Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of the driving dog first developed in Australia for herding livestock over long distances across rough terrain. This is a medium-sized and short-coated breed that comes in two main colors. The brown or black hair spread fairly through a white coat, give the look of a "red" or "blue" dog.
The Australian Cattle Dog is an active and intelligent breed. It reacts well to organized training, particularly if it is exciting and challenging. It forms a strong affection to its owners and can be a protector to them and their belongings.
The female Australian Cattle Dog has a length around 43cm to 48cm (17 – 19 inches) at the withers, and the male has a length around 46cm to 51cm (18 – 20 inches) at the withers. The Australian Cattle Dog in good health normally weighs around 15kg to 22kg (33 – 49 lbs.).
Appearance
The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong, brawny, compact dog that gives the impression of alertness and strength. It has a wide brain that flattens to a sure stop between the eyes, with muscular cheeks and a medium-length, deep, potent nose. The ears are pricked, small to medium in size and set at a wide distance, with a coating of hair on the inside. The eyes are elliptical and dark, with an alert, extreme look. The neck and shoulders are robust and brawny; the forelegs are straight and parallel; and the feet are fat and curved, with small, strong toes and nails.
Coat and Colour
Australian Cattle Dog has two famous coat colors; red and blue. The blue dogs can be blue, blue spotted, or blue speckled with or without black, dark, or white colorations. The red dogs are spotted with dense red colors. Both dogs are born white, but the red or black hairs grow as they get matured. The unique adult coloration is the result of black or red hairs closely spread through a mostly white coat. This is not merle coloration, but rather the result of the genetic factor.
Tail
The Australian Cattle Dog has a natural, lengthy, and un-docked tail. There is mostly a solid color spot at the base of the tail with a white colored tip. In the USA, the tail of Australian Cattle Dog is sometimes docked on working stock but the tail is not docked in Australia.
Temperament
Australian Cattle Dog has an active body, alert mind, and a high level of independence. The breed ranks 10th in most of the intelligence dogs. The cattle dog needs sufficient exercise, friendship, and additional events that engage its body and mind.
At home, the Australian Cattle Dog is a loving and playful pet. Sometimes, it can engage with people it does not know as the dog remains cautious in new situations. Its approach to strangers makes it a super guard-dog when trained for this task. It is decent with elders, attentive to children, proactive in nature, and can herd people by nipping at their heels, especially the younger children who run and cry. The trend of nipping heels with a mature dog can be dangerous if vexing behaviors are left unchecked.
Normally, the Australian Cattle Dog works silently, barks in alarm or to attract attention. It has a uniquely powerful, and high-pitched bark which can be a symbol of boredom or frustration.
Activities
Australian Cattle Dog desires a high level of physical activity. Like several other droving dog breeds, Australian Cattle Dog has an alert mind. If it is not given any activity, it will find its own activities.
Generally, Australian Cattle Dogs is an active hiking mate because of its natural stamina, lack of interest in hunting, and preference to stay with its owner's side. Many Australian Cattle Dogs love the water and are wonderful swimmers. It is an adaptable dog that can accept indoor living environments if its substantial exercise and friendship requirements are met.
Lifespan
The Australian Cattle Dogs have an average lifespan of 11.7 to 15.9 years and generally enjoy a life about one year lengthier than most dogs of other breeds in the similar weight class. Several members of such breed are still well and active at 12 or 14 years of age, and some maintain their good sight, hearing and even their teeth until their final days.
History
As name shows, Australian Cattle Dog was originated in Australia in the 1800s. Its nicknames ‘Blue Heeler’ and ‘Red Heeler’ depends on its coat. The breed was formally introduced in 1980 by American Kennel Club and it was reclassified to “Herding Group” in 1983. Later, it was recognized internationally by different federations in the United States, Great Britain, and Canada.
Also see: Adorable Puppies of Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler and Red Heeler