Cattle Dogs

Various breeds of Cattle Dogs, and Australian Cattle Dogs in particular, were bred as cattle-driving dogs with an inherited knack for impelling livestock to move in a required direction. Australian Cattle Dogs were bred in the 19th century by European settlers who arrived in Australia and needed help in cattle management. By the turn of the 20th century, breeders developed what we know today as the Australian Cattle Dog by using the genes of European breeds, such as the Smithfield and the Old Smooth Collie, Bull Terrier, and those of local dogs, such as the Australian Kelpie and the wild Dingo Dog.     

The Australian Cattle Dog of today is one of the most versatile Cattle Dog breeds in the world. These dogs have all it takes to withstand tremendous physical strains that accompany cattle driving. Their stamina keeps them active all day long, and they cannot bear boredom and hate loneliness. They are not house dogs, and require daily rigorous exercise. Australian cattle Dogs are very protective, and make superb guardians. They are reserved with strangers, and can display aggression against children. Not infrequently, they apply “heeling” to small children, i. e. they may bite on their heels, which is actually a manifestation of the long inculcated herding skill. This is something to bear in mind for parents willing to have an Australian Cattle Dog in possession.

Australian Cattle Dogs are compact and sturdy, standing 18-20 inches high at the withers. Body weight averages 32-35 lbs. These dogs have an athletic and muscular body build, including those bred for show and companionship. There are two standard coat colors for this Cattle Dog – blue and red. Australian Cattle Dogs are also referred to as Queensland Heelers, Blue Heelers and Red Heelers. Blue dogs have tan feet, legs and some tan on the underparts and the lower face, and the tan should not extend high above the underparts. Red Heelers have white flecks over the body. Although blue is the recessive color, and red is dominant, blue-coated dogs are more common and more preferred. Many Australian Cattle Dogs have a white “blaze” in the middle of the forehead, called the Bentley Mark. These dogs have a long and slightly curved white-tipped tail.

Australian Cattle Dogs are hardy and healthy, and they live 11-13 years on the average. Litters usually contain 3-5 puppies. There are a number of genetic abnormalities common to the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, progressive retinal atrophy, infertility, etc. These conditions are not always detectable in puppies, so the only way to minimize the risk of getting an ill dog is to purchase from a reputable and conscientious breeder. Cattle Dogs require a due amount of care and physical exercise, about which all breeders must warn their potential clients.