Origin: Australia
Origin of Name: The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The Australian Cattle Dog contributed significantly to the development of the continent's beef industry and an important component of the Australian economy. The long, complex and sometimes disturbing history of Britain's settling of the Australian continent is beyond the scope of our story. We can pick it up in the early 1800s, when Anglo-Australians began their migration from the original coastal settlements to the vast grasslands of the western inland.
This was the principal area for rearing beef cattle. In rebuilding these wooded areas as cattle ranches, good shepherd dogs were essential. Australia's first cattle dogs were British imports of a breed called Smithfield, which was unsuitable for high temperatures, bumpy areas and the distance to its new home market. Thus, the stockmen began a long process of testing and created a herring dog breed that could meet the challenges of the Australian interior. The Smithfields were crossed with dingos (an early breed brought to the continent by its earliest human inhabitants) and other such breeds as the Scottish Highland Collie, as breeders worked toward the desired hardworking and sustainable shepherds. A major contributor to the effort was George Elliott from Queensland, who cut dingos with collies and sold puppies to farmers. The result was a dog that was close to being Quintus Hasir. True perfection came later when two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagast, breed Dalmatians with some of Elliot's ACDs. Dalmatian's faith, safety, and spontaneity with horses, mixed with the workability of the original breed (which was reinforced by the addition of a lamb known as black and tan kelpies) to the ACD we produce Today is just the right combination.
The Australian Cattle Dog was admitted to the AKC in 1980 and became a charter member of the AKC Herring Group when the group was founded in 1983.
Australian cattle dogs should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Australian cattle dogs are very athletic, active canine, so keep in mind that your dog is getting good nutrition to meet his needs. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
A very active, high-energy dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires more than just a quick walk and play time in the yard. ACD really needs a job to be happy and healthy. On a working farm, this may not be an issue, especially if there are animals in the herd. In other living situations, going with your boss every day or almost every day is a good outlet for his energy. An ideal option is dog participation in the sport, where the Australian Cattle Dog and owner participate in canine activities such as obedience or agility that channels the breed's drive and abundant energy in a fun way.
A responsible breeder will screen the breeding stock for health conditions such as deafness; Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, which causes vision loss; And hip dysplasia. The ears of the ACD should be regularly checked and their teeth brushed regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid wax formation.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: