The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed bred in Australia for herding cattle on rough terrain. In general, it is a hardy, hard-working breed with a high energy level. These dogs do not conform to a sedentary lifestyle. Physically, their mottled coat stands out.
General details
Dogs of the breed are strong, vigorous and balanced in appearance. The weight ranges between 16 and 23 kilograms, while the height varies between 46 and 51 centimeters in males and between 43 and 48 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 16 years. They belong to Group 1 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups shepherd dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs).
Breed history in brief
The history of the Australian Cattle Dog dates back to the middle of the 19th century in Australia, where there was a need for a biting and tough dog to help farmers handle cattle over long distances and difficult terrain. In the creation of the Australian Cattle Dog, different breeds such as the Dingo, Dalmatian, Collie or Kelpie were experimented with. One of the most influential characters in the development of the breed was Thomas Hall.
To this day, the Australian Cattle Dog is still popular among breeders and farmers, although there are also fanciers who admire them for their loyalty and hard-working nature.
Breed characteristics
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact dog, with soundness and a strong muscular condition. The topline is level with a strong back and a broad, muscular loin. The eyes are oval, medium sized and dark brown in color. The ears are characterized by being erect and somewhat pointed, of medium size.
The coat is smooth and double-coated. The undercoat is short and dense, while the top coat is smooth and compact, water resistant. On the lower part of the body, behind the limbs and around the neck, the coat is longer. The most common colors are blue and red, and some dogs may have a mottled appearance as a consequence of the breed's breeding origin, which included crosses with dingoes.
Dogs of the breed are characterized by a highly developed sense of duty, which together with their protective instinct and intelligence have made them excellent working animals. The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active and especially energetic dog, so it needs owners who propose daily activities or exercises that allow it to channel its energy. One option is to participate in dog sports.
Common health problems
Dogs of this breed are hardy and do not usually present health problems. However, some common disorders or diseases have been described in this breed such as hip and elbow dysplasia, congenital deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, juvenile amaurotic idiocy, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, hemophilia A and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and ocular screening examination (from the age of 2 years), as well as a test to assess primary lens luxation.
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