Australian Cattle Dog
Form and Function - Engineered!
The Australian Cattle Dog was created by
thoughtful cross-breeding several kinds of dogs, because
of their many useful traits, such as Smooth Coated Collies,
Dalmatians, Kelpies, and a couple of infusions of the Dingo,
Australia's wild dog. Each new breed brought some more
desirable traits to this herding dog.
Australian Cattle Dogs are sturdy, compact,
symmetrically built working dogs of great agility, strength
and endurance. They are always alert, notably intelligent,
watchful, courageous, trustworthy, very loyal and protective
watchdogs of their owners property. They are suspicious of
strangers, but amenable to handling in the show ring. The
Australian Cattle Dog puppies are quick learners, and very
active, like the adults. One should note however, that they
have a strong natural instinct to nip what they herd, and so
early formal training is important, so that they will realize
little children are not to be herded, and never to be nipped.
With untrained Cattle dogs, this can lead to rather serious
consequences. Lots of daily exercise is also essential for
this breed, both physical and mental, for their well-being.
They tend to bond to the whole family and bearing in mind
the above mentioned instinctive problem, can be great
family companions. In Australia it is often
called a Blue Heeler dog. |
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Dogs: 18 - 20 in. (45 - 51 cm) at withers.
Bitches: 17 - 19 in (43 - 48 cm) at withers.
Desirable weight: 33 - 50 lb. (15 - 23 kg).
Watchdog: Excellent.
Trainability: Very high.
Protection: Very Good.
Other Names: Queensland Heeler,
Blue Heeler dog.
Life Expectancy: 10 - 13 years. |
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