Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog: Key Traits and Breed Overview
Playful but can be nippy, a quality needed to herd cattle. Happiest when working or training. It needs action in its life and will do best with a job. Strong independent character means he is best with experienced owners.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog approved as a pet in a Singapore HDB flat?
No
Origin
Australia, 1800s. The Australian Cattle Dog was developed by pioneer settlers in the 1800s by crossing Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians and black and tan Kelpies. Some sources say the Bull Terrier breed may have been added as well.
Original Purpose
Cattle herding.
Australian Cattle Dog Temperament: What to Expect
Hardworking, independent, energetic, alert, courageous.
What are some Physical Features of the Australian Cattle Dog?
43 to 51 cm, 16 to 20.5 kg. Colours are red speckled, blue or blue-mottled; puppies are born white because of a gene they inherited from the early Dalmatian crosses.
Coat Type and Recommended Grooming
Straight outer coat, short dense undercoat. Minimal care; a good brushing once a week is sufficient, bathe when necessary. Moderate shedding twice a year. Estimated Basic grooming charges in Singapore: S$70 – S$90.
Life Expectancy of the Australian Cattle Dog
12 to 15 years. (The oldest dog on record was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months).
Have a Australian Cattle Dog?
Tell Us More!Common Australian Cattle Dog Health Concerns
Eye problems (PRA, cataracts), merle-coloured dogs are prone to deafness, hip dysplasia.
Exercise Needs
Very high; a tireless working dog. It needs a lot of exercise and something to occupy its mind daily or it will become bored, leading to serious behaviour problems. The Australian Cattle Dog is an excellent jogging companion.
Is this Dog Okay in an Apartment?
Would not do well in an apartment; needs lots of space to meet his high exercise needs. Does best with a large yard.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog a Good Family Dog?
Needs to be supervised with children. Suspicious of strangers. Suspicious of and dominant to other dogs; will chase cats. If you are adopting a pet, avoid working lines, as these dogs may be too energetic and intense for home life.
Trainability
Extremely high; positive reinforcement works best with this energetic breed.
Best Activities for your Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle herding, herding trials.