Description

Dogs of great stamina and endurance, Australian Cattle Dogs are a picture of strength and agility, with intense watchful eyes. They are compact and symmetrical and should look well-muscled, with a double coat. The undercoat is smooth, short and dense; the outer coat is hard, straight and weather-resistant. They move freely and tirelessly with powerful drive from the hindquarters and are capable of quick and sudden actions.

Color

The only colors in this breed are blue and red-speckle with black, tan, red or blue markings on the head.

Category Size

Medium

Coat Length

Short/Medium

Weight/Height Range

Females will measure between 17 to 19 inches at the withers, dogs between 18 to 20 inches. Both will weigh between 35 to 44 lbs.

HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
Female	17"	19"	Female	35 lbs.	44 lbs.
Male	18"	20"	Male	35 lbs.	44 lbs.

Ailments

This breed is largely free from genetic conditions and has a low susceptibility to disease. Proper selection for breed type is important as conformation problems e.g. cobbiness, weediness, straight shoulders and stifles can arise. Check the thick undercoat regularly to avoid skin problems. PRA can develop later in life, between the ages of 6 and 8, and so it is important that the parentage has been tested.

Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

No

Common Ailments

Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Urogenital (Acquired) - Nephroliths (kidney stones, renal calculi), Deafness, Eczema

Personality

AuCaDo's are extremely courageous and hard-working, always being alert to the job on hand. They will behave in an exemplary manner towards children and other household pets if adequately socialized when young. They are a quiet breed, barking very little and are very loyal to their handlers. They are versatile dogs, giving lots of satisfaction to their families and enjoying being involved in all family matters. They generally prefer to be the only dog in the household.

Intelligence

Australian Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and eager to work and learn, making them very easy to train. However, temperament changes through adolescence are common, especially a lack of self-confidence, and so owners must be consistent and reassuring at these times.

Energy

High

Tendency To Bark

Low

Overall Exercise Requirement

This breed needs copious amounts of exercise to keep it in good physical and mental condition. Competition work, as in agility trials, would be ideal. As puppies, the breed experiences a rapid growth rate between the age of 9 to 12 months and during this period exercise may have to be adjusted.

Suitability for Personal Protection

High

Suitability as a Guard Dog

Medium

Suitability for Children

Low

Ease of Transportation

Medium

Level of Distress caused if left alone

Medium

Level of aggression

Medium

Other animal compatibility

Medium

Breeding & ownership

This dog is relatively easy to feed, only really requiring greater nutrition during its rapid growth period between 9 to 12 months of age. The breeder will be able to advise on the appropriate diet.

Food Cost

Moderate

Average Puppy Price

Moderate

Other Expenses

A puppy will cost around $800.

Grooming & showing

AuCaDo's require very little grooming; an occasional brush or comb is all that is required.

Grooming requirements

< Once a week

Trimming required

None

Tendency to shed hair

Moderate

Show characteristics

The skull should be broad and slightly curved between the ears, with a slight but definite stop. The lips should be tight and clean with strong jaws and a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be oval, medium-sized, alert, intelligent and dark brown in color. The ears should be smaller rather than large and moderately pointed. The neck should be exceptionally strong and muscular, adjoining strong, sloping, well-laidback shoulders. The back should be strong and have a level top line. The front legs should be straight and strong, with rounded bone. The hind legs should be broad, strong and muscular. The feet should be round with well-arched, short, strong toes and the tail set on low, following the slope of the croup and never carried over the back. The preferred colors for the show-ring are blue, blue mottled or blue speckled with or without black, blue or tan markings and red speckle with or without dark red markings on the head.

Breed classification

The Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding group and is used for cattle herding, as a companion and seen in the show-ring.

Origin

The Australian Cattle Dog is the outcome of a deliberate breeding program. Various dogs with specific abilities were crossbred over a period of 60 years. During the 1830's a collie type dog was crossed with the native wild Dingo. The result was a dog, called Timmon's Biters, which barked less and was better at driving the herds. In the 1840's 2 blue-merle smooth coated collies were crossed with the Dingo, the best of the resulting litter were kept. These dogs were known as Hall's Heelers. Timmon's Biters, Hall's Heelers and Dingos were used in further breeding experiments. One experiment involved a male Dingo being bred with a blue merle collie. A Dalmatian was then introduced which made the breed good with horses but not as good at herding. The Bull Terrier was then added but made the dogs too rough so they were bred out. They can still be seen, ever so slightly, in the AuCaDo of today, in their head shape and temperament. Later on the black and tan was added, this reintroduced the original herding capabilities. This was the final dog to be used in the breeding program and the AuCaDo has been bred true since 1893.

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