5 Things You Didn’t Know About Australian Cattle Dogs
Are you planning on adopting an Australian Cattle dog soon? Great choice! These dogs are beautiful, intelligent and very loyal to their owners. But they are also highly energetic and have an independent nature and will keep you on your toes. Hence you should research thoroughly about Australian Cattle dogs before you bring one home. Here are 5 things you probably didnt know about your Australian Cattle Dog:
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Australian Cattle dogs are descendants of Dingoes
Australian Cattle dogs are descendants of the dingoes, which are wild dogs of Australia. But there’s a bit more to this story. Australian Cattle dogs have been around since the 19th century. The breed was developed by European settlers who were looking for a hardy dog breed that could handle the harsh climate and the rugged terrain of Australian outback while herding cattle.
Dogs from England and Scotland could’nt handle the high temperature. Hence ranch owners and breeders started experimenting with the Dingo, Australia’s wild dog.
The dingo was cross bred with dog breeds from Europe. They were first crossed with blue merle border collie, then with a dalmatian and finally with a kelpie to create the Australian Cattle dogs.
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They are called Heelers because of their Herding style
The early ranch owners in Australia needed a dog breed that is hardy enough to drive cattle, endure the harsh temperature and cover long distances easily. Hence the Australian Cattle dog breed was created. These dogs are rough and strong and well-suited to handle the challenging terrain of Australia.
Since the cattle they used to manage were much larger in size, Australian Cattle dogs would ‘nip’ at their heels to move them. Because of this reason, they are popularly called Heelers.They are also known by a lot of different names such as the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler. These names were given depending on their coat color and the place they hail from.
Australian Cattle dogs bred in Queensland, Australia in the 1940s were more successful in conformation competitions and as stud dogs. As a result, Australian cattle dog breeds from Queensland were valued more because people thought they produce high quality, healthy offsprings. These dog breeds came to be known as Queensland Heelers to differentiate them from Australian cattle dogs bred in New South Wales.
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Australian Cattle dogs have a strong work ethic
Australian Cattle dogs were bred to be working dogs and help ranch owners by herding cattle across long distances. Accordingly, they have developed a strong work ethic and are at their happiest when they are given a job to do. They excel in jobs that require focus and determination.
If they are not given jobs to do or do not have a proper outlet for their energy, they will get bored and restless and may become destructive. When they are bored, they may also try to herd small children, pets or other small animals by nipping at their heels.
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They are an intelligent dog breed
Australian Cattle dogs are considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are eager to learn as well as please their owners. Because they were bred to work in hard conditions, they also have an innate ability to problem solve. As a result, they can be trained easily to perform different tasks. But they have an independent nature and can be stubborn.
Hence, you should start training your Red or Blue Heeler from an young age. That way they will learn to be obedient and also develop a lot of skills. But you need to be consistent with the training so that they know that you are in charge and you are serious about a particular training. You should also always use positive reinforcement such as rewards and praises while training your Red or Blue Heeler. You can give them interactive toys and puzzles to keep them occupied when they are indoors.
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Australian Cattle Dogs have two main coat colors
Australian Cattle dogs have two main accepted coat colors - red and blue. Red coat variants are called Red Heelers whereas dogs with blue coats are called Blue Heelers. The coat pattern is either mottled or speckled with black, tan or red markings. However, at birth, all Australian Cattle dogs have an all-white coat - a trait they have inherited from their dalmatian ancestor.
Another interesting fact about Australian Cattle dogs is that some of them may sport a patch also called mask over one or both of their eyes. In case of Red Heelers, the patch will be dark or light red in color. On the other hand, Blue Heelers have a black patch
Wrapping Up!
Australian Cattle dogs can be stubborn at times, but they are also eager to please their owner. So set clear rules and boundaries, provide ample mental and physical stimulation, use reward-based training, and socialise them well from a early age and you will have a well-trained, loving and loyal companion for life. Dont forget to shower them with lots of love and treats!
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