AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS

HISTORICAL INFORMATION Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, and Queens Land Heelers. The ACD is a tough, rugged breed of dog developed in Australia starting around 1830. There is some disagreement as to what and when certain other breeds were used to create what we today know as the Australian Cattle Dog. Some of the breeds used were Black and Tan Kelpies, Smithfield collie & blue merle collie, (not the collies we today know), the Dalmatian, and the Dingo, to name a few. Australian Cattle Dogs come in two color varieties, blue and red. Their coat has a short dense undercoat and a fairly short, straight outer coat. They are a muscular, compact dog usually between 35 and 50 pounds. To quote the CKC Breed Standard for the Australian Cattle Dog - "The Australian Cattle Dog was developed to assist with the development of the cattle industry in early Australia conditions. The principle requirement was a strong biting dog capable of mustering and moving wild cattle. The long distances to be traveled made it essential that such a dog possess great stamina. "ACDS thrive on companionship and attention, quality time must be spent every day with your ACD. NOT THE DOG FOR EVERYONE They are a breed that must have constant non-physical guidance. ACDs are generally best suited to dog experience owners. They are a breed who will regularly test you, and they must have a leader who is in charge for them to respect you. ACDs are a brainy breed, by that we mean they love to think and do. They are a breed that needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation every single day. They are great company on hikes and walks. They are extremely agile and alert, excelling at many dog sports like flyball and agility. This is a breed that can certainly be a show off with their arsenal of dog tricks and antics. The ACD is extremely loyal and once you have worn them out for the day they are more than happy to give cattlehugs and kisses and cuddle up with you. With a compatible owner the Australian Cattle Dog is a wonderful, fun loving, and definitely entertaining companion. The Australian Cattle Dog originated in Australia and was developed by cross breeding a blue merle, smooth collie to a dingo. The Aussie is used to herd cattle. Size: Males: 18 to 20 inches at the shoulders. Females: 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder Colors: Blue or Red speckle. Coat: Double coated with the undercoat soft, furry and close. The outercoat is flat, harsh, strong and shaggy, free from wooliness and curl. Shedding is constant and heavy.