Australian Cattle Dog

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Origin / History The exact origin of the Australian Cattle Dog remains to be a mystery, but the breed is said to have been in existence since 1897. Settlers from Europe that brought with them their Old Smooth Collies and Smithfields found that the breeds were unable to cope with the different climate of their new home. Thus, ranchers started cross-breeding the dogs to develop a breed that can adapt to the new surroundings.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a mix of wild Australian Dingoes, and smooth, blue speckled Collies from Scotland. To make the breed more aggressive, the Bull Terrier breed was also crossed with them. The Australian Kelpie and Dalmatian were also breeds that were mixed in order to develop the Australian Cattle Dog.

Standards for the Australian Cattle Dog were drawn up by Robert Kaleski during 1893. The standards were approved in 1903 in Australia and the breed gained recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1980. This breed is also known as the Hall's Heeler, Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, or Queensland Heeler. It's given the name of "heeler" because of its skill of biting and snapping the heels of cattle.

Appearance Australian Cattle Dogs are muscular and athletic in appearance. They do not appear weak or fragile. However, they must not be too heavy because this would limit their agility. They have oval-shaped, dark brown eyes. Their heads are slightly rounded and broad, and their ears are pricked. They have double coats that consist of their short undercoat and straight, short outer coat.

Colours Australian Cattle Dogs are white when they are born and they will gradually show their color as they grow older. Basically, Australian Cattle Dogs can come in colors of either blue or red. However, they can also sport a variety of markings. Those that are speckled with blue cna have black, tan, or blue markings on their heads, while those that are red-speckled should be speckled evenly all over their bodies but can have darker markings on their heads.

Temperament Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent and get bored easily. This must be avoided because they can become destructive when they do not have anything to do. They get along well with children if they have been properly socialized at an early age. However, they might nip at the heels of people because of their instinct to herd. They can be wary of strangers as well.

Height and Weight They are 43 - 51cm in height and 15 - 16 Kg in weight.

Common Health Problems Some of the health problems that plague Australian Cattle Dogs are deafness and hip dysplasia.

Living Conditions Australian Cattle Dogs are not recommended for being kept inside apartments. They would do well when living in large yards. Those who cannot spend time with dogs or cannot keep the dogs occupied with things to do are not advised to get Australian Cattle Dogs.

Exercise Requirements Since Australian Cattle Dogs have tendencies to become destructive when they aren't doing anything, owners must make sure that they provide their dog with adequate exercise. Games such as frisbee or catch are enjoyable for Australian Cattle Dogs. They must also be taken outside for their long, daily walks.

Training Requirements Australian Cattle Dogs may become mischievous and destructive when they aren't doing anything. They can be easily trained because they possess high intelligence. These dogs must be provided with firm training at an early age and owners must make sure that they spend a lot of time with their dogs daily. Ideally they need to be performing a working task.

Life Expectancy The life span of Australian Cattle Dogs ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Grooming Australian Cattle Dogs are low maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their weather-resistant coats just need to be combed and brushed occasionally. Bathing must be done only when it's necessary.

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CompleteDogsGuide Comment A working breed best suited to owners who will use it for working purposes.

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More Australian Cattle Dog Information: Check out our Australian Cattle Dog Clubs and links to more informative websites dedicated to the breed.

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Australian Cattle Dog Photos
Bushbug.s Acuity "Amazon" and her puppies	Stud. Bushbug.s Agile N Azure. "Amos".

Stud. KORAD. Bushbug.s Aventurin Afire. herding. "Angus".	Stud. Bushbug.s Agile N Azure." Amos".
Sweet Azur.s "Chico" Blue male, import from Denmark