10 Best Australian Cattle Dog Breeders (2024): Our Top 10 Picks!

With plenty of puppy mills and backyard breeders in the country, you might think that finding a reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeder would be tough. But in reality, there are many ways to locate trusted Cattle Dog breeders.

Nowadays, Australian Cattle Dog breeders are more accessible than ever before. By knowing where to look and being patient in your search, you can easily find an Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale.

To make this quest as easy as possible for you, read this article until the end. Here, you will find a list of the ten best Red or Blue Heeler breeders in the United States today. Let’s get started!

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It has become a norm to see Australian Cattle Dog breeders marketing their available litter through websites, social media pages, and ads. If you are looking for Blue Heeler puppies for sale online and are not sure how to identify a puppy scam from a legitimate breeder, read our ultimate puppy buying guide. It offers useful tips on how to safely transact via the internet and identify scam red flags.

10 Places to Find Australian Cattle Dog Puppies for Sale

Also known as the Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler, or Blue Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is one of the most popular shepherd dogs in the world. That said, it’s no wonder you’ll find many ACD breeders these days.

However, when buying a pup from a breeder or kennel, you should opt for one that has been certified by the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America (ACDCA), American Kennel Club (AKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

For your reference, the following are ten places where you can find certified breeders that offer Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale:

1. Ironclad Australian Cattle Dogs (IACD) – Arizona

Located in Waddel, Arizona, Ironclad Australian Cattle Dogs kennel takes pride in breeding and raising a line of Australian Cattle Dogs that are great companions, hard workers, and loyal protectors.

Most of their Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale also grow up to be excellent competitors in the show ring. Hence, one can expect that these canines’ genes will be rich with all the traits required to become champions.

Whether it be Schutzhund, weight pulling, agility, conformation, or obedience competition — all Blue Heeler puppies from IACD are sure to impress everyone.

The owner of IACD is a proud member of the Australian Cattle Dog Club of Greater Los Angeles (ACDCGLA), AKC, and the ACDCA as well.

Therefore, you can anticipate that this kennel abides by the ACDCA code of ethics and strives for excellence in all areas of its breeding program.

If you are interested, note that you will need to fill out a puppy questionnaire to determine whether your home environment is suitable for an Australian Cattle Dog puppy.

Ironclad Australian Cattle Dogs (IACD) Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Ironclad Australian Cattle Dogs (IACD)
• Address: 7249 N. Perryville Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355
• Phone: (602) 448-9888
• Email: azreiners.cy@gmail.com
• Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook.

2. Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs – Oklahoma

Awarded by the American Kennel Club as the breeder of the year in 2014, the owner of Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs has been producing quality Australian Cattle Dogs since 1964.

As a family-operated business, this breeder is dedicated to breeding Red or Blue Heelers with a natural instinct for cattle work and companionship. They strive to produce pooches that are intelligent, athletic, and healthy.

In addition, this kennel checks the health of all their Australian Cattle Dog puppies before they leave their facility. Hip dysplasia and eye problems are also screened in the sires and dams before breeding takes place.

Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs is also a recipient of the AKC’s Breeder of Merit award, guaranteeing that you will be obtaining an exceptional pup when you purchase one from them.

The photos of their available Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale are uploaded on their website, so you can easily choose one that matches your preferences.

Keep in mind, however, that a non-refundable deposit fee is required to hold an Australian Cattle Dog puppy until it is ready to go home with you.

Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs
• Phone: (918) 782-9866
• Email: theresa@junct.com
• Special Note: You can check them out on Facebook.

3. Cobalt Kennels – California

Nestled in California, Cobalt Kennels is a family-run business with a focus on health and temperament. They breed their Australian Cattle Dogs in accordance with the ACDCA’s standards and principles.

Their goal is to produce high-quality, happy canines that make excellent companions for families, children, singles, and seniors — whether it’s at home or out in the world.

Additionally, each of their Australian Cattle Dog sire and dam has undergone Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluation, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing, and DNA analysis.

All these measures ensure that their Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale are genetically sound, well-rounded dogs with excellent dispositions.

While most breeders typically offer pups with limited AKC registrations, Cobalt Kennels puts forward a co-ownership program. This means you will own your ACD puppy jointly with them.

It is also worth noting that their Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500. But the actual price could go much higher if you factor in additional expenses, such as shipping costs.

Nonetheless, Alexis and Pete Kurowski, owners of Cobalt Kennels, assure buyers that the benefits far outweigh the costs when it comes to buying a Queensland Heeler puppy from their kennel.

Cobalt Kennels Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Cobalt Kennels
• Address: 4899 Suisun Valley Rd #2, Suisun City, CA 94534
• Phone: (530) 510-1404
• Email: cobaltkennels@gmail.com
• Special Note: You can also reach out to them on Facebook.

READ NEXT: Red Heeler Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, Puppy Price & FAQs

4. Bar H Cattle Dogs – Nevada

As a member of the AKC’s Breeder of Merit program, Bar H Cattle Dogs is one of the most trusted ACD breeders in the country.

In fact, this breeder has a long history of producing show-quality Australian Cattle Dog puppies.

Prior to breeding, Bar H Cattle Dogs undergo an intensive selection process to ensure that they only use dogs with the best genetic material.

They screen every pooch they consider for breeding through a series of health and temperament tests. Such assessments allow them to produce only the healthiest Australian Cattle Dog puppies possible.

Further, this breeder is committed to ethical breeding practices; all ACD pups are sold with full disclosure about their genetic lines and health backgrounds.

They even provide the best methods for housebreaking your Australian Cattle Dog puppy and offer tips on how to start obedience, leash, agility, and crate training.

Overall, Bar H Cattle Dogs kennel aims to achieve excellent standards for the breed, including behavior, soundness, and longevity. They only want nothing but the finest for their puppies and their buyers.

Bar H Cattle Dogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Bar H Cattle Dogs
• Address: P.O. Box 1325, Gardnerville, NV 89410
• Phone: (805) 688-9628
• Email: barhcattledogs1@verizon.net

5. Flying D Kennels – Oklahoma

Since its inception in 2015, Flying D Kennels has been a trusted Australian Cattle Dog breeder. The business has been built on the belief that the best ACD pups are produced in the right environment.

The owner and their team strive to provide their customers with nothing but the best Queensland Heeler dogs. They breed solely for conformation, temperament, and health — not just breeding dogs to sell them.

From OFA to hips scores and eye exams, Flying D Kennels provides a comprehensive evaluation of their breeding stock.

This way, they can guarantee that every Australian Cattle Dog puppy they sell is healthy and ready for its new family.

That said, if you are interested in buying from Flying D Kennels, be prepared to spend $1,500 and up. They also offer private delivery for around $650 to $1,200, but this will still vary depending on your exact location.

Nevertheless, you are sure to get an Australian Cattle Dog puppy from them that’s already spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and up-to-date on all vaccine shots.

Flying D Kennels Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Flying D Kennels
• Address: P.O. Box 562, Fairview, OK 73737
• Phone: (580) 603-3602
• Email: flyingdkennels@outlook.com
• Special Note: You can also check them out on Twitter, MeWe, YouTube, and Instagram.

6. Twin Springs Kennel – Tennessee

With the versatility and athleticism of the Australian Cattle Dog breed in mind, Amy Peters decided to open up the Twin Springs Kennel and share their fondness for this canine with other enthusiasts.

She produces AKC-registered Australian Cattle Dogs, which are the best of the best, and she has been a participant in the Breeder of Merit program of the said canine organization.

This Australian Cattle Dog breeder also proudly displays the achievements of their pooches on their website.

In fact, from barn hunting to dock diving to agility competition, Twin Springs Kennel’s ACDs have excelled in every aspect of their training.

Just be aware that an Australian Cattle Dog puppy from them can run you between $1,500 and $2,000; however, it is well worth it! You will end up with a well-behaved, loving pup that will keep you company for years to come.

Further, Twin Springs Kennels is highly regarded as one of the top kennels in Tennessee for breeding Australian Cattle Dogs. So before their stocks run out, make sure to contact them immediately!

Twin Springs Kennel Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Twin Springs Kennel
• Address: 944 Pine Hill Road, Tazewell, TN 37879
• Phone: (423) 441-9032
• Email: twinspringskennel@gmail.com
• Special Note: You can check them out on Facebook as well.

7. Caray Australian Cattle Dogs – Colorado

Situated in Colorado, Caray Australian Cattle Dogs has been breeding and showing Red and Blue Heeler puppies since 1994.

Therefore, you can confirm that their Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale is top-notch.

Like any other Australian Cattle Dog breeder mentioned in this article, Caray Australian Cattle Dogs is a proud member of the AKC and ACDCA. As expected, they make sure that their dogs are free from genetic issues.

So whether it is OFA or BAER testing, this breeder can provide aspiring Australian Cattle Dog parents with the necessary health clearances.

Because the breeder owns a 70-acre ranch that is home to many animals, such as chickens, horses, and calves, their Australian Cattle Dogs are well-adjusted to interacting with other species at an early age.

All things considered, it is easy to see why so many people trust this breeder!

Caray Australian Cattle Dogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Caray Australian Cattle Dogs
• Address: 7199 County Road 65, Keenesburg, CO 80643
• Phone: (970) 381-8897
• Email: geisl32@aol.com

8. Sugar-N-Spice Australian Cattle Dogs – Arizona

Sugar-N-Spice Australian Cattle Dogs is a small, family-owned kennel in Arizona. They were awarded the AKC Breeder of Merit award in 2015 and earned a Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program award in 2017.

To be specific, Sugar-N-Spice Australian Cattle Dogs has been producing dogs since 2009 and brings over 13 years of experience to their breeding program.

The foundation of Sugar-N-Spice’s program is based on dedication and love for the breed, with an emphasis on quality, disposition, and durability.

This Australian Cattle Dog breeder also takes great pride in educating all customers about this breed’s common health issues and needs.

Knowing how ACDs are predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia, blindness, and deafness, Sugar-N-Spice wants potential dog owners to feel prepared before making such an important decision.

Having said that, dogs from this breeder are subjected to OFA and BAER tests, as well as Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) and Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-PRCD) examinations before breeding.

But in the meantime, watch this video of Sugar-N-Spice’s Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale:

Sugar-N-Spice Australian Cattle Dogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Sugar-N-Spice Australian Cattle Dogs
• Address: 16827 W Lower Buckeye Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338
• Phone: (623) 680-4577
• Email: gribler777@gmail.com
• Special Note: You can check them out on Facebook and YouTube.

9. Cricket Creek Ranch (CCR) – Texas

Whether you are looking for an adult or Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale, Cricket Creek Ranch is the place to find your next four-legged friend!

All of their Blue Heeler puppies are microchipped, current on all vaccinations, dewormed, and come with a written guarantee that they will be healthy. They are also well-socialized with children and other dogs.

As with any reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeder, CCR is registered with the American Kennel Club and Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, and they actively participate in conformation shows throughout the country.

But due to their strict breeding practices and commitment to quality, they only produce a small number of litters annually. As such, if you want one of these highly energetic cuties for yourself, you will have to act fast.

Additionally, if you are worried about the health background of their Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale, do not fret. You can check out the health certifications of all their sires and dams on their website.

They also sell other farm animals, including horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and cattle.

Cricket Creek Ranch (CCR) Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Cricket Creek Ranch (CCR)
• Address: 4723 Fm 67, Grandview, TX 76050
• Phone: (817) 774-6580
• Email: cricketcreekranch@gmail.com
• Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook and YouTube.

10. Little Trouble Cattle Dogs – Tennessee

After owning their first Australian Cattle Dog, Little Trouble Cattle Dogs took the plunge into breeding the dogs themselves. They fell in love with their pet’s loyal personality and set out to share it with other people.

They take pride in their canines’ excellent healthiness and temperament, which they say is due to the careful selection of breeding pairs and a high standard of care.

In addition to being an AKC-certified kennel, Little Trouble Cattle Dogs makes sure that all their ACD puppies for sale come with vaccinations, worming treatments, and a lifetime guarantee on hips, elbows, and eyes.

So if proven otherwise by any veterinarian, they are willing to discuss the issue with you.

The price of their Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale ranges between $1,800 and $2,500. However, paying a non-refundable deposit fee amounting to $200 is required as soon as you’ve selected your puppy.

It is worth emphasizing, though, that this breeder usually has a long waitlist for their puppies, as they only produce a limited number of litters each year. Thus, be sure to check and fill out their questionnaire as early as possible.

Little Trouble Cattle Dogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Little Trouble Cattle Dogs
• Address: 1165 Lloyd Hall Loop, Deer Lodge, TN 37726
• Phone: (423) 223-4780
• Email: littletroubleacd@gmx.com
• Special Note: You can also reach out to them on Facebook.

Without question, each Australian Cattle Dog breeder mentioned in this section passed our standards.

However, you can also learn how to verify their legitimacy by reading our ultimate guide on buying a puppy online.

READ NEXT: Puppy Buying Guide: How to Buy a Puppy Online Safely

Other Sources for Australian Cattle Dog Puppies

While our top picks are some of the most favored and trustworthy breeders across the country, they are not the only places where you can locate Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale.

In addition, the ACD breed is highly sought-after, so expect that strong competition, long waitlists, and high prices will be the norm.

If you want options other than our top ten Red or Blue Heeler breeders, below are a few additional sources that you can consider:

• AKC Marketplace – Undoubtedly, the AKC Marketplace is one of the best sources for finding an Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale. They offer an extensive directory of breeders certified by the association, assuring buyers that they are dealing with legitimate businesses.
• Australian Cattle Dog Club of America (ACDCA) – If you want to purchase a high-quality Australian Cattle Dog puppy, look no further than the ACDCA’s list of breeders. All of them abide by the strict guidelines set by this organization, which means their Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale are guaranteed to be healthy.
• Greenfield Puppies – For those who prefer the convenience of shopping online, the Greenfield Puppies website puts forward a wide database of Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale. Further, the breeders listed on this site have been thoroughly vetted, so you can be assured that they are steadfast and experienced.

As always, the key to finding a reliable Queensland breeder or kennel is to do your research. You should go for one who has been in business for years and has a solid reputation among their customers.

How Much Does an Australian Cattle Dog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The cost of an Australian Cattle Dog puppy ranges from $400 to $5,000, depending on a variety of factors, such as bloodline, registration papers, disease testing, overall appearance, health clearances, and gender.

In fact, if you are aiming for a show-quality Blue Heeler puppy or one with exceptional breeding, the cost could be even higher. Likewise, transportation and shipping fees can significantly increase its price tag.

The table below summarizes the initial expenses involved in owning an Australian Cattle Dog puppy:

Aside from these costs, aspiring fur parents should set aside funds for routine health checkups and emergency vet bills.

Recurring and unexpected expenses can add up quickly as well; hence, it is vital to plan ahead with a budget in mind.

How to Find Australian Cattle Dog Puppies for Sale in Your Area

If you want to save money on transport costs or just acquire a puppy close to your household, finding Australian Cattle Dog puppies for sale in your area is the best way to go.

You’ll be able to see the pups before buying them, and you can even meet their parents in person.

The following tips can assist you in finding an Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale in your area:

• Go to canine competitions and events. If you are looking for an Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale, there is no better place to start than by attending dog shows. You can connect with breeders and other dog lovers, allowing you to learn more about the breed.
• Get in touch with vet clinics in your area. Every reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeder will want to make sure that their puppies are healthy and will often take them to a vet for a checkup before selling them. That said, local vet clinics usually have a list of breeders that they recommend.
• Join social media groups and forums dedicated to the Blue Heeler breed. With such a large community of enthusiasts, Facebook groups and online forums are good places to ask questions about the breed, find out about upcoming litters, and meet other people who own Australian Cattle Dogs.

But if none of the options listed above works for you, our ultimate guide to dog adoption is also here to help you find your new best friend. You’ll read all the tips and tricks you need to know on adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Another option is to learn how to find free puppies in your area for adoption. Doing so will require some legwork, but it is a good way of ensuring that you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars just to get your hands on one.

Final Thoughts

Since Red or Blue Heelers are a favorite among canine owners, it’s crucial to know where to find the best Australian Cattle Dog breeders.

But the rise of puppy mills has made it hard to tell which are reputable and which are not.

Many backyard breeders also boldly sell their sickly pups for unreasonable prices, leading to issues that may require a costly fix later on.

Therefore, before committing to any Australian Cattle Dog breeder, always do your research.

If you’ve got tips for finding a reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeder, drop them in the comments!