“A Mans Best Friend”
Aug 8 2009
Dog historians until now are having difficulty in determining the parents of Australian Cattle Dog. As far as history is concerned, there were numerous experimentations done to produce a breed ideal for the Australian outback. In 1897, the breed gained distinction as a new breed separate from the Australian Shepherd.
Ancestors of this dog breed were the collies and dingoes. The resulting offspring was bred to Bull Terrier in 1870s by Fred Davis. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the newly discovered breed was common for serving as guard dogs and sporting companion.
Such well-muscled, sturdy, and very agile breed makes an ideal characteristic combination to serve as a helper for cattle-herding. Australian Cattle Dog is named after its skills in droving cattle. This is the common reason why this breed is also mistakenly referred to as Australian Shepherd which is a totally different breed.
This breed type is also referred by several names such as Heelers, Red Heelers, Blue Heelers, Queensland Blue Heelers, and Queensland Red Heelers. Australian Cattle Dogs derived their attributes from parent breeds such as agility, intelligence, and versatility and these give the owner enough satisfaction to have them as pet and helper. With their exceptional physical strength and smartness, this breed is also ideal to serve as a guard dog or sporting companion.
Australian Cattle Dog physical features are easily recognizable. The body is longer and with slightly curved tail. When viewed from the front, the legs are perfectly straight.
This dog has straight legs when viewed from the front and longer body with slightly curved tail. These physical attributes are the easily distinguished factors aside from quite rounded head and pointed pricked ears. Other distinct physical traits also include the black markings on the body, evenly speckled red marks all over its body, and blue or brown markings on the head.
Its coat usually comes in red or blue speckled. The most distinctive feature of this breed is the blue or tan marking on the head with tan points. If you want a dog of this breed for show competition, the ones with black markings on the body is not good; usually, its body has evenly spread red speckles.
Just like any other dogs, Australian Cattle Dog breed is also prone to several diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA, Hereditary Deafness, Luxating Patellas. Other diseases also include Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments. To prevent this, seek health clearances.
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