Also known as Blue or Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or simply Heeler (for nipping heels while driving cattle), the Australian Cattle Dog is a popular sidekick in Australian films. Rarely the hero, always in the background, the ACD has yet to find a starring role in a major feature film, either in Hollywood or Australia.
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Air Bud: World Pup * Year: 2000 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Low
Many dogs besides the main Golden Retrievers.
Alone for Christmas * Year: 2013 * Country: US * Breed content: High
The biggest role for an ACD, with a Boston Terrier in a starring role. Hooligan plays “Bone”. He also appears in The Wedding Pact (below) and the TV show Sex Ed.
Babe * Year: 1995 * Country: Australia/UK/US * Breed content: Low
Groundbreaking film paving the way for live-action-meets-CGI talking animal movies. Babe remains a classic and one of the best in the genre. The ACD is briefly seen as a villain dog.
The Blob * Year: 1988 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Brokeback Mountain * Year: 2005 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Two Australian Cattle Dogs accompany the cowboys at the beginning of the film, plus one shot of an Australian Shepherd. More extended footage of the dogs was cut during editing.
Captain Johnno * AKA: Touch the Sun: Captain Johnno * Year: 1988 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Low
Only a glimpse running at the school. Touch the Sun was an Australian series of TV movies focused on children in various states and territories.
The Christmas Shepherd * Year: 2014 * Country: Canada * Breed content: Low
Only a glimpse of a pale blue/white one at the animal shelter, although the ears flop forward. Maybe a mix?
A Cry in the Dark * AKA: Evil Angels * Year: 1988 * Country: Australia/US * Breed content: Low
Also with quick scenes of real dingoes.
The Darwin Awards * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Devil’s Hill * AKA: Touch the Sun: Devil’s Hill * Year: 1988 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Medium
A red female Cattle Dog plays “Killer”. Touch the Sun was an Australian series of TV movies focused on children in various states and territories. This one is based on the novel by Nan Chauncy.
Doom Runners * Year: 1997 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Unknown
An Australian TV movie.
Dusty * Year: 1983 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Low
Classic Kelpie movie. Only released on VHS tape in North America.
The Earthling * Year: 1980 * Country: Australia/US * Breed content: Low
A very strange scene late in the film with a huge pack of Australian Cattle Dogs chasing a young boy through the Bush. Why?
Fehér isten AKA: White God * Year: 2014 * Country: Germany/Hungary/Sweden * Breed content: Low
Looks like ACD in the dog pack. With over 250 dogs employed in the film, it’s hard to keep track! The star is a mixed-breed.
Golden Winter * Year: 2012 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
There are a couple of talking ACDs; making clear why you don’t do talking dogs with CGI mouth animation with no budget (just use the old-school mind-talk like Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey!).
The Greening of Whitney Brown * Year: 2011 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Red Cattle Dog “Eddie” in a couple of scenes, but mostly about a girl and Vanner horse.
Harness Fever * AKA: Born to Run * Year: 1977 * Country: Australia/UK * Breed content: Medium
About a boy and harness-racing horses in early 1900s Australia, with a blue ACD seen several times.
The Incredible Hulk * Year: 2008 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
In a Valley of Violence * Year: 2016 * Country: US * Breed content: Unknown
Last of the Dogmen * Year: 1995 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
With “Zip”.
Mad Max 2 AKA: The Road Warrior * Year: 1981 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Medium
Australian Cattle Dog as post-apocalyptic sidekick.
Man of Steel * Year: 2013 * Country: Canada/UK/US * Breed content: Low
The Cattle Dog here has a small but critical role. Seen a few times, midway and late in the film.
Marley & Me * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Only a glimpse.
The Monster of Mangatiti * Year: 2015 * Country: New Zealand * Breed content: Low
There are many dogs in this film, which is part documentary, though they are mostly only seen in the background.
Mr. Reliable * Year: 1996 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Unknown
Only on VHS or PAL-format DVD.
My Brilliant Career * Year: 1979 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Unknown
With a blue ACD.
My Own Private Idaho * Year: 1991 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
A few dogs running around at the house, and a GSD at the end. The ACD is one of the only dogs to get a clear shot.
Noah * Year: 1998 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Low
A Disney TV movie that is now hard to find.
Oscar and Lucinda * Year: 1997 * Country: Australia/UK/US * Breed content: Low
Many quick dog sightings, from a Lurcher to a Pomeranian. The Cattle Dog gets only a glimpse.
Piranha * Year: 1978 * Country: US * Breed content: Unknown
Planet Terror * Year: 2007 * Country: Mexico/US * Breed content: Low
A red ACD.
Razorback * Year: 1984 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Low
About giant, killer hogs. A sort of Australian Jaws.
Red Dog * Year: 2011 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Low
Only an ACD glimpse toward end. One of the best dog movies of modern times.
Roadgames AKA: Road Games * Year: 1981 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Mixed reports on this film. ACD? Dingo? ACD playing a dingo? Anyone have a screen capture?
The Rover * Year: 2014 * Country: Australia/US * Breed content: Unknown
Secret Window * Year: 2004 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
With Chico, the blind ACD, in a few scenes.
The Thorn Birds * Year: 1983 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Reel Dogs does not usually encompass TV shows or miniseries, but there are several interesting Australian dogs (Kelpie/Koolie/ACD+) seen a couple of times, including what appears to be a real dog fight in a pen of many dogs.
Top Enders * AKA: Touch the Sun: Top Enders * Year: 1988 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Medium
About two boys who befriend a blue ACD, although the dog is not a central part of the story. Touch the Sun was an Australian series of TV movies focused on children in various states Tree of Life territories.
Tree of Life * Year: 2011 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Glimpse of red ACD.
The Wedding Pact * Year: 2014 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Talented Hooligan plays “Buddy” and appears in several scenes.
Welcome to Woop Woop * Year: 1997 * Country: Australia * Breed content: Unknown
The Wild, the Child & the Miracle * Year: 2014 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
A short film featuring Hooligan.
Know more Australian Cattle Dog movies? Please send info to [email protected]. Thank you!