How Fast Can An Australian Cattle Dog Run?

The Australian cattle dog is a favorite to most doglovers.

Sometimes referred to as Queensland Heelers or Blue Heelers, Australian cattle dogs are famous for their high energy, intelligence, and passion for running in the outdoors.

They thrive through frequent runs and daily exercises.

If you’re planning to get this dog or you already own one, you may be curious to know how fast it can run. 

Australian cattle dogs are fast runners.

They can run at 24 to 25mph on average.

Due to their drive and impressive energy levels, this dog’s running speed is higher than that of the average dog breed.

Understanding how fast an Australian cattle dog can run is necessary for you as its owner.

Other than enabling you to get to know your dog better, it’ll help you give it the freedom to run without confining it to small spaces.

If you’re planning to buy this dog breed, this information will help you determine if the Australian cattle dog meets your needs and preferences.

Australian cattle dog

What speeds can Australian cattle dogs reach?

Australian cattle dogs fall in the most athletic dog breeds category globally.

They require about one to three hours of daily exercise to cater to their extreme stamina.

Their running speed is similar to that of the Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Border Collie breeds.

An Australian cattle dog can reach speeds of 25 mph on average.

When on a sprint, this dog can reach high speeds of between 28 to 30mph.

The speeds that Australian cattle dogs can reach vary with each dog. 

Since they are differently bred and trained, the speeds they can attain depending on their exercise routine and health.

You’ll find that an Australian cattle dog that undergoes daily training and takes a healthy diet can reach high speeds with ease.

What makes Australian cattle dogs fast runners?

Unlike other dogs, the Australian cattle dog is agile and active.

You may be wondering why this breed is unlike the others.

Below are the reasons behind this dog’s unique abilities.

History

The history of Australian cattle dogs explains why they are fast runners.

Thanks to their unique traits, they were bred to herd cattle after other breeds couldn’t handle this work in rough terrains.

This breed was an excellent herder because of its stamina, speed, endurance, and love for the outdoors.

These traits are still part of Australian cattle dogs, and that’s why they respond to challenging and structured training.

Body Structure

A dog to run fast needs a midsize, muscular body.

It’ll be too heavy and less swift if its body is big.

On the other hand, a small-bodied dog will have difficulty reaching velocity.

An Australian cattle dog’s strong, midsize, and compact body conveys endurance, strength, and agility with a tireless gait, making it a fast runner.

Can you make an Australian cattle dog run fast?

You may notice that your Australian cattle dog isn’t running as fast as it’s supposed to or is slower than it was previously.

Is it getting old or sick?

Before you make any conclusion, you can use tips to bring your dog back on track.

Check its health

To ensure your dog is in good health, schedule a veterinarian visit and give them a healthy diet.

At the veterinarian, you’ll get to raise your concerns, and your dog will undergo a physical examination.

The veterinarian will identify signs of any underlying health issue with your dog and give it treatment. 

Ensure that it contains proteins, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats when it comes to diet.

Your dog needs a daily intake of carbohydrates for dietary fiber and energy.

Since many dogs exhibit allergic reactions from consuming processed foods, it’s best to avoid them.

Instead, choose natural foods like chicken, rice, fruits, and vegetables. 

When buying dog food, check the labels to avoid getting those containing artificial colorings, fillers, additives, and by-products.

Ensure the bones and joints are well-formed

When a dog ages, its joints and bones start wearing out, leading to pain or arthritis.

Therefore, looking after your dog’s joints and bones is necessary, especially from a young age.

Give it foods rich in calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and magnesium.

In addition, you can give it supplements or visit a vet for further treatment.

Regular training

To make your Australian cattle dog a fast runner, start by giving it regular and slow exercises before advancing to more intense ones.

You can run with your dog and cover several miles every day.

Start with jogs, walks, and short sprints.

After a while, progress to regular, long sprints.

Be sure to use a tracker to ensure that your dog meets the daily target that you’ve set.

Remember to keep your dog hydrated during and after each session when out running.

Give him obedience training if you want your dog to stay on track without losing focus throughout the running sessions.

Besides regular workouts, you can make your dog run faster by using training challenges.

These include flyball and disc dog competitions which work to keep your dog fit for running.

Check its weight

An Australian cattle dog’s ideal weight ranges from 15-16kg to 14-16kg for males and females.

If your dog is overweight or underweight, it will affect its running.

An overweight dog is prone to joint problems and severe health issues which affect its mobility.

Being underweight weakens a dog’s immunity, reduces its mobility, and makes it lose its muscle strength.

To restore your dog’s ideal weight, feed it healthy foods, give it regular exercise and seek veterinarian guidance.

Conclusion

Australian cattle dogs are fast runners.

It has high stamina, and when it’s inactive, it exhibits destructive behavior such as howling, pacing, hiding, and chewing on furniture.

Therefore, you should ensure that it receives its daily physical activity.

An Australian cattle dog is the proper companion if you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast who needs a running companion.

It can run 5 miles per session and cover 50 miles weekly.

You can also enroll this dog for competitive events with other dogs within your locality.

Megan Turner

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