Yes, a red heeler is a good family dog. As a playful and protective breed, red heelers, also known as Australian cattle dogs, can be an excellent fit for families with children, especially if raised with children from an early age.
However, this breed was developed to help cowboys control cattle herds, so they have an instinct to chase and nip to prevent the herd from wandering off. Red heelers need training to help them understand that this is unwelcome behavior.
Being so active and energetic, red heelers thrive in sporty families with older children, as they’ll enjoy joining in with all outdoor activities. However, keep your red heeler on a leash when you’re in public spaces.
