Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs are usually characterised by the traits that contributed to their original use as herding dogs. These include being intelligent, active, energetic and watchful.

As with other working breeds, the athleticism and stamina of the Australian Cattle Dog means they require both physical and mental stimulation in the family environment. They are eager to learn and respond extremely well to reward-based training, which allows them to participate in a vast array of enjoyable activities including agility, flyball and Frisbee that all help the dog bond with its family.

The family bond can be impaired by their herding tendencies as they may chase moving vehicles or herd children, sometimes by nipping. Australian Cattle Dogs have been known to be suspicious of or cautious with strangers but socialisation can minimise the development of fear-based defensive aggression.

Australian Cattle Dog History:

In the late nineteenth century the Australian Cattle Dog was developed. Australian settlers were in need of a herding dog that had the stamina to withstand the rigors of the harsh climate and conditions of the country. The breeding efforts began in the 1830s when a native Dingo was crossed with a blue-speckled, smooth-coated Collie imported from Scotland. The litter that resulted is considered to be the Australian Cattle Dog’s earliest direct ancestors.

In the late 1960s the breed was introduced into the United States by two Californian fanciers and it was around 1979 that the first breeding lines were introduced to the UK.