SCRAPS Breed Profile AUSTRALIAN CATTLE

Stats

Country of Origin: Group: Herding Use today: Herding trials, agility, competitive obedience, performing tricks, and Sheep & cattle herding Life Span: 12 to 15 years Color: Blue or red speckled. The blue speckled is with or without black, blue or tan markings on the head with tan points. The red heeler speckling is even all over, but may have darker markings on the head. Coat: Short-haired, weather-resistant coat, sheds once or twice per year Grooming: Needs little care and is very easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Height: Males 17 - 20 inches; Females 17 - 19 inches. Weight: Males 32 - 35 pounds; Females 30 - 35 pounds.

Profile desirable. The red speckle variety should be In Brief: The was evenly speckled all over, but may have darker developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century markings on the head. Puppies are born white to herd cattle on large ranches. Ranchers began (inherited from the early crosses), but experimenting with new crosses to handle the the adult color can be seen in the paw pads. harsh environment. The Australian Cattle Dog primarily derived from a mix of smooth, blue Temperament: The Australian Cattle Dog is not speckled imports from Scotland and wild suited to life alone in the backyard. This is an Australian Dingoes. , intelligent breed and can become easily bored, Dalmatian, and Bull were also added. leading to serious behavior problems. These These have great stamina, well suited to dogs need to be part of the action! They are . The Australian Cattle Dog has also loyal, protective and alert. They make excellent been known as the Australian Heeler, Hall's guard dogs. They are also very good in the Heeler, Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler. obedience ring, in herding, and agility. "Heeler" refers to its herding skill of snapping Consistent training from the start and lot of daily and biting cattle's heels. attention will produce a fine and happy . They are sometimes suspicious of people and dogs Description: The Australian Cattle Dog is a they don't know. They can be dog aggressive. sturdy, compact , well-muscled, Not good with children except for family powerful, yet very agile. The body is a bit longer members it has known since puppyhood. Some than high with a slightly curved tail reaching tend to nip at people's heels in an attempt to approximately to the hock. The head is broad herd them. If you are buying a pet, avoid strictly and slightly rounded between the widely set, working lines, as these dogs may be too active moderately pointed pricked ears. The eyes are and intense for home life. dark brown. The weather-resistant double coat consists of a short dense undercoat and a short Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and straight outer coat. It comes in blue or red deafness. speckled. The blue speckled is with or without black, blue or tan markings on the head with tan points. Black markings on the body are not Living Conditions: This breed is not primarily derived from a mix of smooth, blue recommended for apartment life. They are active speckled Collie imports from Scotland and wild and will do best working or with at least a large Australian Dingoes. Australian Kelpie, yard and training classes. Dalmatian, and were also added. The result was an excellent , with Exercise: These animals have incredible few equals, who worked the stock quietly yet stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can forcefully, willing and able to drive cattle across give them. Exercise is of paramount importance vast distances under harsh, hot dusty conditions. without enough they can become bored and With superior stamina, it was well suited to destructive. Queensland. Both its guarding and herding instincts are very strong and may extend to Origins: The Australian Cattle Dog was people and other animals. The Australian Cattle developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century Dog has also been known as the Australian to herd cattle on large ranches. Dogs the settlers Heeler, Hall's Heeler, Queensland Heeler or brought with them from Europe, called Blue Heeler. "Heeler" refers to its herding skill of and the Old (not the smooth collie snapping and biting cattle's heels. Its talents are known today), were not able to handle the long retrieving, herding, guarding, agility, competitive distances and inhospitable climate of the new obedience, and performing tricks. continent. So ranchers began experimenting with new crosses. The Australian Cattle Dog

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal