| Height | 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35-50 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Intelligent / Tenacious [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Australia [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 47 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A very active, high-energy dog, the Australian Cattle Dog needs more than just a quick walk and playtime in the yard. ACDs really need a job in order to remain happy and healthy. On a working farm, this may not be an issue, especially if there are animals to herd. [1]
Grooming
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to work outdoors and has a smooth, double-layer coat that protects him from the elements. This coat has no odor or oily residue, so an Australian Cattle Dog generally needs just a quick brushing once a week and an occasional bath. Keep in mind, though, that the ACD sheds his undercoat twice a year. [1]
Health issues to budget for
A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as deafness; progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, which causes vision loss; and hip dysplasia. An ACD's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing, Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Australian Cattle Dog in 1980. [1]
- It ranked No. 47 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 56 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “ACD.” [1]
- The AKC lists Australia as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 6 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Australian Cattle Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
How big does a Australian Cattle Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) and weight 35-50 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Australian Cattle Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.