Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs - HistoryAustralian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers) appeared in Australia in the 19th century. Early settlers needed to be able to control large herds of cattle that grazed on vast unfenced bush lands. Only a strong durable dog could help with mustering and moving wild cattle. The Kelpie and the Blue Heeler were developed to assist with cattle work.There was a lot of experimentation going on in trying to find the perfect combination of dogs to make up the ultimate heeler that could live and work in Australia. That's why the origins of Australian dogs are open to debate, with several theories. The first one says that the settlers used the Smithfield bob-tailed dog that herded stock in Britain, but couldn't cope with the heat of Australia. It was crossed with the Australian native dog, the Dingo. The resulting breed was called Timmins Biters. They were really biters, which couldn't be trusted. Other theories insist that the landowners crossed the Dingo with Blue Merle Scottish Collies, Dalmatians, White Bullterriers and Kelpies.
Australian Cattle Dogs - General CharacteristicsAustralian Cattle Dogs are courageous, tough, intelligent, always alert, watchful, and strong, possessing endurance unlike any other dog of their size and implicit devotion to duty. They are very devoted to the work, capable of quick and sudden movements. The Australian Cattle Dog is excellent both in open spaces and in the cattle yard.The Australian Cattle Dog can be used as guarding dog, as it's protective and suspicious of strangers. Also it makes a good family pet with its gentleness, playfulness, and loyalty. Australian Cattle Dogs show aggression only when their master or property are threatened and will lay down their lives to protect what is theirs. Australian Cattle Dogs can be the ideal companion animals and adapt well to any lifestyle if given enough human contact and kept active.
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