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Dog
Breeds: Australian Cattle Dog (Herding Group)
The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardy and independent
member of the Herding Group. This breed has a moderate build
which helps balance the speed and agility needed to control
cattle. For the last 200+ years these dogs were used as excellent
herding canines and today this service is still in use throughout
Australia and other parts of the world where the Aussie Cattle
Dog is raised.
Australian Cattle Dogs are highly energetic and must have
a job to do in order to keep itself busy. They are equally
as playful and are safe to have around children. While they
are moderately friendly towards other dogs, they are distant
and reserved around strange people and other pets in the house.
An excellent watchdog and family protector, the Australian
Cattle Dog can fit nicely in a home that maintains an active,
outdoors lifestyle.
A Brief History Of The Australian Cattle Dog
As its name suggests, the Australian Cattle Dog has its roots
from Australia, dating back to the 1800s. During the early
period of this time there were vast lands that were used for
grazing cattle. These herds of cattle became too wild and boisterous
for the services of a traditional herding dog, therefore a
new dog was needed that could handle the job.
This new breed needed to possess certain qualities that could
enable it to travel long distances through rough terrain, in
severely hot temperatures. The dog also needed to have the
ability to control cattle without barking, as this only caused
the herd to become more wild and uncontrollable.
Several bloodlines when into the creation. A man named Hall
began the process in 1840 by breeding Dingos and several smooth
blue merle Highland Collies. The strain became known as “Hall's
Heelers”. More breeders began crossing Hall's Heelers with
the Bull Terrier, Black and Tan Kelpie, and the Dalmatian.
The result was a breed known as the Queensland Blue Terrier.
The name was later changed to the Australian Heeler, and then
finally to the Australian Cattle Dog. The standard for the
breed was created in 1897. In 1980, the Australian Cattle Dog
was officially recognized by the AKC and today is still used
to herd cattle and can be seen regularly in herding trials.
Upkeep Requirements For The Australian Cattle Dog
This is one breed that absolutely must have daily exercise,
and lots of it! They were bred to work tirelessly and a few
brisk walks on the leash is not enough physical stimulation.
Instead, they need to run and play vigorous outside games.
Coupled with intellectual challenges and obedience training,
the Australian Cattle Dog will be a happy camper.
These dogs have tolerance to moderately cool and hot temperatures
and can live outside if necessary. However they like to be
inside at night with the rest of the family. A natural-born
guard dog, they will protect the family at all costs from intruders.
Grooming requirements call for a weekly brushing to remove
dead hairs.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Australian Cattle Dog is between
ten and thirteen years. Major health concerns that run common
in the breed are deafness, elbow dysplasia, OCD, CHD, and PRA.
Minor health issues include PPM, cataracts, vWD, and lens luxation.
Veterinarians suggest that Australian Cattle Dogs get specifically
tested for hearing, eye, hip, and elbow problems.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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