Do you love sports? Do you dream of being able to practice one with a furry companion? If so, then the Australian Cattle Dog is likely the dog you are looking for. And it is that this magnificent animal is… like you: a lover of physical exercise. He loves going out for long walks and running.
It is not a very well known breed, but we trust that this article will serve to make it a little more so. Discover what the Australian Cattle Dog is like.
Origin and history of the Australian Cattle Dog
Our protagonist, known as the Australian cowherd or, in English, Australian cattle dog, is a dog that originated in Australia. European settlers who migrated to the mainland in the late XNUMXth and early XNUMXth centuries needed cattle dogs that could guide and control livestock in the extreme hot and dry conditions in much of Australia. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so.
In 1849 a man named Hall crossed highland blue-blackbird collies with dingoes.. The result was the beginning of the breed that we know today as the Australian Cattle Dog. However, to make him more docile, he crossed paths with the Dalmatian, bull terrier and the Australian kelpie, with which in the end it was achieved, not only that it was more sociable, but also more resistant.
Physical characteristics
It is a dog with a robust and agile body protected by a double coat: the outer one is made up of hard and smooth hairs, and the inner one of short and dense hairs. It can be blue or blue heeler, or mottled red or red heeler. The head is robust, and it has oval, medium-sized, dark brown eyes. The ears are medium, erect and a little pointed.
The male dog has a height at the withers between 46 and 51cm, and the female is between 43 and 48cm. Weighs between 25 and 50kg.
Has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Behavior and personality
The Australian Cattle Dog is an animal loyal, brave, intelligent and energetic. He takes a lot of love and trust in a person, although that does not mean that he does not love the rest of the family. In fact, it can be a good companion for more active children, as long as it is taken for walks and physical exercise every day, since it is not suitable for sedentary people.
Australian Cattle Dog Care
Meals
The ideal is to give it a quality feed, rich in meat. As it is a carnivore, if we give it a meal that contains cereals, it may end up developing a food intolerance, or even end up having health problems. But you should know that in the market there are many brands of feed, so to choose the one that convinces you the most, you have to read the label of the ingredients, which are ordered from highest to lowest percentage.
From time to time, and as a reward, it is interesting to offer him cans of wet food. But be careful, only sporadically. If you give it too often, it could get used to it, and reject the dry feed.
Hygiene
The Australian Cattle Dog is a sporty, playful dog, so it is normal for it to get dirty quite regularly, especially if you take it around the field. Taking this into account, bathe him once a month, and if necessary, clean his coat with a cloth before. If you prefer, you can use dry shampoo, since this is a product that does not need water to fulfill its function.
Daily it is advisable that you take a look at their ears. If they are very dirty, clean them with specific ear drops that your vet recommends.
Exercise
As we said before, it is a perfect dog for athletes. He is a shepherd, and as such It is an animal that you have to take out to do sports every day. What's more, if you have a farm with sheep (or other livestock) or have the possibility of going to one, do not hesitate to train it to develop its skills as a shepherd dog.
But don't worry because if you can't, you always have the option of taking it with you for a run, or for long walks wherever you live, or in the countryside.
Health
The Australian Cattle Dog is a hairy one that enjoys good general health, but unfortunately there are some diseases that are specific to the breed: hip dysplasia, deafness, progressive atrophy, and obsessive compulsive disorders. The latter, being more mental than physical, can be avoided, or at least reduce the risk of suffering from it, with proper training and daily physical exercise.
How much does an Australian Cattle Dog cost?
Do you think you and your family can provide a good home for an Australian Cattle Dog puppy? Take care of him throughout his life, take him out for a walk and / or run, ensure that he has veterinary attention when he needs it ...
If you are determined, then you have to know that a puppy costs around 500 Euros.
Australian Cattle Dog Photos
Enjoy these photos of this beautiful breed:
