AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
APPEARANCE
This breed has a strong and athletic appearance, and an eager expression. Coloring is either blue or red speckle. If blue, the acceptable colors and markings are blue, black, white and tan that is distributed evenly. For red speckled Australian Cattle Dogs there should be red mottling with no cream or white. The Australian Cattle Dog weighs in at around 35-50 pounds, and reaches around 17-20 inches in height.
PERSONALITY
The Australian Cattle Dog is a very intelligent and highly trainable breed. He is a loyal and dedicated animal with a strong protective streak and a confident and strong willed personality. The Australian Cattle Dog is protective of their family, home, and territory. They thrive on human interaction and activity but are easily bored which can lead to serious behavior issues. The Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of dominance and is not recommended for the novice dog owner.
TRAINING
Early intense socialization and obedience are crucial for the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is extremely obedient. These dogs can be exuberant and stubborn, especially when they are young. They need firm handling and an owner that is willing and able to provide them with the direction and exercise they need. They are very talented in such areas as herding, agility, retrieving, guarding, competitive obedience, and in learning tricks.
EXERCISE
Since the Australian Cattle Dog is such an active breed an owner/handler must make a firm commitment to exercise frequently. Australian Cattle Dogs are great running or biking companions but don’t over exert the young dog or it will ruin its joints. Australian Cattle Dogss are also outstanding in Dog Sports - like Flyball, Agility and Frisbee.
SOCIALIZATION
Early intense socialization and obedience are crucial for the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is generally not good with children they have not been raised with. They are typically suspicious of strangers and may be aggressive to dogs they do not know. They do not get along well with other household pets or cats. He may try to gather children and visitors into groups by nipping and biting at the heels, due to his herding instinct.
LIVING CONDITIONS
They are not recommended for apartment or city dwelling but do best in a rural setting or in a home with a large securely fenced yard. This breed mostly lives outside in moderate to cool climates.
GROOMING
The Australian Cattle Dog with its short hair and highly weather resistant coat, needs very little grooming and coat maintenance. If you brush it regularly with a firm bristle brush and they receive good nutrition, the coats will stay healthy. Since these are herding dogs, their feet really important. Their nails should be kept short to maintain their strength and the pads inspected regularly for cuts or bruises and other foreign matter. Keep the ears clean as well.
HEALTH ISSUES
The lifespan of the Australian Cattle Dog is around 10-15 years. Known health issues include hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and elbow dysplasia.
HISTORY
This breed was developed in the 1800’s in Australia because stockmen needed a dog with the stamina to handle the harsh conditions in their country. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1980.
your dog`s daily magazine » Ten most and ten least intelligent dogs on August 19th, 2009
[...] • Border collie • Poodle • German shepherd • Golden retriever • Doberman pinscher • Shetland sheepdog • Labrador retriever • Papillon • Rottweiler • Australian cattle dog [...]