Australian Cattle Dogs are highly intelligent and very, very active. Not for the novice or casual owner, Cattle Dogs require an experienced and involved owner. Cattle Dogs tend to be wary by nature and require early socialization with both humans and other animals. Extremely courageous and protective, a Cattle Dog will lay down its life to protect its home and family.

Cattle Dogs are very strong-willed and will try to dominate other dogs (they can and will dominate weak-willed humans as well). Their intelligence and energy level require strong leadership and early training on the part of the owner. They also require prodigious amounts of exercise. Like most dogs, a bored Cattle Dog can and will find ways to entertain itself. Cattle Dogs left to their own devices have been known to remodel homes, rearrange furniture, turn tables into firewood, etc. Always remember, a tired Cattle Dog is a good Cattle Dog.