Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle dog was developed in Australia as a herding dog very much as the name suggests. This medium-sized short-haired dog has a bluish color to its dense course coat. They have a naturally long tail which they carry low, with a white tip on the end. This intelligent dog has abounding energy and needs plenty of exercise. They are naturally cautious and become more so with age. This cautiousness with strangers makes for an excellent guard dog when trained to do so. Australian Cattle dogs live on average for 12 years. The Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog prepared to herd cattle all day long. And when it comes to cattle herding, this breed has no equal in skill or ability. History The Australian Cattle Dog originated in the 19th century. At that time, Australian farmers bred Dalmatians, Black and Tan Kelpies, Dingos, and Blue Merle Collies together. The resulting dog was the Australian Cattle Dog. It was first named the Blue Heeler and the Australian Heeler, but the name was changed to reflect the dog's use in the beef industry. Appearance These dogs look mostly like Dingos, however they have a thicker build and different markings. The coat can be either blue or red. Blue Australian Cattle Dogs may be mottled or speckled and have other markings in black, blue, or tan shades. Tan patches can cover the legs, chest, and throat. Red Australian Cattle Dogs are almost always speckled. If any other markings are on the body or head, they are usually in darker red shades. Under the coat, the body is very compact, giving the dog the appearance of power. Legs are strong and powerful. Height at the withers is approximately 20 inches for males and 19 inches for females. The head is in proportion to the rest of the body. Eyes usually appear alert and bright and are dark brown. The ears are typically small with a slight point. Temperament This dog is naturally protective, which is why the breed excels at cattle herding. It will protect its herd and control their movements. Above all, though the Australian Cattle Dog is loyal to his master, who is usually the Stockman of the farm. The dog will usually be suspicious of strangers, expecting them to behave as predators. However, they are not overly aggressive. One of their prominent characteristics is determination. While herding, it is hard to discourage this dog. Health Issues The average lifespan of an Australian Cattle Dog is between 11 and 13 years, which is average for a dog of its size. The main causes of death in recent studies were old age, cancer, and cerebral vascular stroke. Deafness is a common problem in this breed. In fact, deafness is very common to any breed whose puppies are born white, like the Australian Cattle Dog's. They also have issues with blindness later in life, caused by a hereditary diseas called Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. Hip dysplasia is a minor concern, as are other musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis. Pet Care It's best for this dog to be out in the open. They have a lot of energy and intelligence, so they aren't happy unless they have a job to do. Herding cattle usually fits the bill. However, if you don't live on a farm and still wish to own an Australian Cattle Dog, it's recommended that you enter your dog into agility or obedience competitions so they have a task to master. These dogs practically demand regular activity. Training early on is necessary so that owners make it clear they are head of the pack. However, training sessions should be brief and frequent to prevent both boredom and frustration. Grooming needs are minimal because the coat needs very little maintenance. What Owners Have to Say Owners who use this dog for its primary function herding cattle praise the Australian Cattle Dog for its agility and determination. Its work ethic is unmatched. The dog is also very intelligent, so it can easily outsmart stubborn cows, making it an ideal farm dog. Owners usually recommend this dog for anyone who wants a courageous companion and dutiful partner. Is this the right dog for you? If you live on a farm and need a hard-working, intelligent, and obedient dog, then this is the breed for you. The Australian Cattle Dog can also work well with other herding dogs, like Border Collies. As long as you establish yourself as the head of the pack, this dog will follow you with few problems. However, if you plan on keeping this dog as a house pet, you're in for a few challenges. The biggest problem will be the dog's energy level. Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot of energy to burn, and they won't be happy unless the have a task to do. Disciplining them can be difficult since they become easily bored with repetitive tasks. However, if you don't make the time to have frequent, if brief, training sessions, these dogs can become destructive. Chewed furniture, damaged carpets, and scratched doors are not unusual. The ideal owner would have the time to train their Australian Cattle Dog for a competition, such as agility. Obedience competitions are not a viable option, though, because that training requires repetitive and boring training. Agility, on the other hand, provides change and an opportunity for creativity. Owners can challenge their dogs both physically and mentally if they choose this kind of competition. Another common problem with Australian Cattle Dogs is their tendency to nip at heels and moving objects. This habit is born from instinct; they nip at the heels of cattle in order to keep the herd in line. When not around cattle, they might nip at passing animals, bicycles, runners, and even children, so you must curb this habit early on. Though generally friendly, they can be cautious towards strangers and aggressive towards new animals. The Australian Cattle Dog is not without "pros,"� though. They make excellent guard dogs, so if you need protection, you'll get it. They also require little upkeep when it comes to grooming. And if you're the kind of owner that likes to spend time outside hiking or doing other adventurous things, you will probably be able to meet this breed's energy needs easily. Take all of these things into consideration if you plan on getting an Australian Cattle Dog as a house pet.

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