One heeler I have has no interest in heels. When she is very excited, she tries nipping my ankles. And, with training and maturity, the behavior is slowly diminishing. Both mentally and physically, the ACD is an active dog. Basic obedience is essential, and most ACDs enjoy flyball, agility, advanced obedience, tracking and other physically and mentally challenging activities.
Cattle Dogs are very active, robust, agile, herding dogs.
They can be very good with children because they are naturally protective and not at all fragile. Like all dogs, Heelers need to be supervised with children and the children need to be taught that the dog is a feeling creature that cannot be abused. See The Complete Dog Book , 17th Edition, an Official Publication of the American Kennel Club for the current U.S. breed standard. ACDs carry two forms of PRA according to several breeders. The late onset form isn't detectable before age 6 or so, with visual problems becomming evident around 6-8 years of age.