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PORTUGAISAustralian cattle dog
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog australian cattle dog!
Here, you will find all the useful information about australian cattle dog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog Stumpy Tail, was created with the aim of becoming the perfect working dog. They are a mix of Australian, South-East Asian and local breeds. We can also note the influence of British sheepdogs such as the Border Collie, which were imported to the fifth continent by the English navy and settlers in the 19ᵉ century.
The primary use of this breed was herding cattle across the vast Australian expanses and the giant farms that were created in the 20ᵉ century. Thanks to rigorous selection and obedience work reinforced from generation to generation, the Australian Cattle Dog has become one of the benchmarks for sheepdogs in this part of the world.
Although the breed is not widely known outside Australia, it deserves to be more widely recognised and appreciated. The breed was finally recognised by the FCI on 20 March 1972, and the current standard was approved in October 2012.
Australian Cattle Dogs are hardy, resistant and enduring dogs. Their body is compact and thick, but their appearance is harmonious and balanced. Their topline is straight, with a broad, solid back. The head is broad, with a medium-length muzzle and slightly pronounced stop.
The ears are oval and sit high on the skull. Its coat is short, with a dense, thick undercoat that provides effective protection against the elements. They are mainly blue or mottled blue, with red markings all over their body.
Australian Cattle Dogs have the character of a good sheepdog. They are protective, affectionate and devoted to their owners. They are highly intelligent and excel at obedience, thanks to their docile nature and constant desire to please.
Like all good sheepdogs, they are remarkable guardians, always ready to defend their loved ones, and they retain a pronounced instinct of distrust towards strangers. Balanced, dynamic and playful, the Australian Cattle Dog is a breed that deserves to be known, and will undoubtedly be enthusiastically adopted by the whole family.
Australian Cattle Dogs reach an average adult weight of 20-30kg (44-66lb). Males are around 46 to 51cm (18" to 20") tall and females 43 to 48cm (17" to 19").
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Origins
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, has its origins in Australia in the 19th century. Resulting from crossings between dogs imported by European settlers, such as the Smithfield and the wild Australian Dingo, this breed was developed to meet the specific needs of managing livestock on the vast Australian lands. Breeders were looking for a dog capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the Australian bush while being effective at driving cattle over long distances.
History
The history of the Australian Cattle Dog is closely linked to that of two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, from Sydney. They started by crossing Highland Collies with Dingos, aiming to combine the endurance and toughness of the wild Australian dog with the herding instincts of the collie. The result was a very resilient, intelligent and proactive dog, essential traits for herding dogs working in large, isolated spaces.
Standard
According to the breed standard, the Australian Shepherd is a sturdy, muscular, medium-sized dog with balanced proportions. The breed is characterized by its double coat, with a tough outer layer and a dense undercoat, typically blue or red speckled in color. Its head is strong, with medium-sized, erect ears and round, expressive eyes that convey a sense of alertness.
Physical characteristics
Australian Cattle Dogs have a compact but powerful body, with a broad chest and well-muscled limbs. Their tail is generally held low when at rest but can rise up in action. The uniqueness of their coat, which can be blue or red, is often speckled or mottled, giving them a distinctive and appealing appearance.
Character
The Australian Cattle Dog's character is marked by great intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and impressive work capacity. It is a lively dog that requires constant stimulation to remain balanced. Very protective of its family, it can be wary of strangers, making it an excellent guard dog.
Life expectancy
Australian Cattle Dogs have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. This longevity is relatively high for dogs of their size, but it depends a lot on the care provided, especially in terms of nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary follow-up.
Exercise and activity needs
This breed is extremely active and requires a lot of daily exercise to maintain its physical and mental shape. A minimum of two hours of intense activity per day is recommended, including games, running, and ideally, working tasks or canine sports such as agility.
Recommended diet
The Australian Shepherd's diet should be adapted to their high level of activity. A diet rich in protein and moderate in fat is ideal to support their fast metabolism and muscle needs. It is essential to monitor their portion size to avoid overweight, especially if they do not exercise enough.
Training and obedience
The Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent and learns quickly, but can also be stubborn. Firm, consistent, and positive training from a young age is crucial. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and need regular mental challenges to prevent boredom.
Behavior with children
Robust and playful, Australian Cattle Dogs can be good companions for children, especially if raised together. However, due to their sometimes rough nature and tendency to "herd" people by nipping at their heels, it is important to monitor their interactions with young children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is generally good with other animals, especially if socialized from a young age. This herding dog is bred to work and live in a group, which generally makes it easier for them to integrate with other dogs and farm animals. However, their herding instinct can sometimes manifest in chasing behavior towards small animals, requiring appropriate supervision and training to ensure harmonious cohabitation.
Grooming needs
The Australian Cattle Dog has a coat that requires relatively modest maintenance. Weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hairs and keep the coat clean and healthy. During shedding periods, which usually occur twice a year, more frequent brushing may be necessary to help manage the increased amount of hair loss. This sturdy dog does not require frequent professional grooming, making it a convenient choice for many owners.
Health
The Australian Cattle Dog is known for its toughness and longevity, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, it is subject to certain hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and some genetic eye diseases. Regular visits to the veterinarian for routine checks and early genetic testing are recommended to keep this breed healthy.
Average price
The price of an Australian Shepherd puppy can vary considerably depending on the pedigree, geographic location, and the seriousness of the breeder. On average, prices can range from 800 to 2000 euros. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who conducts necessary health tests and provides support for the well-being of the puppy.
Expenses
The annual expenses for an Australian Shepherd include food, veterinary care, accessories, and insurance. On average, these costs can range between 1000 and 1500 euros, or about 1100 to 1650 dollars. These estimates may fluctuate depending on the specific health and individual needs of the dog.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for an Australian Shepherd can be a pleasant task. Names like Duke, meaning "noble", or Shep, evoking a shepherd dog, are popular. Ruby can reflect the red color of some of these dogs, while Max, meaning "the greatest", could describe their courage. Sky can refer to the vast expanses of Australian terrain where they often work. Bella, meaning "beautiful", is an affectionate choice for a female, and Rex, "king" in Latin, is ideal for a dominant dog. Echo could be inspired by their ability to follow orders from a distance, and Sage, meaning "wise", could honor their sharp intelligence.
Legislation and regulation
There are no specific restrictions regarding the Australian Shepherd in most countries. However, as with all breeds, it is important to check local regulations concerning dog ownership, which may vary from one region to another. Licenses and registrations may be required, and in some cases, specific insurances may be necessary.
Official recognition
The Australian Cattle Dog is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The breed is also included in the worldwide registries of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), the latter being the official breed club located in the breed's country of origin, Australia.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees for the Australian Shepherd are available from recognized organizations such as the FCI, AKC, and ANKC. These documents are crucial to ensure the authenticity of the dog's pedigree, ensuring that the purchased puppy conforms to the breed standards.
Destination and usage
Originally bred to assist with herding cattle in Australia, the Australian Cattle Dog is extremely efficient for agricultural work. Its high energy and intelligence also make it an excellent companion for activities such as agility and competitive obedience.
Prohibitions
To date, there are no specific bans imposed on the Australian Shepherd as a breed. However, it is always advisable to check local laws before traveling or moving to a new country or region with a dog of this breed.
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