Page 64 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Australian Cattle Dog

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
17–20in 31–40lb Over 10 years
(43–51cm) (14–18kg)

Strong, hardy, and workmanlike, this trustworthy
herding dog is a little wary of strangers

Once widely used for cattle driving ancestors. The breed is notable for its
and guarding, this breed is also called the tireless, easy gait and ability to produce
Australian Heeler. It originated in the 19th sudden bursts of speed. Long, broad,
century when herdsmen needed a dog that The Australian Cattle Dog has many muscular
hindquarters
could manage semi-wild cattle on vast merits as a family dog, being hardy, alert,
ranches and run for long distances in rough and loyal to its owner. An ancestry that
terrain and intense heat. In the 1840s a includes the dingo has, however, made the
rancher named Thomas Hall crossed some breed naturally suspicious of strangers. Bred
collies with dingos, creating the “Hall’s to work strenuous days and cover long
heeler” (the name “heeler” referring to the distances, it requires plenty of exercise.
dogs’ tendency to drive cattle by nipping Ideally, the dog needs firm handling and
at their heels). These dogs were, in turn, work to make use of its mental and physical
crossed with Dalmatians (see p.286), Bull energy, otherwise it will become bored and
Terriers (see p.197), and Kelpies (a black- stubborn. Training is not difficult because the
and-tan herding breed). The Australian dog is highly intelligent and willing to
Cattle Dog breed finally became established please; it excels in herding, obedience,
in the 1890s. and agility activities.
The crossbreeding had resulted in a dog
with strong herding instincts, the tough,
quiet nature of a dingo, and the Dalmatian’s
ability to work alongside horses. Many still
have the blue-merle coloring of their collie

Low-set tail
hangs in a
slight curve
Coat longer and
thicker on neck

Red speckle Round feet
with strong,
arched toes

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