Is an Australian Cattle dog suitable for me?

When choosing a puppy, it is best to research the breed to ensure that you are choosing a dog that will suit your family and lifestyle.

So what is an Australian Cattle dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia during the 19th century for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. Breed traits were selected to produce a dog with immense stamina, resilience and tenacity so that they could endure the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.

Appearance

This breed is a medium-sized, short- coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either red or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a “red” or “blue” dog.

Blue dogs can be blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled with tan on the legs and chest and white markings and a black patch or “mask” on one or both sides of the head.

Red dogs are evenly speckled with solid red markings and similarly to the blue dogs can have a brown (red) patch “mask” on one or both sides of the head and sometimes on the body.

Both colour forms can have a white “star” on the forehead called the “Bentley Mark”,

Australian Cattle Dog pups are born white, with only black or red head markings and body patches (if any) showing. Their true colour begins to show at about three weeks of age.

For the full breed standards, please refer to the ANKC: ANKC Australian Cattle dog breed standards

Temperament

Australian Cattle dogs have high energy levels, active minds, and a high level of independence. They are extremely smart and have been rated as one of the most intelligent dogs ranked by obedience command trainability.

Although it is their nature and are often used as working dogs, it does not mean they can’t be great family pets and are renowned for their devotion and loyalty to the family.

They can be fun-loving, playful, affectionate companions. However, they can be reserved with people they do not know and naturally cautious in new situations.

This attitude to strangers makes them an excellent guard dog when trained for this task.

They are good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal.

Always alert, watchful and trustworthy. This makes them an ideal dog.

Maintenance & Grooming

Australian Cattle dogs have a short, dense, weather-resistant coat. The coat is shed once or twice a year, but bitches also shed during their seasonal cycles.

Known as a “wash and wear” dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming. An occasional brushing is all that is required to keep the coat clean and odour-free.

Health

Australian Cattle Dogs are a hardy and healthy breed and commonly live to 12 years of age or more. Hereditary diseases affecting the Australian Cattle Dog include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd -PRA) Primary Lens Luxation (PLL). Deafness can occur and Hip And Elbow Dysplasia has been known to appear within the breed.