Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. This breed is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either red or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a "red" or "blue" dog.
As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness and accidental injury.
This particular breed originated from nineteenth century crosses between British herding dogs and the native dingo, either producing a compact, muscular animal with a broad skull and short muzzle, built for intense drive and control of cattle, which later, in the early twentieth century, branched out a more refined strain. These early working dogs were bred solely for function and require high levels of activity and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for sedentary home life. A new strain emerged in the early twentieth century through the introduction of Dalmatian and Kelpie bloodlines, creating a steadier temperament and a type better suited to be both worker and companion. From this period the breed became known as the Australian Cattle Dog as it was exported worldwide due to its popularity as a working dog. Both strains, working dog and companion, continue to be bred today. The breed is also employed successfully as a guide and assistance dog for people with disabilities, though it still requires substantial physical and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy balance.
The Australian Cattle Dog has been nicknamed a "Red Heeler" or "Blue Heeler" on the basis of its colouring and practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. The nickname "Queensland Heeler" may have originated in a popular booklet, published in Victoria.
Characteristics
Appearance
There are two distinct forms of the Australian Cattle Dog: the refined twentieth century strain developed after the inclusion of Dalmatian and Kelpie bloodlines, and the older nineteenth century working strain that has remained largely unchanged from the widely successful cross breed of breed of dingo and English Collie.Prospective owners should understand the distinction between the two types considering this breed, to distinguish between them and take the time to reflect throughout further documentation. It appears that the lighter type being more adaptable as a companion and also bred for the purpose of exhibitions as in the early stages of its development, as city owners began to favour the appearance of this country breed, being to them of interest at the time.
The modern strain of ACD is the one most commonly seen in urban environments. It is a medium sized, short coated dog with a compact, balanced outline and smooth curves through the body. The head is finer in proportion rather than broad with a rounded top, a gentle stop between the eyes and a finer, more delicate muzzle that gives a balanced and refined appearance. The coat is close and, to a degree, weather resistant, rather than coarse. The ears are pricked, of medium size, and set well apart; the eyes are oval and dark with a keen, intelligent expression. The overall impression is of an alert, athletic dog capable of endurance and quick bursts of speed.
The nineteenth century working strain remains common in rural Australia, representing an estimated forty percent of the national population. These dogs are sturdier in frame, with thicker bone, a boxier head, a strong jawline, and a dense double coat providing protection from rain and scrub. Some display a small white star on the top of the head, reminiscent of the Bentley mark, a feature linked to the refinement of this strain during the late nineteenth century. Their square build, clear stop between the eyes, deep powerful muzzle, and heavier musculature reflect selection for toughness and stamina rather than refinement. This traditional form continues to be favoured by stockmen for demanding cattle work in rough conditions, although its appearance has also become the preferred style in modern dog shows.
Temperament
Like many working dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog has high energy levels, an active mind, and a level of independence. The breed ranks 10th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, rated as one of the most intelligent dogs ranked by obedience command trainability. The Cattle Dog needs plenty of exercise, companionship and a job to do, so a non-working dog might participate in dog sports, learning tricks, or other activities that engage its body and mind.When on home ground, the Australian Cattle Dog is an affectionate and playful pet. However, it is reserved with people it does not know and naturally cautious in new situations. Its attitude to strangers makes it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task, and it can be socialised to become accustomed to a variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal. By the time puppies are weaned, they should have learned that the company of people is pleasurable, and that responding to cues from a person is rewarding. The bond that this breed can create with its owner is strong and will leave the dog feeling protective towards the owner, typically resulting in the dog's never being too far from the owner's side. The Australian Cattle Dog can be the friendliest of companions although it is quick to respond to the emotions of its owners, and may defend them without waiting for a command. It was originally bred to move reluctant cattle by biting, and it will bite if treated harshly. The Australian Cattle Dog's protective nature and tendency to nip at heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if unwanted behaviours are left unchecked.
While an Australian Cattle Dog generally works silently, it will bark in alarm or to attract attention. Barking can be a sign of boredom or frustration, although research has shown that pet dogs increase their vocalisation when raised in a noisy environment. It responds well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order can trigger aggression. It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs.
Size
The female Australian Cattle Dog measures approximately at the withers, and the male measures about at the withers. The dog should be longer than tall, that is, the length of the body from breast bone to buttocks is greater than the height at the withers, in a ratio of 10 to 9.As pets
Grooming
Known as a "wash and wear" dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming. It is not a year-round shedder but blows its coat once a year.Training
Like other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent and responsive; both of these traits can be an advantage in training where a structured, varied program is used, but can lead to unwanted outcomes if training is not consistent, or is repetitive and boring for the dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is biddable, and responds well to training.Activities
The Australian Cattle Dog demands a high level of physical activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, the Cattle Dog has an active and fertile mind and if it is not given jobs to do it will find its own activities. It will appreciate a walk around the neighbourhood, but it needs structured activities that engage and challenge it, and regular interaction with its owner. While individual dogs have their own personalities and abilities, as a breed the Australian Cattle Dog is suited to any activity that calls for athleticism, intelligence, and endurance.Kennel club-sponsored herding trials with a range of events suit the driving abilities of the Cattle Dog. Herding instincts and trainability are measured at non-competitive herding tests, and basic commands are sometimes taught through herding games, where rules such as "stay", "get it" and "that'll do" are applied to fetching a ball or chasing a yard broom.
The Australian Cattle Dog was developed for its ability to drive reluctant cattle to travel long distances and may be the best breed in the world for this work. However, some working dog trainers have expressed concern that dogs bred for the show ring are increasingly too short in the legs and too stocky in the body to undertake the work for which they were originally bred.
Among the most popular activities for an Australian Cattle Dog is dog agility. It is ideally suited for navigating obstacle courses, since as a herding dog it is reactive to the handler's body language and willing to work accurately at a distance from the handler. Agility has been used by Cattle Dog owners to instil confidence in their dogs, and enhance their performance in training and competition.
The Australian Cattle Dog thrives on change and new experiences, and many handlers find training the breed challenging for this reason. An Australian Cattle Dog can excel in obedience competition. It will enjoy the challenges, such as retrieving a scented article, but the breed's problem-solving ability may lead it to find solutions to problems that are not necessarily rewarded by the obedience judges. Rally obedience offers more interaction with the owner and less repetition than traditional obedience trials.
Australian Cattle Dogs have been successful in a range of dog sports including weight pulling, flyball and schutzhund. The breed is particularly suited to activities that a dog can share with its owner such as canicross, disc dog, and skijoring or bikejoring. It is an effective hiking companion because of its natural endurance, its general lack of interest in hunting, and preference for staying by its owner's side. Most Australian Cattle Dogs love the water and are excellent swimmers. It is not a hyperactive breed, and once one has had its exercise, it is happy to lie at its owner's feet, or to rest in its bed or crate while keeping an ear and eye open for signs of pending activity. The Australian Cattle Dog is an adaptable dog that can accept city or indoor living conditions, if its considerable exercise and companionship needs are met.
The Australian Cattle Dog can be put to work in a number of ways. Cattle Dogs are service dogs for people with a disability or are therapy dogs, some work for customs agencies in drug detection, some as police dogs, others haze pest animals, such as geese, for city or state agencies, and some work as scat-detection dogs, tracking endangered wildlife species.