Dog Breeds > Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog or ACD is a type of herding dog for droving cattle or other livestock across rough terrain over long distances. This breed of dog also goes by several nicknames such as the Australian Heeler (due to their tendency to nip the heels of reluctant cattle when moving them), Blue Heelers and Red Heelers (typical of their color), Queensland Heelers (for those bred in Queensland), and most importantly, Hall’s Heeler (after its original developer, Thomas Hall). Aside from its specific farm use, the Australian Cattle Dog is a very versatile dog that can be a very intelligent companion and family pet.
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Fascinating Facts
The Australian Cattle Dog was specifically developed by Thomas Hall as a droving dog to address their family’s cattle droving problem. The Australian Cattle Dog was originally born out of crossed dingoes and Northumberland Blue Merle Drovers Dog, which are drover dogs imported from Northumberland. After continuing experimental crossing with Dalmatians as well as Black and Tan Kelpie Sheepdogs, the standard breed of the Australian Cattle Dog was perfected.
Physical Appearance
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact and sturdy dog that can grow approximately 43 to 48 cm for females and 46 to 51 cm for males. Full-grown Australian Cattle Dogs can weigh around 20 to 28 kilos. The head has a broad skull, muscular cheeks, powerful, medium length and deep muzzle, pricked ears that are wide apart, and alert and keen dark oval eyes. Australian Cattle Dogs have strong and muscular shoulders and neck; parallel and straight forelegs; and strongly arched and round feet with strong nails as well as small toes.
The dogs exhibit the usual red and blue coat colors however cream and chocolate sometimes occur. The distinctive feature of Australian Cattle Dogs is the mask, which consists of a red patch over either eyes for those with red coat and a black patch for those with blue coat. Though there are also Australian Cattle Dogs that don’t have masks, these plain-faced ACDs are considered correct as per the breed standard.
Grooming
Australian Cattle Dogs don’t need extreme grooming maintenance; all that’s required is occasional brushing in order to keep them odor-free and their coat clean. Due to being “wash and wear” dogs, they are known to blow their coats only once a year and are not really shedders. In addition to brushing, the regular ear, teeth and nails attention is necessary to prevent problems with their health.
Mood
Because of their working nature, Australian Cattle Dogs are alert, active and energetic. They need plenty of exercise, activities, errands, and jobs. It’s not advisable to keep them lying inside the house or else they’ll definitely develop behavioral problems. Australian Cattle Dogs are considered as one of the most intelligent dogs and are known to be very trainable and obedient.
With Children
The Australian Cattle Dog is a very obedient and friendly dog. It’s great with children who like to engage in playful activities. However, it’s not recommended to play rough with the dog or let the dog become bored.
Training & Exercise
Exercise is extremely important for Australian Cattle Dogs due to their incredibly energetic nature. These dogs are very good jogging companions as well as long walks. It is also advisable to engage them in activities that stimulate their brains in order to prevent them from getting bored.
Health & Life Expectancy
An Australian Cattle Dog’s lifespan is around 11 years of age however it can also live to more than 15 years. Common health problems include progressive retinal atrophy and arthritis. Health problems however are relatively insignificant compared to injuries the Australian Cattle Dog sustain in its lifetime.
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