelpies and Border Collies are used with cattle or they are mixed with cattle dogs, or just mix herding dogs.

Ok, I know this is an old thread but I gotta comment <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I have ACDs/Heelers/Queenslands/whatever the heck you want to call them. An interesting article for those interested in what sort of started the ACD vs. Heeler designation is this:

http://www.agrihelp.com/wkhrdregistration.htm

"Purebred" ACDs are not only show dogs - at least not in the US. The national breed club has worked hard to ensure that this would not happen. Are there dogs that don't herd? Well, of course, just like there are shepherds that don't bite or herd <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> However, many can and do work. My dogs do it all - herd cattle, do schutzhund, weight pulling, etc.

As for Aussies and BCs being better on cattle on large ranches, well I would disagree on that but than again I am biased <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I will accept the part that they can be tough little buggers - too tough sometimes - but stamina? Most ACDs I know will work till they drop - unless they are out of shape or unhealthy.

Sorry, just felt I had to put my 2 cents in on a breed I dearly love <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Now back to your regularly scheduled program....