“In the early 1800s, extensive land regions in Australia became available for grazing farm animals. The farm animals raised on those lands have become so wild and intractable that the traditional European herding breeds that had proved satisfactory on tamer farm animals were not suited for the job. They needed a dog that might withstand traveling long distances over rugged terrain in a hot climate and might control farm animals without barking (which only served to make wild farm animals wilder). In 1840, a person named Hall bred a few smooth blue merle Highland Collies to Dingos, producing a strain called Hall’s Heelers. The one specifically influential canine was named Bentley’s Dog and is credited with originating the white blaze found on the head of Australian Cattle Dogs today. Other breeders crossed their Hall’s Heelers with different breeds, including the Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, and, later, Black and Tan Kelpie, a sheepherding breed. The result was a canine with the herding instincts of the Collie and Kelpie, the endurance, ruggedness, and quiet style of the Dingo, and the horse sense and protectiveness of the Dalmatian, all with a differently patterned coat.

As the dogs have become more and more vital to the farm animals industry of Queensland, they received the name Queensland Blue Heeler. They later are called Australian Heeler and then Australian Cattle Dog. In 1897, a kind for the breed, emphasizing the Dingo characteristics, was drawn up. However, the Australian Cattle Dog was slow to catch on in the USA, perhaps since the breed bore little resemblance to established herding breeds. They proved their merits and were welcomed as herders and pets when given a chance. The AKC identified the breed in 1980.”

Temperement

Smart, hardy, independent, stubborn, tenacious, energetic, and untiring are all traits essential to a driver of headstrong cattle and all tendencies of the Australian Cattle Dog. Given tough mental and challenging physical workouts and training daily, this breed is one of the most responsive and obedient dogs. The Cattle Dog tends to nip at the heels of strolling children. However, it is good with older children.

Upkeep

The Australian Cattle Dog is lively and tireless. An appropriate jog or lengthy workout, combined with obedience classes or different intellectual challenges, is essential daily; a bored ACD may be destructive. They are happiest after they have an activity to perform, specifically while that activity is herding. This breed is unsuited for apartment life. The coat requires brushing or combing weekly to put off dead hairs.

Health

“Major diagnosis: CHD, OCD, deafness, PRA, elbow dysplasia
Minor diagnosis: none
Occasionally seen: cataract, lens luxation, PPM, vWD
Suggested tests: hip, hearing, eye, elbow, DNA for PRA, DNA for lens luxation
Life span: 10–13 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.