Cattle Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs (ACD) aka Queensland and Blue or Red Heelers are one of dogs listed in the top 10 of the smartest dogs. While some may call them stubborn and willful I attribute those opinions to the fact that they can be too smart for their own good.


Because of their intelligence, energy and work ethic Cattle Dogs excel in many activities. They can be seen participating successfully in agilty, flyball, search and rescue,frisbee and of course herding.
















In the world of dogs they are unsurpassed as companions. Their loyalty and love know no bounds. They are attention seeking clowns and have the ability to bring laughter to the most somber of audiences.
(Grab some kleenex!)


They were fully recognized, by the AKC, in 1980. They gained popularity after being featured in movies and on TV programs including "The Road Warrior," "The Last of The Dogmen," "Joey," Scattering Dad," "Babe (the mean, sheep stealing dogs,)" "Brokeback Mountain," and "Inside Edition." (see more celebrity ACDs here and here.)




With popularity came backyard breeders and the ACD population in shelters exploded. People would bring these ultra smart and energetic dogs home only to find the dogs needed more time and attention than they were willing to give.

The BYBs are notorious for not screening for genetic disorders and breeding indiscriminately. Two common problems resulting in even more ACDs needing rescuing are Progressive Retinal Atrophy and deafness. Fortunately, ACDs are intelligent and adaptable and thrive, in spite of their special needs, in the right home.

New Hope Cattle Dogs' mission is helping discarded, stray and unwanted Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers/Red Heelers/Queensland Heelers (ACD's) that need a second chance to find a forever home and provide education and training to the public.

New Hope has many dogs in need of forever homes. Dundee and Eva are looking for homes. You can view more ACDs in need here.

Dundee had a pretty rough start. He was hit by a car when he was younger, was terrified of cars. A raised a hand caused him to flinch.

A nice family saw how sweet he was and took him in, but soon realized that they didn't have the resources to help Dundee recover. They contacted New Hope and Dundee's foster mom's patience helped him to become the dog he is today.

Today, Dundee is a well and well trained boy and has learned all his manners. Dundee is very affectionate and wants to be at your side, whenever possible. He's got great manners with other dogs and enjoys socializing at the dog park. He loves going on walks and is really good on a leash. Dundee likes adults and teenagers, is good with other female dogs but NO cats!

Eva was pulled me off the euthanasia list at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control by volunteers from New Hope Cattle Dogs Rescue. Eva was going to euthanized because she is sight impaired. NHCD Rescue took Eva to an eye specialist and they verified that she can see movement and shadows and she only has about 10 percent of her sight.

Eva has adjusted quite well and once she is familiar with her surroundings, you wouldn't even know she was sight impaired. Cattle dogs are very resilient and adapt well to new environments and Eva is no exception.

Eva is a total love bug and will follow you everywhere you go. Eva gets along with other dogs and will greet every human with a gentle nudge to get attention. She is approximately 3 years old, a 30 pound tub of love. She needs eye drops 3 times a day, so will need a home where someone can see to that need. Eva is very low maintenance and low key. She is good with Kids, other dogs and cats!

Please contact the Adoption Coordinator now at adopt@newhopecattledogs.com to ADOPT US!...And don't forget to fill out the Adoption Application.***Please make sure to read the Adoption Policies and Procedures at the top of this page. NHCD adoptees are not free, an adoption fee is assessed.***


Norwood's assistant is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the Dogs that Blog: ACD 2010 Calendar. I hope Norwood will give her some time off for the holidays and maybe an extra treat or two!