Australian Cattle Dog
- Alert
- Loyal
- Clever
Australian Cattle Dog History
The Australian cattle dog is also known as; Blue, Red, Hall’s or Queensland Heeler.
Originally a crossbreed between collies and native dingoes by Australian settlers, in the early 19th century. This hybrid resulted in an extremely athletic dog with an incredible work ethic suitable for cattle herding on rough terrain.
These versatile dogs often participate in dog sports including herding, agility competitions and obedience competitions and can also be found working as police dogs or even hiking with their owner.
Australian Cattle Dog Characteristics
Medium sized dogs with a short double coat in a variety of colours including red speckled, blue, blue-mottled or blue speckled.
Distinctive features include the mask and Bentley’s mark. The mask consists of a black or red patch around one or both eyes and Bentley’s mark appears as a white star on their forehead.
Although they are happy, loving, playful petsome may have the urge to nip and can display aggressive behaviour. This can be minimised by early socialisation, training and providing chew toys.
Due to their high energy level and active nature plenty of exercise is imperative. Failure to exercise these dogs regularly results in distressed and occasionally destructive dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog Health Issues
Average lifespan is 12 – 14 years. Most health problems are as a result of a recessive gene which is responsible for the white in their coat and skin. This gene mutation can be identified by DNA testing and is linked to hereditary blindness and deafness. The incidence of carriers is believed to be as high as 50%
Common Illnesses include;
- Progressive retinal Atrophy (PRA) – Degeneration of the retina resulting in progressive sight deterioration and eventual blindness.
- Deafness – Inherited deafness present at birth.
- Hip Dysplasia - Genetic condition that causes abnormal development of the hip joints in young dogs. This can lead to early onset degenerative joint disease.
- Cruciate Disease – Prone to rupture of the cruciate ligament in the knee. This causes lameness and requires surgery.