Australian Cattle Dog, it is easy to guess that it comes from Australia, but we must immediately add that it is a breed that has not spread outside its country of origin.
Yet it is among the most intelligent dogs on the planet! Let us therefore learn to know it and evaluate whether it can have prospects of diffusion also in Europe and in particular in our country.
Characteristics of the Australian Cattledog
The Australian Cattledog , also known as the Australian Mountain Dog or Blue Heeler , is a medium-sized dog, with a height at the withers varying between 46 and 51 cm for males and between 43 and 48 cm for females. The weight of an adult specimen can vary between 15 and 22 kg .
It is a breed officially recognized by the FCI and known for its ability to lead livestock. The Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog, devoted to duty, and robust. Its physique is compact and toned, suitable and functional to best perform the tasks for which it was created and for which it is adopted. Both physically and in character, the Australian Cattle Dog is a very dynamic and solid 4-legged friend, well-proportioned, in our opinion not enough appreciated by the community of “doglovers” worldwide.
Origins of the Australian Cattle Dog
The origins of the Australian Cattle Dog date back to 1840, when it was created after various crosses aimed at finding an Australian dog breed that was able to deal with wild cattle. And to be able to lead them well, both in fenced and closed spaces.
Since its birth, the Australian Cattle Dog has made itself known and made its way among the breeds of dogs in the world as one of those to whom cattle can be entrusted. It was born as a robust and tough dog , tough in body but also in character, especially with other animals. Its creator is Mr Mc Hall and he crossed the short-haired Blue-merle Collie with the Dingo calling the resulting breed with the name of “ Heelers ” which means “ heel ”, because they were able to handle the cattle by biting them in that part of the limb.
Almost without realizing it, he had thus created an animal with incredible potential: the Australian Cattle Dog , unsurpassed in its role as a working dog. It is worth mentioning that some experts maintain that there is also a hint of white “ Bull Terrier ” in the crosses that then gave birth to the official breed standard dating back to 1903.
On Australian farms this breed is very widespread and appreciated, while in the rest of the world, perhaps with the exception of some areas of northern Europe where cattle are raised intensively, it is not very widespread.
Appearance of the Australian Cattle Dog
Compact and harmoniously built, dynamic and athletic, the Australian Cattle Dog is a dog that has the ability and desire to carry out the tasks it is assigned to, no matter how hard or boring they may be. Yes, because it involves keeping track of herds of cattle made in Australia too. Fellow countrymen.
It is an animal that with every part of its physique represents the compromise between power and balance, it is the maximum expression of great agility, strength and resistance in dog format.
The physique of the Australian Cattle Dog shows a strong and straight head, a broad skull and slightly convex between the ears, while the nose is strictly black, the eyes dark brown and oval in shape. The ears are not enormous but muscular and erect , giving an impression of liveliness and intelligence. In the presence of strangers, they assume a position of extreme distrust and start listening for every little noise.
The neck of the Australian Cattle Dog is robust and often softened by the hair that on the tail creates a very soft effect. In general, the coat of the Australian Cattle Dog is smooth and has a short, dense undercoat . The result is a waterproof and hard effect to the touch, with non-homogeneous sensations. When petting an Australian Cattle Dog , you can see that on the head and on the front of the limbs and feet, the hair is short , on the neck it is longer and thicker as on the tail. On average, on the body the hair varies in length between 2 and 5 cm.
The coat color of the Australian Cattle Dog must be blue, marbled or spotted, with or without markings, but absolutely blue. There may also be black, blue or tan markings, also on the head, especially on the head.
Australian Cattle Dog Character
Faithful and devoted, workaholic and constantly present. The Australian Cattle Dog has the character of a working dog, perfect for those who want it for such reasons, as it was in the past. Today, when dogs are often for companionship, rather than strictly for work, then it struggles to make its value understood. It is not a dog that knows how to self-promote, character-wise, the Australian Cattle Dog , but it has a lot to give and to say. You have to know how to listen to it.
For example, it is a breed that has a strong sense of protection : it wants to guard and pamper its owner in every way, because it has always been good at guarding livestock. It therefore automatically does the same thing with its owner and his property. In addition to being a sheepdog, the Australian Cattle Dog is a good guard dog , but not particularly experienced in social tasks such as being a companion dog for the elderly.
It is not a dog for everyone but it is a very intelligent and smart animal , always alert and always attentive to everything that surrounds itself and the people it loves. Despite its size is not enormous, the Australian Cattle Dog is endowed with courage to sell, it is a fearless animal and always knows how to act, it does not know the word hesitation.
Australian Cattle Dog Breeding
Anyone who wants to raise the Australian Cattle Dog is first of all welcome, given that there are few who already do it, but furthermore he or she must be a person capable of ensuring that he or she spends many hours outdoors.
In Italy for the moment we report the following breeders specialized in this breed:
- Monte Guadagnolo Kennel, in Via di Guadagnolo, Capranica Prenestina, Rome. Website: https://dimonteguadagnolo.altervista.org
- Vallesanta Ranch ACD, managed by Mr. Donati and located in Via Capannelle, 9 in Rieti. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VallesantaACD/
- Alfonso Labonia Kennel, located in via Adua (without street number) in Corigliano Calabro, in the province of Cosenza. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057044996601 320 722 9433
- Banana Bender, by Paola and Simona Coletta, located in Cesena (FO). Tel. 347 2845836.
The Australian Cattle Dog is in fact an authentic and stubborn lover of the outdoors and loves to discover and sniff out new places.
Although it is not listed among companion dogs, being instead in the list of intelligent, it knows how to be in the family and is also an excellent animal to adopt, in the presence of children it knows how to behave and once again shows to be extremely intelligent. “ Very clever ” in Australia. Also for these reasons the Australian Cattle Dog could start to spread also in Europe and in our country. It is clear that the initiative of some willing breeder is needed.
Australian Cattle Dog Puppies
Australian Cattle Dog puppies are infinitely sweet . They have a well-proportioned body and are very curious.
Below is a photo from Instagram.
Average Lifespan of the Australian Cattle Dog
The life expectancy of the Australian Cattle Dog is about 15 years . Much also depends on the type of life it can lead: it is clear that working constantly with large cattle puts it at risk of injuries that can then impact longevity.
Price of Australian cattle dog
An Australian Cattle Dog puppy costs around 1,000 euros or perhaps we should say Australian dollars .
Beyond the price, the main problem in purchasing it in Italy is related to its rarity, which we have already written about previously.
In any case, we always recommend never making exceptions in checking origin, health documentation and pedigree before proceeding with the purchase.