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Profile: Australian Cattle Dog

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Guard Dog Nature:
Ok in Cold Weather:
OK in Hot Weather:
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Weight:	35-45 lbs.
Height:	17-20 in.

Breed Profile:

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred for the land and job it served, herding cattle across the vast Australian outback. In the early 1800s, wild cattle roamed the outback and the traditional European herding breeds were not up to the unique challenges presented by the combination of vast land and wild cattle. The dogs needed be hardier, stronger, and not bark – which only served to make wild cattle less controllable). In 1840, a herder named Hall crossed smooth blue merle Highland Collies with dingos, to produce a strain of herding dogs, which became nicknamed “Hall’s Heelers”. One of these, Bentley’s Dog, is credited with fixing the characteristic white blaze on the breed. Other breeders crossed “Hall’s Heelers” back to other breeds, including the Dalmation, Black and Tan Kelpie and Bull Terrier, to produce a dog with increased stamina, good herding instincts and a very unusual coat. The AKC recognized the breed in 1980.

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred for a job, one it does very well. This breed is smart, stubborn, independent and tireless. This is not a dog to be satisfied with a walk down the block on the leash, and is happier with a jog or long workout, and obedience lessons or other challenges to stimulate them. These dogs must have a job to do, or they will find their own amusements. The dogs can live outdoors in temperate climates, but despite it suitable size, would not be happy in an apartment environment. As a pet, it may have a tendency to nip at the heels of children running before it, a throwback to its working nature.