Australian Cattle Dogs are the sensation of the herding breeds . Keenly thinking and fabulously tenacious , they are one of hardest - working breed of all . These dogs make wondrous companions in the right place setting , but they need a very dynamic modus vivendi or all their intelligence and energy will be funnel into destructive behaviors . Are you up for the challenge of hold up with one of these dog ?

History and Origin

The Australian Cattle Dog – also known as the ACD – was develop in Australia in the 1800s by ranchers who were in need of a dog that had the stamina to work long hours in harsh condition . There is a good deal of debate about which strain chip in to the development of the breed , but according to the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) , these breeds include dingo - puritanical merleColliecrosses , Dalmatiansand black - and - topaz Australian Kelpies .

Although the ACD has been around for quite some time , it was n’t until 1980 that the breed was officially recognized by the AKC .

Breed Characteristics

Although each dog breed has its own look , Australian Cattle Dogs are very distinctive . They have a vital , intelligent appearance , and are often felicitous working outdoors . Australian Cattle Dogs want a lot of training and recitation to stay in good shape .

Appearance

The Australian Cattle Dog is thickset with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall . The head is wide with dark brown , ellipse - shaped centre and prick ear . Their nose is black , and their bite is a scissors sting , which mean the bottom tooth check just behind the upper teeth when the dog ’s mouth is shut down .

Australian Cattle Dogs range of mountains from 17 to 20 in in tallness at the withers and consider 32 to 35 pounds . Unlike most breed , females are not much small , measuring 17 to 19 column inch high at the withers and count 30 to 35 pounds . These are very mesomorphic dogs with powerful leg and broad chests . Despite their muscle mass , however , they are extremely agile dogs and move very well .

These andiron have dense priming coat and shortsighted , straight greatcoat that make them ideally suited for digest harsh weather precondition . Dogs refer to as " patrician heelers " have either a plain gloomy coating or sorry pelt with mottling and speckle . They may also have sinister , tan or blue markings on their head . " Red heelers " have a ruby-red flecked coat , and they may have darker crimson markings on their head and body , although body markings are less desirable .

Australian Cattle Dog, aka Blue Heeler

Temperament

Cattle Dogs have very interesting personality trait that can sometimes be as exasperating as they are rewarding . A lot count on how an individual dog-iron is raised and kept .

This thinking , participating breed ask a place that can provide a great spate of both mental and forcible stimulant . As a workings and herding breed , this frank will likely not be quenched leading a sedentary lifestyle . The ACD know to work and can become destructive if not provided with an electric receptacle for their physical energy and genial sleight . Unlike some dogs who are content with day-by-day walks , the ACD involve to either work as it was spawn to , or dwell in an surroundings that is particularly stimulating and provides ample chance for activity .

This strain ’s nature is to be patriotic , protective , and heedful , which makes them idealistic watchdog . The loyalty of an ACD remains with their possessor , and they may be wary or mistrustful of stranger . Although all obedient with their owners , they may show more independence with unknown .

Australian cattle dog breed card

Australian Cattle Dogs generally do not do well with kid . The exclusion are cad that have been raised around tyke , which incline to make them more tolerant . Children should be taught to be venerating of these hot dog because this outgoing breed may display herding behaviors and sapidity at the heels of people in an attempt to herd them . These wienerwurst need firm but fair education to insure they sympathize that their possessor are the alpha in the house .

Exercise Requirements

To say this breed needs a lot of drill is an understatement . These frank have an almost endless supplying of energy , and they utterly need cocksure sales outlet for it or they can wind up getting themselves into trouble . They need to be taken on everyday jogs , and they appreciate games of fetch and Frisbee . Most of all , these dog really need a job to do , because this provides the genial ofmental stimulationthey crave . If at all potential , they should be admit to herd stock or take part in herding trials .

Training

Australian Cattle Dogs are take - charge form of hotdog , so it ’s significant to set about training them as puppy . Obedience training is a must because this puts the possessor in the leaders position over the dog , and the preparation also promotes respect and teamwork between both partners .

Once canonical respect training is complete , do n’t stop there . Enter them in obeisance trials , and get them collect their titles as they move up the ranks . In addition to obedience and herding , ACDs excel in sports likeagility , tracking , flyball , and rally .

Health

Overall , ACDs are one of the salubrious breeds . However , there are still a few health way out every owner should observe for :

Australian Cattle Dogs do n’t expect much grooming . They typically shed about twice a year , and they ’ll benefit from supernumerary bathing during those times . Only bath them when utterly necessary , but do check out the ears and make clean them on a bi - weekly basis . The nail tend to wear down by nature if these dogs get proper utilisation , but you’re able to reduce the tips if needed .

Lifespan

Australian Cattle Dogs have a life-time of about 10 to 13 years . Some may live up to 15 years of age .

Famous Members of the Breed

A dog name Bluey tend to be the most well - know Australian Cattle Dog around the world . It ’s hard to believe a detent could survive to be nearly 30 years previous , but Bluey survive from 1910 to 1939 . Bluey is known as the earth ’s oldest cad , accord to theGuinness Book of World Records , living to the right age of 29 years and 5 months . He worked with cattle and sheep until he was finally put down in 1939 due to poor health .

Purchasing or Adopting an Australian Cattle Dog

If you are set on a pup , you’re able to begin by search the breeder directory with theAustralian Cattle Dog Club of America . TheAKC Marketplaceis also a great place to wait for your ideal pup . you’re able to expect to give between $ 800 and $ 1,200 , with champion line going up close to $ 5,000 .

Rescue Organizations

If you are n’t set up on an geezerhood , or are interested in mixture , you could face through delivery establishment listed onPetFinderandSave - a - Rescue . you may also search stock - specific rescues include :

Is This the Breed For You?

Although very loyal , Australian Cattle Dogs are not lap dog meant to be keep strictly as pets . These dogs have DOE to burn , and they are happy when they can live on a form spread doing the task they have been bred to do . If you have a wad of belongings and can give this click all the practice session and genial input they postulate , this could be the strain for you . If you ’re look for a sofa potato that will nest and nap all twenty-four hours , you ’ll quickly encounter that this strain is just too much dog-iron for you .

Fun Australian Cattle Dog With Open Mouth

Australian Cattle Dog running agility and coming off of a teeter totter

Australian Cattle Dog rounding up the horses

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