Dog Breed of the Week: Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed with a special knack for herding cattle. This energetic dog breed also makes a wonderful companion for the right home. Named for its country of origin, the ACD was developed in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches in Queensland. In fact, the breed had a key role in the development of the Australian Beef industry. Fearless, athletic and intelligent, there is no better cattle herder than the ACD.
Today's ACD is still an amazing herder and worker, but is also quite successful in agility, flyball, Frisbee, and other canine competitions. This breed makes a wonderful companion for an owner with an active lifestyle. This breed is no couch potato and needs to work in order to be completely happy. If you are looking for an energetic, loyal and intelligent dog that will make a great exercise partner, consider the Australian Cattle Dog. Have you had experience with this beautiful and amazing dog breed? Tell others the story - talk about your Australian Cattle Dog.
Photo © chrisamichael on flickr
Comments
Our family has two heelers a red and a blue. They are great dogs very smart very loyal and very energetic as mentioned. As long as they are busy mentally and or physically they are super. I highly recommend them to anyone with lots of space and children over 7 or 8. We love them!
This breed is wonderful for active families, it is important to feed them a healthy diet, or their vigor will suffer as the age.
you should learn abut the lineage and breeding of border collies along with what makes them take readily to herding
i had three at different times and worked with a trainer on sheep – it was a life changing experience – they give crushing loyalty – will not let you alone so long as you will throw a ball or stick – the competitions i went to were stunning in the bond between dog and handler omg i luved them
Mine is HOOKED on ball throwing. She’d kill herself chasing it all day. Whenever I come home she’s right there with a ball.. of course after an energetic greeting. She runs up, jumps on me, enjoys whatever petting I give, then goes to look for that ball. Sigh..
“Ricky” my Red Healer was rescued 2 years ago and quickly adapted to loving all kids, and rules of the house. He passed the Therapy Dog tests 1st go round without any special training. His only problem he loves to eat and will steal some nachos at the ball field if a kid isn’t looking!!