The Australian Cattle Dog is a lively, intelligent and very sturdy dog. It is used as a highly efficient herding and guard dog.
Character
The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as the Australian Heeler and has a cheerful, happy temperament. Very loyal to its owner, it is a docile dog but always wary of strangers.
Appearance
The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding dog with a strong, sturdy appearance, excellent physical balance and well-defined musculature. Agile and resilient, it is an excellent guard dog. The head is strong and harmonious in relation to the rest of the body, with a broad skull converging between the ears and a not very pronounced stop. The nose is black, with a broad muzzle and a nasal bridge of medium length. The lips are well defined and black. The jaw is developed, with a scissor bite and healthy, strong teeth. The eyes are oval and medium-sized, very expressive and dark brown. The ears are small, broad at the base and pointed at the tip, with an outward inclination. The neck is strong and muscular, without dewlap. The body of the Australian Cattle Dog is long and well proportioned. The back is level, with a broad, muscular loin and a slightly sloping, long croup. The chest is well let down, with well-sprung ribs and deep flanks. The tail is low-set, with a slight outward curve. When the dog is excited, the tail may be raised but never reaches the back. The forelegs have strong bone, with robust, muscular, well-angulated shoulders and strong, agile forearms. The hind legs are broad and muscular, with a long, broad thigh, a well-angulated knee and a low-set hock. The feet should be round, with arched, closed toes and very thick pads. The coat is smooth, dense and very double, while the undercoat is dense but short. Coat length varies according to the body area. On the belly, chest and back of the legs the coat is longer, forming breeches on the thighs. On the head, front of the legs and feet the coat is always short. The Australian Cattle Dog’s coat may be blue mottled or blue speckled, with or without markings. Black, blue or tan markings on the head are permitted. The forelegs are tan, ticked with red. The undercoat is red, while small red markings on the body are permitted.
Historical notes
The Australian Cattle Dog was created around 1840, when a breed capable of handling wild cattle was sought. It originated from crossing a short-haired “Blue Merle Collie” with a “Dingo”. They proved unsurpassed in their work. The standard was issued in Australia in 1903, and the breed remains found almost exclusively in that country.
Lifestyle
The Australian Cattle Dog has an active lifestyle, like other herding dogs. It loves open spaces and, if kept in an apartment, requires several daily outings.
Diseases
It can suffer from hip dysplasia, deafness and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Interesting facts
The Australian Cattle Dog has a very distinctive way of making herds obey: it nips at the cattle’s heels.
Gait
The Australian Cattle Dog’s gait is relaxed and brisk. Its movement is harmonious, with the hindquarters driving the forequarters. During the trot, the feet tend to move closer to the ground.
Ideal owner
The ideal owner is an affectionate, balanced person who enjoys outdoor life. Because it is wary of strangers, the Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect dog both for a family and for a single person.
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog with a courageous and friendly spirit. Friendly with other animals, it can be a good life companion, always wise and caring.