| Breed Description
- Australian Cattle Dog |
|
| Kennel Club Group |
Pastoral |
|
|
| General Size |
Medium |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
17" - 20" (43 - 51 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Low |
| Adult Weight |
30 - 40 lb (14 - 18 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Low |
| Average Lifespan |
12 - 15 years |
Grooming Requirements |
Low |
|
 |
| The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, well muscled yet very agile working dog. The body is slightly longer than high with a slight curve to the tail. The front legs are very straight viewed from the front, the head broad and rounding slightly between the wide set pricked ears. Their weather resistant coat is double layered with a short dense undercoat under a short straight outer coat. Dogs of great stamina and endurance, Australian Cattle Dogs are a picture of strength and agility, with intense watchful eyes. Colours are blue, blue mottled or blue speckled, with or without other markings. |
|
| The Australian Cattle Dog was bred by early settlers in the 1800's to herd cattle on large ranches after they found that Collie breeds brought with them from the UK were unable to work well in the Australian climate. The Collies were bred with the native Australian Dingo population. The resultant dog was hardier than the imported Collies and capable of driving the herds great distances in the hot and dusty Australian climate. The breed was further developed by including Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier lines which have given the breed their final form. |
|
| They are primarily working dogs and may not make an ideal family pet. Very dominant, they need to be trained and socialised well from day one if they are to be well adjusted to living with children and other pets. One of the most intelligent breeds they can easily become bored if not sufficiently stimulated and this can manifest itself in destructive or aggressive behaviour. They are a very quiet breed with little barking and are very loyal to their handlers and can be very much a 'one man' dog. |
| The Australian Cattle Dog needs plenty of regular exercise to maintain it's physical and mental health, ideally some outlet for the dogs energy such as agility trials or competition work should be included. Grooming is a simple weekly brush to remove dead hair and keep the coat tidy - they may shed heavily once or twice per year. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| This breed is largely free from genetic problems and has good resistance to disease though they can be prone to hip dysplasia, deafness and PRA which can lead to blindness. Care should be paid to proper grooming and the skin inspected regularly for potential problems. |
|
