Origin
The Australian Cattle Dog evolved in Australia during the 19th century. The cattle dog was generally developed to look after the livestock. It was basically formed from the mix of the Smithfield and the old smooth collie. This breed was the result of the pioneer settlers in the 19th century. At first this breed was created from smooth, blue speckled collie and Australian dingoes. Australian kelpie, Dalmatian and bull terrier were also mixed in this breed. The Australian cattle dog is a result of all these.
General Description
The Australian cattle dog is stout, strongly built and also athletic at the same time. They can bear hardships and they have an excellent stamina. Due to that they are capable of hard work. These dogs are not very high but they are long. They have straight boned limbs with a broad head and pricked erect ears. They have sharp canine teeth and dark brown oval eyes. This breed has a long curved tail which almost reaches the ground. The Australian cattle dog has a double coat of fur which keeps them safe from the weather. They have blue speckeles on their coat with red and dark spots.
Character
The Australian cattle dog is a complete package. It is strong, athletic and alert. This breed is very trustworthy, brave and devoted to their duties and family. These dogs were mainly developed for herding so they are quiet used up to love alone for a long time. staying alone is not a problem to them but at the same time, as this breed is very energetic they may get bored if they do not have work. The Australian cattle dogs are highly dependable provided they are given an early training. This breed do not easily mix with strangers and they are basically one master dogs. They generally obey the commands of a single person. They are aggressive to other animals and pets and they are not at all recommended for small children.
Temperament
This is a very intelligent and strong breed. Very much well known for loyalty. If they have no work they get bored very fast which may be serious sometimes. A great drawback is that this breed is not at all good to children. The Australian cattle dog is very much aggressive to pets and other animals. Suspicious of strangers. This breed often attempt at nipping at the heels of any moving creature just as they do with the cattle. Bottom line is that this breed is not at all recommended for novice dog owners.
Training
Early socialization and obedience classes are required. If time passes by things may get worse. This is an extremely obedient breed. Training classes should not be harsh as they do not respond to harsh training methods. Training must be provided with firmness, fairness and praise. The Australian cattle dogs are very fast in learning tricks.
Health
The Australian cattle dogs may be affected by hip dysplasia, deafness and PRA. The average life span is 12-15 years and average litter rate is 5.
