The virtues of cattle dogs, also known as Australian cattle dogs or heelers, can also manifest themselves as problems. Their ingrained herding instinct and independent nature may make them unsuitable for certain environments.
Personality
The cattle dog's stubborn streak, aggression toward other dogs and desire to dominate call for a strong, confident trainer, according to the website Dog Obedience Advice. This breed's high intelligence also leaves it prone to boredom, which can trigger misbehavior.
Barking
Cattle dogs tend to bark to excess, especially when left by themselves and often for no evident reason. This annoying trait makes the cattle dog less than ideal for urban environments.
Herding Behavior
Cattle dogs also go by the name "heeler" because they instinctively herd other animals, and sometimes people, by chasing after them and biting their heels to keep them "with the herd." This makes them potentially unsafe around small children.
Health Issues
While cattle dogs generally enjoy good health, they may face certain congenital illnesses including deafness and hip dysplasia, according to Cattledog.com.
Solutions
Enrolling a cattle dog puppy in a good obedience training school can help it to socialize properly, while a veterinarian can test the puppy for congenital health issues.
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