Quick Facts:

Group classification: Herding, AKC Herding

Country of origin: Australia

Date of origin: 1897

Weight (M): 32-35 pounds Height (M): 17 to 20 inches

Weight (F): 30-35 pounds Height (F): 17-19 inches

Life expectancy: About 12-15 years.

History

The Australian Cattle Dog is believed to have been bred by settlers in the late 19th century to look after cattle on big ranches. The settlers had dogs which they had come with from Europe. The dogs could not handle the extensive remoteness and unfriendly ambiance of the novel continent.  This prompted the settlers to begin experimenting by cross breeding the dogs they had.  The Australian Cattle Dog was as a result of the cross breeding of a mix of the smooth, blue freckled Collie from Scotland, the undomesticated Australian Dingoes, the Dalmatian, Australian kelpie and bull terrier. The outcome was an outstanding herding dog. The dog could work the herds silently yet vigorously, eager and capable of driving livestock across immense distances in harsh, scorching dusty environment. It was compatible to Queensland due to its excellent stamina. Both its sentinel and herding intuitions are incredibly strong and at times might extend to humans as well as other animals.

Description

The Dog is also referred to as the Australian Heeler, Queensland Heeler or the Blue Heeler. It is a muscular, compact functioning dog, dominant and yet incredibly agile. The dog has a body with the length longer than the height with a little curled tail reaching just about the hock. They have frontage legs that are entirely straight when observed from the obverse. The cranium is large and faintly curved between the broadly set, fairly pointed perforated ears. They have dark brown oval eyes with the teeth meeting in a clippers bite. They have a weather-resistant dual coat that comprise of a small thick undercoat and a small straight external coat. They are mostly covered in blue or red spots.

Temperament

The Australian cattle dog is not accustomed to a solo life in the farm. It is among the cleverest breeds and becomes easily bored to death which can cause solemn behavioral problems. They function well in an action packed environment. They are dependable, defensive and vigilant as a guard dog and excellent   in the obedience while herding.  Solid training from a tender age, daily leadership and daily physical and mental exercise produces an excellent and contented pet.  The dogs are accustomed to the one master and will be utterly obedient and loyal to this master alone. It can also be an aggressive dog due to its high dominance levels. It is also best for it to be left with children that it has known since it was a puppy. The puppies are white in color at birth but the color it will have when as an adult will be visible on the paws. The breed is a working dog and owners who cannot make time to exercise and work with the dog should not breed this kind of dog.

Health and care

Widespread diseases in Australian Cattle Dogs include the Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is autosomal recessive eye blindness. It causes the cones and rods in the eye’s retina   to depreciate leading to blindness. Dogs may also suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, reproductive pyometra infertility and deafness. The Australian cattle dogs are easy to care of. They just need to have their coats brushed and given a bath when it’s absolutely necessary. The breed is known for shading its coats once or twice a year depending on the locality and sex of the breed.

Pets4You offers listings of Australian Cattle Dog breeders with puppies for sale.