Fiona

Available

3-7 years|Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, Shepherd|Female|Medium|Attica, MI

♿️ Special needs🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart

Fiona

Available

3-7 years|Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, Shepherd|Female|Medium|Attica, MI

♿️ Special needs🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart

Fiona lives in Attica, MI and is a spayed female Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler and Shepherd mix. She’s around 3 years old, has a medium build, and sports apricot, beige, and white coloring with a medium-length coat. She is up to date on her vaccinations, house trained, and has special needs. Fiona’s drive and intelligence make her best suited for an adopter able to provide experienced leadership and structure.

About Fiona

Fiona is a 3-year-old Cattle Dog/Shepherd mix who’s made leaps and bounds since arriving at 12:10 K9 Rescue. She weighs around 45 pounds and is absolutely built for speed and endurance. Fiona came from a troubled background marked by domestic violence, and she faced serious challenges with resource guarding. After spending time in an inexperienced foster home, she entered a focused behavior program where she really turned the corner, thriving on clear boundaries and structure. She’ll never turn down a tennis ball. Fiona is endlessly energetic, fast, and shamelessly loves to play fetch. Highly intelligent and motivated by both food and toys, she soaks up training and loves having a job. She fits best with an active, balanced dog who can match her energy. Fiona is spayed, vaccinated, and healthy. Fiona needs an experienced, confident handler who will actively guide her and give her structure—an inattentive home simply isn’t the right fit. She’s come too far to land anywhere but with someone who knows how to channel her athletic drive and intelligence into good work. Fiona gets along with other dogs but thrives most when given a job and clear leadership. The rescue is happy to discuss long-distance travel or flights for the right candidate. Lets make it official, apply to adopt!

Questions about Fiona

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Fiona, as a Cattle Dog/Shepherd mix, is best suited for an active home with space to run and plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. She will thrive in a setting where someone appreciates her work ethic and athleticism.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
Dogs like Fiona typically need a yard with secure fencing or regular access to large, open spaces for exercise. A daily walk isn’t enough—she’ll appreciate active play and time to burn off her boundless energy.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Cattle Dog/Shepherd mixes can do well with children who understand dogs, but due to their herding instinct and energy, Fiona is a better fit in homes with older kids who respect boundaries and activity needs.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Fiona needs an experienced owner. Her breeds are intelligent, strong-willed, and best handled by someone comfortable providing structure, clear boundaries, and ongoing training.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Fiona gets along with balanced, energetic dogs and enjoys having a playmate who can match her stamina. Supervision and gradual introductions set her up for success with other dogs.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
A Cattle Dog/Shepherd mix like Fiona may have a strong prey drive and herding instinct, so careful introductions to cats are required. Many do not naturally get along with cats without specific training or management.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Because of her workout and prey drive, Fiona may not be the best fit for homes with small animals such as rabbits or rodents. Her herding and chasing instincts make her better suited to a small-animal-free home.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Fiona’s breeds are usually watchful and alert around strangers. Once introduced slowly and properly, they can be friendly and reserved, but they appreciate space and need time to warm up.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Cattle Dog/Shepherd mixes like Fiona don’t do well left alone for extended periods. She’ll need engagement and regular activity; several hours alone is reasonable, but she’s happiest with human company and purpose.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Fiona will need ongoing training and leadership. Her breed mix is sharp and eager to please, but their intelligence and energy require consistent, structured training and mental enrichment.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Fiona’s breed mix usually falls into the medium-size dog category, which matches her current size of about 45 pounds.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Australian Cattle Dog/Shepherd mixes like Fiona generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years when given proper care, exercise, and regular veterinary attention.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Fiona’s medium-length coat will shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall, so regular brushing will help control loose hair.