Australian Cattle Dogs: Breed History, Temperament, and Care Rules

Australian cattle dogs, like many other breeds, were bred artificially. Despite the fact that farms are now equipped with more equipment, kettle dogs have not lost their popularity (they were originally obtained for driving animals), they are still loved. They became good and faithful friends.

Australian shepherds (or healers) and Australian short-tailed shepherd dogs have closely related roots. They originate in the 19th century from tamed dingos and collies. We can say that this is a successful result of the bold experiment of Thomas Hall from New South Wales. He crossed these animals on his farm; he used the resulting offspring for his needs. Australian farmers needed strong and enduring helpers to guard and drive their herds over long distances.

However, until 1870, healers were exclusively the property of Hall's farms. After the owner passed away, all his property, including land and the living creatures that inhabited them, was determined at auction.

Shepherd dogs were improved through many years of crossbreeding with other breeds, among which were mainly Kelly and Dalmatians. Then the results resulted in the formation of two modern breeds. They became Australian healers (shepherds) and Australian short-tailed shepherd dogs.

Until the end of World War II, representatives of these breeds did not leave the borders of their native continent. Only when the soldiers returned to America and Canada kettle dogs got to other countries, where they were appreciated. Strong and strong shepherds became assistants to American farmers.In the late 1980s, the first representatives of these breeds were introduced into the territory of Great Britain, and from there to other European countries.

In Russia, these dogs appeared in 2004, when a Polish female was brought. Then 7 years later they received their first offspring. And also in 2011, representatives of the breed from Australia were brought to Russia.

The Australian shepherd dog is a strong, strong and hardy animal. Although at first glance it seems awkward, but with close acquaintance, the healer turns out to be deft and agile. One of the signs indicating purebred is the predominance of the length of the animal over its height (10: 9 ratio). An Australian shepherd dog can be called compact. The height of such an animal usually does not exceed 50 centimeters at the withers (in males), in females - up to 45–48 cm. Suitable body weight for them is 15–23 kilograms.

There are two options for dyeing the hair of Kettle Dog representatives, although usually puppies are born white (like Dalmatians or with white marks).

• Blue, blue or blue with splashes. This can be a solid color coat or there may be blotches (spots, marks). They can be located evenly throughout the body or in separate parts of the body (head, limbs, in the throat, on the outside of the thigh). Markings are diverse in color: black, tan, mustard, blue (lighter compared to the rest of the color), brown.

• Red or red interspersed. The color is uniform, and there may also be marks of red, red, dark red shades on the head. Blotches on the body may also be present, but they are undesirable and can affect the puppy's cost in the direction of its decrease.

The latest Australian Shepherd and Short-Tailed Dog standard was adopted in 2012. Any changes that are not included in it are considered invalid. Such animals may not participate in international or national competitions. According to this standard, Australian shepherds and short-tailed dogs are described as follows:

• goals and purpose: for the protection and grazing of animals (in particular large horned animals), because these are shepherd dogs;
• silhouette: healers harmonious, small in size and proportionate physique;
• the ratio of the length and height of the animal at the withers is 10: 9;
• cranial part of the head: wide skull, head sizes proportional to the body, slightly convex frontal part, flattened as it approaches the muzzle;
• face: muscular cheekbones, black nose, lips usually dry and firm;
• muzzle: powerful, wide, medium length;
• teeth and bite: normal scissor; 42 strong and strong teeth, thanks to which the dog can bite large animals by the legs, for example, a cow, hence the name of the breed healer, which translates as heel;
• the ears are far apart, the landing is wide, slightly smaller than the average size; they have a pointed tip and expand to the base;
• eyes and gaze: eyes of medium size, have an average fit, alertness and mind are noticeable in the gaze;
• the cervical part is of medium length, muscular, devoid of suspension;
• case: croup long, deep chest of medium width, powerful back, flat top line, strong and wide lower back;
• tail: usually it is not stopped, at rest it is most often omitted, has a low landing;
• forelegs: directly located, parallel to each other; the fingers are short and end with hard pads, the legs are somewhat rounded, the forearms are strong, the shoulder blades are obliquely set and strong;
• hind legs: widely spaced, strong, strong, muscular; the hock and knee joints have well defined angles, the hips are long and wide.

The coat is usually smooth, has a thick and short undercoat. The remaining hair is waterproof, thick, tight-fitting, straight and coarse. In the face and on the front surface of the limbs, the hair is usually shorter than on the rest of the animal. The standard for a kettle dog is the length of the body coat from 2.5 to 4 cm. Changing this value to either side is a marriage and an excuse to exclude the animal from the competition and the breed register.

This breed, like any other, has its positive and negative sides. The first include the following:

• devotion;
• endurance;
• cheerful character;
• cheerfulness;
• get along well with children and love them;
• high mind;
• ease;
• propensity to learn.

The following are considered negative points:

• some imbalance in character;
• animal habit of biting;
• the need to live in a large house, the conditions of the apartment are not suitable for her, which can also affect the behavior of the animal;
• some of the minuses include the cost of such a friend, since the minimum price for a puppy is about 25 thousand rubles, although fans are willing to lay out such amounts.

In negative aspects, mention should be made of the diseases characteristic of this breed. Among them, it is worth noting the following:

• joint dysplasia (often hip joints);
• progressive blindness and retinal atrophy;
• deafness is a congenital defect inherited from the Dalmatians, more often manifested in puppies with white marks or white ones at birth;
• decreased hearing acuity in one or both ears;
• malocclusion;
• a decrease in the number of teeth (some teeth are simply missing or expressed as rudiments, it is considered standard if the decrease in the number is no more than 3 teeth out of 42).

The manifestation of unreasonable aggressiveness and cowardice is considered a defect. By nature, puppies possess the optimal ratio of protective and other instincts, devotion, fidelity. For his master and family, this is a great friend and working dog, a guard of farm land and animals or at home. Healers treat strangers and strangers with caution and distrust. This is expressed in relation to both humans and animals.

Kettle dogs, however, are highly trained and trained. They are obedient and often positive, cheerful, love children and get along well with them. But before leaving them unattended with the kids, you need to make sure that you taught the dog not to bite for nothing. These dogs are perfect for active and athletic people.

Australian shepherd dogs were originally bred for living and working in the open. Therefore, closed small rooms and apartments are not suitable for the life of healers, best of all - at home with a plot. If the dog lives in an apartment, the owner should be prepared for the fact that negative character traits will soon manifest. The animal becomes overly aggressive or lethargic, behavior becomes unstable and often jumps in mood, can refuse to eat. As well, a kettle dog may tend to run away, while it is undesirable to use a chain and a closed aviary.

Since wild dogs (such as dingoes) left a large mark on the pedigree of this breed, foods that were not part of their ancestors ’diet should be avoided. This is because the lack of enzymes for this food is genetically determined. Optimal is the presence in the menu of milk porridges and low-fat raw meat, while the latter should account for about 50%. The predominance of foods with digestible carbohydrates can lead to pancreatic disease or the development of malignant neoplasms of the digestive tract.

The list of prohibited products includes the following:

• spices and seasonings;
• pepper;
• bow;
• sugar;
• garlic;
• mushrooms;
• yeast;
• bread;
• flour products;
• potatoes;
• citruses;
• smoked;
• ketchup;
• pork;
• Wheat groats.

If the Australian shepherd dog lives in a private house, then she needs to make a separate open booth, while the chain is undesirable to use. If the animal lives in the apartment, then the duration of the walks increases to 3-4 hours a day, while during the walk, the dog must run, jump, play actively - adequate physical activity is needed. Their lack leads to manifestations of aggressiveness and the appearance of excess weight, which means an increased risk of disease. At least once a year, you need to be examined by a veterinarian.

Representatives of this breed do not need a haircut. That is, it can be performed at the request of the owner or in individual cases. In normal times of the year, you need to comb out the hair 1-2 times a week with a brush with dense bristles. During molting, the procedure is carried out every day. It is necessary to bathe the dog in some cases as the coat becomes dirty, while using a soft dog shampoo.

If the necessary physical activity is observed, then there is no need for a regular nail clipping. They grind on their own. Once a month they recommend cutting a rudimentary claw. If there is a cracking of the pads on the paws, then they need to be washed and lubricated with a healing cream. Once a week, you need to inspect the eyes and, if necessary, rinse them with a decoction of chamomile. And also with this regularity, you need to brush your teeth with a special dog toothpaste and a soft brush.

It must be remembered that a dog is not a toy, but a living creature, for which the owner is responsible, so before you start a pet, you should think carefully.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about the breed of Australian shepherd dog.