Mary Allen
The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of dog originating from Australia. He is assigned to FCI Group 1, the group of herding and cattle dogs, and Section 2, the section of cattle dogs. He is declared by the FCI as a herding dog without a working test and is noted on the list of domestic dogs. In the FCI directory, the Australian Cattle Dog, as the Australian Cattle Dog is also known, is listed under the standard number 287.
Australian Cattle Dog Breed Information
Size: Males: 46-51 cm, females: 43-48 cm
Weight: 14-16kg
FCI group: 1: herding dogs and cattle dogs
Section: 2: Cattle Dogs
Country of origin: Australia
Colors: Mottled blue or red
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Suitable as: the family dog
Sports: –
Temperament: obedient, loyal, energetic, caring, courageous, careful, intelligent
Exercise requirements: rather high
Low drool potential
The thickness of hair medium
Maintenance effort: rather low
Coat structure: dense, hard topcoat and short, dense undercoat
Child friendly: medium
Family dog: yes
Social: rather yes
Origin and Breed History
The breed history of the Australian Cattle Dog is characterized by a motley pedigree. Various breeds have had an impact on the breeding and development of the Australian breed. When Australia was resettled at the beginning of the 19th century and more and more of the continent was used for livestock farming, cattle dogs and herding dogs were needed to keep the large herds of livestock in check. Dogs that looked very similar to the bobtail were probably initially used. Because of the Australian climate, long-haired dogs were considered impractical, which led to a desire for a short-haired cattle dog. In addition, the ancestors of the Australian cattle dog were designed to herd flocks of sheep and were less well suited to herding cattle.
In order to make herding the herds safer for herding dogs, Thomas Simpson Hall, who is considered the founder of Australian Cattle Dog breeding, began breeding polled cattle in the early 1830s. He was very successful in breeding and thus had a significant and active influence on dog breeding. He crossed Drover Dogs, spotted working dogs, with tame dingoes. Dingoes are wild domestic dogs that live independently of humans in the outback of Australia. These crossbreeds gave rise to the so-called “Hall’s” Hellers, which proved to be excellent herding dogs.
This was followed by further crossings with other dog breeds, including the Australian Kelpie. This is how the appearance of the Australian Cattle Dog was shaped and the foundation for today’s Australian Cattle Dog was laid. In 1903 Australia’s first official standard was published. The FCI recognized the breed in March 1972 and published the final standard in October 2012.
The breed lost an enormous drop in quality as a working dog due to the boom it experienced around the turn of the century. The appearance of the dogs was prioritized, but he was never considered a fashion dog. He found increasing popularity and recognition among the population through the book “Australian Barkers and Biters” by Robert Kaleskis, published in 1914, in which the Australian Cattle Dog was first introduced in detail.
Nature & Temperament of the Australian Cattle Dog
The character of the Australian is characterized by courage and endurance, as befits a robust cattle dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is alert and alert to the world. Driving and guarding is in his blood and guarding and protecting are among his strengths. The Australian Cattle Dogs are very docile, intelligent, and willing to work, which is why they are also ideal as companion dogs. Cattle dogs are very social, get along well with other dogs, and are considered very loyal.
Dogs of this breed can often encounter strange dogs with intolerant behavior. It is important to teach the dog correct behavior towards conspecifics from the start. They are fiercely loyal to their pack while being a good deal skeptical of strangers.
The Australian Cattle Dog absolutely needs a reference person who guides it consistently and lovingly. The dogs are very people-oriented and enjoy working together and sharing experiences with their master or mistress. It is important that the Australian is given a fixed place in the ranking. Cattle dogs need consistency and clear leadership to feel comfortable.
As cattle dogs, they are used to having to work independently and therefore have a very independent nature and a strong will of their own. Although the dogs are not considered to be extremely stubborn, proper training is important.
Is an Australian Cattle Dog a Good Family Pet?
The Australian Cattle Dog is suitable as a family dog. However, children in the family should be taught correct behavior in contact with the dog. Australian Cattle Dogs have a sunny and loving nature but need a fixed reference person who clearly says where to go.
The Appearance of the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog embodies a robust nature. His physique is compact and powerful while at the same time appearing lean and agile. He also visually brings with him all the qualities that qualify him as an excellent herding dog in hot climates. His coat is kept short, he has strong but elegant legs and is well muscled.
On average, the dogs are between 43 and 51 cm tall and weigh between 16 and 25 kg. Thus, the Australian Cattle Dog is counted among the medium-sized dogs. Bitches are between 43 and 48 cm at the withers, while males are between 46 and 51 cm tall. The Australian Cattle Dog’s skull is broad and the ears sit erect on the head. Its tail is strong and has a robust base. It is never carried over the back and helps the Australian find balance during drifting maneuvers.
The Australian Cattle Dog’s coat is dense and short, with a thick undercoat. The stick hair can be either blue or red and is always mottled. The dogs can have fur of different color variations:
- red;
- red speckled;
- blue;
- blue speckled;
- blue mottled.
The breed standard of the FCI exclusively provides for black as a coat color. Because of its rough coat, it is sometimes mistaken for a Griffon. Under the shaggy fur is a dense undercoat. The coat of fur is about an inch long, being longer at the head and shoulders. One of the advantages of the breed is that it sheds little.
Australian Cattle Dogs always have tan markings that appear either on the base of the tail or on the head. His whole body combines substance, strength, and performance, as also described by the FCI standard. He shows no signs of clumsiness or weakness and is robust and persistent.
Training and Keeping the Australian Cattle Dog – This is Important to Note
A confident and calm demeanor on the part of the owner or handler is important when training the Australian. In any case, the idiosyncratic dogs need consistent and clear guidance, since they are tempted to take the scepter into their own hands. Once used, it is difficult to train a behavior out of the dog. It is therefore essential that the Australian Cattle Dog is trained consistently and regularly from a young age. It is best to look for a suitable dog school where at least the basic training should be completed.
In the further course, it is not uncommon for owners of the Australian Cattle Dog to take various companion dog tests. Training with the clever Australian can be a lot of fun and extensively challenging both the dog and the owner. It is also advisable for the dog to be socialized at an early age. Male dogs in particular are often skeptical and behave inappropriately towards strangers of their own kind. Early training should prevent this. It makes sense to inquire about additional puppy play hours so that the puppy does not mutate into a loner and develop social skills early on.
When keeping the Australian Cattle Dog, it is essential to ensure that there is enough exercise. The sporty dogs enjoy long walks, ball games, and other activities. It is rather not advisable to keep the active dogs in an apartment, especially if it is in an urban environment. The Australian Cattle Dog is happiest when offered a large house with a yard. The dog needs enough space to romp and run. Ideally, the dog should also be allowed to live out its herding and driving instincts. He acts conditionally as a watchdog.
Is an Australian Cattle Dog Dangerous?
An Australian Cattle Dog is by no means dangerous if kept and trained correctly. This principle applies to every breed of dog. If a dog poses a danger to its environment, this is usually due to incorrect keeping or training of the dog.
Diet of the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog’s diet should be high in protein. Since the Australian Cattle Dog needs a lot of exercises, a nutrient-rich supply of its muscles should be guaranteed. Proteins are mainly found in meat. A balanced diet for the Australian also consists of a high proportion of the highest possible quality meat, vegetables, fruit, and seeds or oils. Of course, grain can also be added, in the form of flakes or as rice and potatoes. It is also possible to feed your dog BARF. This type of diet feeds mostly raw, organic meat along with other macro-and micronutrient-rich foods, such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, vegetables, and fruit.
If you use ready-made food, you can use the packaging as a guide. The nutrient distribution is usually noted here. The protein content of at least 50% should be guaranteed. The food should be tailored to the dog depending on its weight. If you cook for your dog yourself and want to make sure that you don’t feed it too much, you can calculate the dog’s calorie needs and adjust the calories of the food accordingly.
Healthy – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases
Basically, the Australian Cattle Dog is a very robust dog. If he is healthy, he can reach an age of up to 14 years. However, like many other dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is also affected by a number of hereditary diseases. These dispositions are mostly found in certain breeding lines. An attempt is made to limit the inheritance of these diseases by keeping a breed register and various tests. Among these diseases are, for example, spinal disease spondylosis and skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). The latter can be ruled out with a high degree of probability by examining the parents when buying a dog.
The Australian Cattle Dog is just as likely to suffer from hip dysplasia. But here, too, the breeder has the opportunity to test the animal or the parent animals. Apart from the diseases of the joints and vertebrae mentioned, the Australian has a disease predisposition to deafness and various diseases of the visual system. These include, for example, lens luxation (PLL), which manifests itself in the eye lens shifting into the anterior chamber of the eye. There is also a risk of cataracts and ultimately the risk of blindness. More than one in ten Australian Cattle Dogs are deaf in both ears. Deafness is usually related to the color of the dog. If the dog has large patches on its body, there is a lower risk that it will lose its sense of hearing over the course of its life.
Grooming the Australian Cattle Dog
The care of the Australian Cattle Dog is relatively simple. Regular brushing is all you need when it comes to grooming. The dog’s eyes, ears, genital area, and armpits should be checked regularly and any excess fluid, secretions, or dirt should be removed. The claws should also be kept under review and trimmed periodically if necessary.
If you walk your dog a lot on paved paths, you usually don’t have to trim the claws very much or at all, as they wear down themselves. If the dog is mostly allowed to let off steam on forest paths or meadows, the claws wear out less quickly and mechanical intervention may be necessary. Anyone who feels unsure should have a veterinarian show them how to properly trim their claws.
Australia Cattle Dog – Activities and Training
The Australian Cattle Dog enjoys any form of exercise. It is the perfect companion for bike tours, hiking, ski tours, or similar. If you are on horseback, you will also find a good companion in the shepherd dog. With a little practice, accompanying the shepherd dog on rides is not a problem, as they usually get along well with other animals. Long walks should be a fixture on an Australian Cattle Dog owner’s agenda. The dogs love to move, let off steam, and experience new things.
The training with the Australian Cattle Dog is very varied. The dogs need a handler who guides them clearly and gives clear commands. If this requirement is met, you can have a lot of fun with the Australian. The basic training should be completed in puppyhood first, so that simple commands and maneuvers are established. Then the training world is open to the clever herding dog and its owner. Various companion dog tests can be completed or any conceivable dog sport can be practiced.
The Australian Cattle Dog is best suited for agility, recreational sports, obedience, and flyball. Tracking training or mantrailing is generally discouraged since the Australian does not have an above-average sense of tracking. It is also possible to train the pretty shepherd dog as a therapy, rescue, protection, and police dog.
How Much Does an Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Cost?
The price of the dog depends on the age and the pedigree of the dog. Depending on the pedigree, the price of a puppy starts at around $1000.
Good to Know: Peculiarities of the Australian Cattle Dog
A special feature of the Australian Cattle Dog is definitely the pattern of its coat. The stippled and immediately catch the eye and are very popular due to their appearance and robustness.
Of course, the Australian’s above-average herding and protective instinct is also a special feature. He is an excellent herding dog that scores with agility, endurance, and intelligence. It is also used to protect property and herds. His confident demeanor and alert disposition make the Australian the ideal watchdog.
Cons of the Australian Cattle Dog
Hardly any breed of dog has a real disadvantage, but every breed harbors certain risks that should be considered from the start. If you bring an Australian Cattle Dog into your home, you may have to reckon with quite high veterinary costs, since the spotted beauty has a disposition for various hereditary diseases. Of course, testing can reduce the risk of a possible hereditary disease. It is best to ask the breeder directly about diseases that have already occurred in the respective breeding lines or to ask him to refer to negative tests. Anyone who turns to a professional breeder should be given this opportunity in any case.
Another difficulty that the Australian Cattle Dog may bring with them is their above-average herding instinct. If you don’t challenge your dog extensively, you will quickly end up with a frustrating pain in the ass instead of a loyal companion. Many herding dogs are prone to aggressive or inappropriate behavior if they lack adequate exercise and activity. In many cases, they start herding children, cars, joggers, or the like. However, if a good dog trainer is found and the dog is busier, this behavior should subside after a short time.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog Right for Me?
In any case, the Australian Cattle Dog needs a person who enjoys exercise and has leadership qualities. He needs a consistent and loving hand and a handler who can formulate his commands confidently and clearly. The Australian Cattle Dog can be kept as a first-time dog, but it is not recommended due to the owner’s lack of experience. It is important that the Australian Cattle Dog gets enough exercise and is challenged both mentally and physically.
The Australian fits best in a family or household that offers them a nice home with spacious grounds. So he can not only let off steam but also live out his protective instinct. He is suitable as a pure companion dog, but also fits very well in a family with or without children. He is best suited as a herding dog, which is why many farmers still use him to herd and herd their livestock.