Mishka Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Rockville, MD

Meet Mishka -- a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix. Another name for the Australian Cattle Dog is a Blue Heeler, referring to the color of the coat. We do not know what he might be mixed with. He is on the small side, weighing about 35 pounds.

Mishka is a happy, healthy, active little man who gets along well with most dogs and cats that he has met.

Mishka is very smart, house-trained, and loves to learn. Since coming into foster care, he has learned how to sit, lie down, leave it, trade, how to jump up into a car and ride quietly, how to sit for his dinner bowl, and how to play “touch.” Like most herding dogs, he is wary of new people and things, but he acclimates quickly. He has a clear preference for women, but he warms up easily to men who sit quietly and offer cookies. He enjoys chasing balls, but not necessarily to retrieve them (he actually likes to demolish tennis balls!) He likes a good game of tug. Miska is an angel on the leash, walking close to his person with no tugging.

Like most herding dogs, Mishka has a lively bark and lots to say. He is learning the “quiet” cue, and his barking has diminished greatly in foster care. He also tends to resource guard food, although he has learned “leave it” and “trade” very easily. He will counter surf, so keeping food items safely out of reach is important.

Mishka’s breed requires exercise, so placement in an active home is essential. He should have a securely fenced yard for potty breaks, but he will need at least one long walk every day. Time spent jogging, hiking, or playing dog sports would be a wonderful outlet for his boundless energy. With his proven trainability, Mishka would make a terrific training partner for agility, advanced obedience training, treiball, flyball, or similar activities. Engaging in regular exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent boredom, excessive barking, and destructive behaviors. The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to work and run for many hours and miles a day. He is not by nature a couch potato.

Overall, Mishka is an adorable small guy with lots of potential as a family member and as a playmate. He would NOT be suitable for apartment/condo/townhome living due to his barking behavior. Miska bonds very closely with his person; his ideal placement would have someone at home with him most of the time. Because of his love for counter surfing and his breed-related energy and herding instinct, we do not recommend him for a home with small children.

If you are interested in adopting Mishka, please visit www.hedgesvillehounds.com and complete our nonbinding application.