A herding dog , also known as a stock dog or working dog , is a type of dog that either has been trained in herding livestock or belongs to one of the breeds that were developed for herding. A dog specifically trained to herd sheep is known as a sheep dog or shepherd dog, and one trained to herd cattle is known as a cattle dog or cow dog.
96-485: The Australian Cattle Dog , or simply Cattle Dog , is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. This breed is a medium-sized, short- coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either red or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat , which gives the appearance of a "red" or "blue" dog. As with dogs from other working breeds ,
192-459: A " Red Heeler " or " Blue Heeler " on the basis of its colouring and practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. The nickname " Queensland Heeler " may have originated in a popular booklet, published in Victoria. The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular, compact dog that gives the impression of agility and strength. It has a broad skull that flattens to a definite stop between
288-691: A Grand Championship, 20 points are needed with two "majors". Next is the Grand Excellent Championship which may be awarded to dogs who accumulate 100 points and have won at least one Best in the show. Region is not a factor in determining points for a win in Canada—the point schedule is the same across the country. In Colombia , dog shows are maintained and organised by the Association Colombian Kennel Club (Asociacion Club Canino Colombiano) . Their conformation shows follow
384-418: A ball or chasing a yard broom. The Australian Cattle Dog was developed for its ability to drive reluctant cattle to travel long distances and may be the best breed in the world for this work. However, some working dog trainers have expressed concern that dogs bred for the show ring are increasingly too short in the legs and too stocky in the body to undertake the work for which they were originally bred. Among
480-568: A breed the Australian Cattle Dog is suited to any activity that calls for athleticism, intelligence, and endurance. Kennel club -sponsored herding trials with a range of events suit the driving abilities of the Cattle Dog. Herding instincts and trainability are measured at non-competitive herding tests, and basic commands are sometimes taught through herding games, where rules such as "stay", "get it" and "that'll do" are applied to fetching
576-615: A constant, but small, supply of cattle to their markets. The droving dogs used at the time were commonly the Smithfield dogs which often barked at and bit the nose of the cattle which aggravated the livestock. A replacement was needed, and the Halls were prepared for this challenge. Thomas Simpson Hall , one of George's sons, had established the Dartbrook station in the Upper Hunter Valley in
672-471: A daily basis, and initially they were interested in a range of working dogs. Prominent members of the group concentrated on breeding these lines. Of these breeders, the Bagust family was the most influential. Robert Kaleski , of Moorebank , a young associate of Harry Bagust, wrote "in 1893 when I got rid of my cross-bred cattle dogs and took up the blues, breeders of the latter had started breeding ... to fix
768-675: A dog to livestock or at noncompetitive herding tests. Individuals exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. In Australia , New Zealand and the United States herding dogs are known as working dogs irrespective of their breeding. Some herding breeds work well with any kind of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly mustered animals include cattle , sheep , goats and reindeer , although it
864-470: A double coat—the short, straight outer guard hairs are protective in nature, keeping the elements from the dog's skin while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. The mask consists of a black patch over one or both eyes (for the blue coat colour) or a red patch over one or both eyes (for the red coat colour). Depending on whether one or both eyes have a patch, these are called, respectively, "single" (or "half") mask and "double" (or "full") mask. Dogs without
960-602: A few "all-breed" judges can judge a large number of breeds. Dogs compete at dog shows to earn points or certification towards championship titles. The Kennel Club (UK) system, which is also used by the Australian National Kennel Council and in other countries, is considered the most difficult to earn a title under. Fédération Cynologique Internationale sponsors international shows that differ from other shows in that dogs first receive individual written descriptions of positive and negative qualities from
1056-761: A job to do. These dogs have been bred as working dogs and need to be physically and mentally active. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and may need to be trained not to do so. Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes. The Australian Shepherd , Shetland Sheepdog , Rough Collie , Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family companion dogs. Dogs of herding breeds now often live in urban or suburban neighbourhoods. Their owners need to maintain their physical and mental health, taking into consideration their herding instinct and qualities. The services of dog-trainers are in demand, along with
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#17330861606731152-511: A mask are called plain-faced. Any of these are acceptable according to the breed standard. In conformation shows, even markings are preferred over uneven markings. The breed standards of the Australian, American and Canadian kennel clubs specify that the Australian Cattle Dog should have a natural, long, un-docked tail. There will often be a solid colour spot at the base of the tail and a white tip. The tail should be set moderately low, following
1248-497: A number of ways. Cattle Dogs are service dogs for people with a disability or are therapy dogs , some work for customs agencies in drug detection , some as police dogs , others haze pest animals, such as geese , for city or state agencies, and some work as scat -detection dogs, tracking endangered wildlife species . In a 2024 UK study of 50 dogs the breed had an average life expectancy of 14 years compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . Many members of
1344-588: A prerequisite for breeding. Some critics argue that the shows can encourage selective breeding of traits and lower genetic diversity . The first modern conformation dog show was held in Newcastle Town Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne , England , in June 1859. A conformation dog show is not a comparison of one dog to another but a comparison of each dog to a judge's mental image of the ideal breed type as outlined in
1440-420: A range of dog sports including weight pulling , flyball and schutzhund . The breed is particularly suited to activities that a dog can share with its owner such as canicross , disc dog , and skijoring or bikejoring . It is an effective hiking companion because of its natural endurance, its general lack of interest in hunting, and preference for staying by its owner's side. Most Australian Cattle Dogs love
1536-458: A sample of 69 still-living dogs, the most common health issues noted by owners were musculoskeletal ( spondylosis , elbow dysplasia , and arthritis) and reproductive ( pyometra , infertility, and false pregnancy ), and blindness. A study of dogs diagnosed at Veterinary Colleges in the United States and Canada over a thirty-year period described fractures, lameness and cruciate ligament tears as
1632-410: A sign of boredom or frustration, although research has shown that pet dogs increase their vocalisation when raised in a noisy environment. It responds well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order can trigger aggression. It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs. Known as a "wash and wear" dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming. It
1728-428: A specific dog breed , evaluates individual purebred dogs for how well the dogs conform to the established breed type for their breed, as described in a breed's individual breed standard . Dog shows can be in the means of evaluating dogs for breeding purposes. A conformation championship from a recognised national kennel club is generally considered as an indication of merit. Many breeders consider championships
1824-469: A subcategory of working dogs , but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group. Australia has the world's largest cattle stations and sheep stations and some of the best-known herding dogs, such as the Koolie , Kelpie , Red and Blue Heelers are bred and found there. Creating herding dog breeds is associated with the development of cattle breeding. Domestication of sheep and goats began in
1920-407: A tight lump, paw pads are thick, claws are strong. The coat has structure and density to protect from getting wet and temperature extremes common in the region of the breed origin. All herding dogs have excellent eyesight and hearing. Cattle dog colors are varied and depend on local breeders' preferences, but all herding dogs should have well-pigmented eyelids, lips, nose and paw pads, because pink skin
2016-699: A trend that favoured Cattle Dogs bred in New South Wales and, during the 1920s, many breeders followed this trend. Significant early progenitor dogs of the Cattle Dog pedigree include Brooklyn Dandy , Blue Rock , Little Gem , Little Sally , Little Logic and Logic Return . The prominence of Little Logic and Logic Return in the pedigrees of modern Australian Cattle Dogs was perpetuated by Wooleston Kennels. Wooleston supplied foundation and supplementary breeding dogs, such as Wooleston Blue Jack , to breeders in Australia, North America and Continental Europe. In
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#17330861606732112-405: Is a show which requires dogs to be on display in an assigned location ( show bench ) during the entirety of the show, except when being shown in the ring, groomed for showing, or taken outside to eliminate. The purpose is for spectators and breeders to have an opportunity to see all the entered dogs. In the more common unbenched shows, dogs are required to be present only at assigned ring times. In
2208-491: Is biddable, and responds well to training. The Australian Cattle Dog demands a high level of physical activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, the Cattle Dog has an active and fertile mind and if it is not given jobs to do it will find its own activities. It will appreciate a walk around the neighbourhood, but it needs structured activities that engage and challenge it, and regular interaction with its owner. While individual dogs have their own personalities and abilities, as
2304-469: Is not merle colouration (a speckled effect that has associated health issues), but rather the result of the ticking gene . A number of breeds show ticking, which is the presence of colour through white areas, though the overall effect depends on other genes that will modify the size, shape and density of the ticking. In addition to the primary colouration, an Australian Cattle Dog displays some patches of solid or near-solid colour. In both red and blue dogs,
2400-420: Is not a year-round shedder but blows its coat once a year (twice in the case of intact females ). Like other working breeds , the Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent and responsive; both of these traits can be an advantage in training where a structured, varied program is used, but can lead to unwanted outcomes if training is not consistent, or is repetitive and boring for the dog. The Australian Cattle Dog
2496-467: Is not common in the breed, but it occurs sufficiently often for specialised pelvis radiographical screening tests to be offered to breeders and owners. The Cattle Dog has a number of inherited conditions, but most of these are not common. Hereditary polioencephalomyelopathy of the Australian Cattle Dog is a very rare condition caused by an inherited biochemical defect. Dogs identified with the condition were completely paralysed within their first year. Based on
2592-489: Is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs. The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs , whose primary function is to guard flocks and herds from predation and theft, and they lack the herding instinct. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs". In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered
2688-404: Is one of the dog breeds affected by progressive retinal atrophy . It has the most common form, progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), a condition that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, resulting in blindness. PRCD is an autosomal recessive trait and a dog can be a carrier of the affected gene without developing the condition. Hip dysplasia
2784-487: Is quick to respond to the emotions of its owners, and may defend them without waiting for a command. It was originally bred to move reluctant cattle by biting, and it will bite if treated harshly. The Australian Cattle Dog's protective nature and tendency to nip at heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if unwanted behaviours are left unchecked. While an Australian Cattle Dog generally works silently, it will bark in alarm or to attract attention. Barking can be
2880-429: Is too delicate and prone to wounds and sunburn. In countries where herding is preserved, herding dogs continue to work for their main purpose and are appreciated as effective and even irreplaceable helpers that can save labor costs and avoid investments in expensive equipment. Economic studies in Australia have shown that herding dogs are worth more than five times their cost, including training and maintenance. Meanwhile,
2976-585: The AKC and some other kennel clubs , as they thought that the introduction of their breeds to the show ring would lead to decreasing numbers of working dogs with adequate qualities. In August 2008, BBC1 televised a documentary film titled Pedigree Dogs Exposed , which investigated the subject of health issues affecting pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on dogs bred for showing. The programme provoked criticisms of kennel clubs. Following
Australian Cattle Dog - Misplaced Pages Continue
3072-649: The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog . A breed standard, current in Queensland during the 1930s, describes two varieties of Cattle Dog, "long tail" and "short tail". The short tail variety was to be same as the long tail variety except for tail length. The two varieties were exhibited in separate classes. In 1963 the Australian National Kennel Council distinguished the two varieties in separate breed standards. Like many working dogs ,
3168-544: The Border Collie , get in front of the animals and use what is called strong eye to stare down the animals; they are known as headers . The headers or fetching dogs keep livestock in a group. They consistently go to the front or head of the animals to turn or stop the animal's movement. The heelers or driving dogs keep pushing the animals forward. Typically, they stay behind the herd. The Australian Kelpie and Australian Koolie use both these methods and also run along
3264-640: The Canadian Kennel Club in January 1980 after five years of collecting pedigrees, gathering support, and lobbying officials by two breeders and enthusiasts. The small number of Australian Cattle Dogs in Canada at the time were primarily working dogs on farms and ranches scattered across large distances. However, the fledgling breed club held conformation shows, obedience and agility competitions, and entered their dogs in sports including flyball and lure coursing . At
3360-611: The Netherlands , through the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps , up the Rhone to central and southwestern France. The development of agriculture, increasing number of settlements and foundation of cities have led to a decrease in the number of predators. After the extinction of large predators in most of Europe and Great Britain , with the massive spread of sheep breeding and with an increase in
3456-638: The United Kingdom , Ireland , South Africa , Chile , Canada , the USA , Australia , New Zealand and other farming nations, and have occasionally even become primetime television fare. In the US, regular events are run by the United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Australian Shepherd Club of America, American Kennel Club and many others. The world record price for a working sheep dog
3552-428: The "Bentley Mark", dog said to have been owned by an unsubstantiated Tom Bentley whose descendants allegedly could be identified by a white spot on the forehead and a black tail bar. Common miscolours in the Australian Cattle Dog are black hairs in a red-coated dog, including the extreme of a black saddle on a red dog, and extensive tan on the face and body on a blue dog, called "creeping tan". The Australian Cattle Dog has
3648-455: The 1820s. He had taken with him dogs, as well as cattle, and had honed the cattle-handling potential in his dogs. He bred blue speckled Highland Collies with dingoes, an ancient type of dog which seldom barks and instinctively bites on the heel or hindquarters of the animals they chase down. The result was the creation of the first of the Halls Heelers which worked silently and bit the heels of
3744-566: The 1910s give an insight into the early history of the breed. Most importantly, Kaleski identified Thomas Simpson Hall's association with the Halls Heeler. In the 1890s, Cattle Dogs of Halls Heeler derivation were seen in the kennels of exhibiting Queensland dog breeders such as William Byrne. These were a different population from those shown in New South Wales and included both long-tailed and short-tailed exhibits. These dogs may have come from Hall properties in Queensland. Byrne, however, initiated
3840-501: The 1940s Alan McNiven, a Sydney veterinarian, introduced Dingo, Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Kangaroo Hound into his breeding program; however, the Royal Agricultural Society Kennel Club (RASKC) would not register the cross breeds as Australian Cattle Dogs, even though McNiven argued they were true to conformation, colour and temperament. McNiven responded by giving his pups registration papers from dead dogs, and
3936-486: The 8-7th millennium BC. Originally this process began in Western Asia , on the territory of modern Iran and Iraq . Shepherding was a difficult task: primitive herders did not have horses and moved their cattle for grazing on foot as horses and donkeys were not yet fully domesticated and obedient enough. Dogs that were previously helping humans in hunting, became assistants in livestock maintenance. The main task for dogs in
Australian Cattle Dog - Misplaced Pages Continue
4032-526: The Australian Cattle Dog has high energy levels, an active mind, and a level of independence. The breed ranks 10th in Stanley Coren 's The Intelligence of Dogs , rated as one of the most intelligent dogs ranked by obedience command trainability. The Cattle Dog needs plenty of exercise, companionship and a job to do, so a non-working dog might participate in dog sports , learning tricks , or other activities that engage its body and mind. When on home ground,
4128-496: The Australian Cattle Dog is an affectionate and playful pet . However, it is reserved with people it does not know and naturally cautious in new situations. Its attitude to strangers makes it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task, and it can be socialised to become accustomed to a variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal. By
4224-428: The Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during
4320-555: The Kennel Club; before this they had to compete in the category "Any Variety Not Separately Classified". Australian Cattle Dogs were competing successfully in obedience and working trials in the UK during the 1980s. Herding dog All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior. Through selective breeding, humans have been able to minimize the dog's natural inclination to treat cattle and sheep as prey while simultaneously maintaining
4416-450: The United Kingdom, in particular blue-speckled Highland Collies, and crossed them with selected dingoes to create the breed. The Halls Heelers were later developed, in particular by Jack and Harry Bagust from Sydney in the 1880s, into the two modern breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog . The Bagust brothers "bred a lot and drowned a lot" to create the breed. The Australian Cattle Dog has been nicknamed
4512-784: The War discovered the Australian Cattle Dog and took one home when they returned. In the late 1950s a veterinarian in Santa Rosa, California , Jack Woolsey, was introduced to Lougher's dogs. With his partners, he bought several dogs and started breeding them. The breeders advertised the dogs in Western Horsemen stating they were guaranteed to work and calling them Queensland Heelers. Woolsey imported several purebred Australian Cattle Dogs to add to his breeding program, including Oaklea Blue Ace , Glen Iris Boomerang and several Glen Iris bitches. The National Stock Dog Registry of Butler , Indiana, registered
4608-494: The ability to manage the herd, but also to protect it. With the spread of reindeer breeding among the northern peoples, hunting spitz -like dogs were "retrained" into shepherds. Most breeds of Central European shepherd dogs – with erect ears and short hair on the head, similar to wolves, were mainly formed in the 16th to 17th centuries, the breeds of curly-haired dogs of the Northern European type were formed later. During
4704-648: The backs of sheep so are said to head, heel, and back. Other types such as the Australian Shepherd , English Shepherd and Welsh Sheepdog are moderate to loose eyed , working more independently. The New Zealand Huntaway uses its loud, deep bark to muster mobs of sheep. Belgian Malinois , German Shepherd Dogs and Briards are historically tending dogs, who act as a "living fence", guiding large flocks of sheep to graze, while preventing them from eating valuable crops and wandering onto roads. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured when introducing
4800-427: The blue dogs can have a brown (red) patch "mask" on one or both sides of the head and sometimes on the body. Both red dogs and blue dogs are born white (except for any solid-coloured body or face markings) and the red or black hairs show from around four weeks of age as they grow and mature. The distinctive adult colouration is the result of black or red hairs closely interspersed through a predominantly white coat. This
4896-443: The body from breast bone to buttocks is greater than the height at the withers, in a ratio of 10 to 9. There are two accepted coat colours, red and blue. Chocolate and cream are considered to be faults. Blue dogs can be blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled with tan on the legs and chest and white markings and a black patch or "mask" on one or both sides of the head. Red dogs are evenly speckled with solid red markings and similarly to
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#17330861606734992-551: The breed are still well and active at 12 or 14 years of age, and some maintain their sight, hearing and even their teeth until their final days. The Australian Cattle Dog carries recessive piebald alleles that produce white in the coat and skin and are linked to congenital hereditary deafness, though it is possible that there is a multi-gene cause for deafness in a dog with the piebald pigment genes. Around 10.8% of Cattle Dogs in one Australian study were found to be deaf in either one or both ears. The Australian Cattle Dog
5088-471: The breed challenging for this reason. An Australian Cattle Dog can excel in obedience competition . It will enjoy the challenges, such as retrieving a scented article, but the breed's problem-solving ability may lead it to find solutions to problems that are not necessarily rewarded by the obedience judges. Rally obedience offers more interaction with the owner and less repetition than traditional obedience trials. Australian Cattle Dogs have been successful in
5184-526: The breed, assigning American numbers without reference to Australian registrations. Australian Cattle Dogs had been classified in the "miscellaneous" category at the American Kennel Club (AKC) since the 1930s; to get the breed full recognition, the AKC required that a National Breed Parent Club be organised for promotion and protection of the breed. In 1967 Esther Ekman met Chris Smith-Risk at an AKC show, and
5280-699: The broadcast, the BBC withdrew its television coverage of the Crufts dog show from 2009, with other sponsors and partners also withdrawing support, including Pedigree Petfoods , the RSPCA , PDSA and the Dog's Trust . In response to the programme, the Kennel Club in the UK announced a review of all breed standards. They stated that they will impose a ban on breeding between dogs that are closely related and will impose greater monitoring to prevent unhealthy dogs from being entered. A bench show
5376-432: The cattle to enforce authority. In the 1880s and 1890s, Jack and Harry Bagust of Sydney, crossed Halls Heelers with other breeds such as Kelpies and Dalmatians to produce the first dogs known as Australian Cattle Dogs. By the 1890s, dogs of Halls Heeler ancestry had attracted the attention of a group of men with a recreational interest in the new practice of showing dogs competitively. None were stockmen working cattle on
5472-587: The class earns 10 points in non-variety breeds and 5 in variety breeds, even if there are no other dogs to beat in the class. Competition Wins are wins over at least one other dog, whether in their own breed (such as going Best Fe/male or Best of Winners) or higher level (placing above at least one other dog in the group or Best/Reserve Best in Multi-Breed show). A championship requires a total of 100 points and three competition wins. Canadian Kennel Club shows are nearly identical to American Kennel Club dog shows, with
5568-631: The club registry in 1979 and the breed was fully recognised in September 1980. The Australian Cattle Dog Club of America is still active in the promotion of the breed and the maintenance of breed standards. The National Stock Dog Registry continued to recognise Cattle Dogs without prerequisite links to Australian registered dogs, on the condition that any dog of unknown parentage that was presented for registry would be registered as an "American Cattle Dog", and all others would still be registered as "Australian Cattle Dogs". The breed gained official recognition from
5664-455: The distances short relative to the long distance droving feats of the Duracks, and others, in the late nineteenth century. Until the invention of ice-making and refrigeration in the 1850s (by a Scottish immigrant to Australia, James Harrison) butchers, and their customers, had no choice but to buy their meat in small quantities and the cattle growers, including the Halls, had no choice but to maintain
5760-412: The dog exaggerated. It should not look either delicate or cumbersome, as either characteristic limits the agility and endurance that is necessary for a working dog. The female Australian Cattle Dog measures approximately 43–48 centimetres (17–19 in) at the withers , and the male measures about 46–51 centimetres (18–20 in) at the withers. The dog should be longer than tall, that is, the length of
5856-726: The dog's hunting skills, thereby creating an effective herding dog. Dogs can work other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog , typically nip at the heels of animals (for this reason they are called heelers ) and the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were historically used in a similar fashion in the cattle droves that moved cattle from Wales to the Smithfield Meat Market in London but are rarely used for herding today. Other breeds, notably
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#17330861606735952-446: The early stages of cattle breeding was protecting herds from a variety of wild predators, that were very numerous. This function predetermined herding dogs' characteristics: they had to be strong, vicious, courageous, decisive, able to stand alone against a large predator and, most importantly, ready to defend their herd. The history of the ancestors of herding dogs can be traced back to six thousand years ago, archaeological findings of
6048-414: The end of 1980, Landmaster Carina was named the first Australian Cattle Dog in Canada to gain both her conformation and obedience titles. The first registered Australian Cattle Dogs to arrive in the United Kingdom were two blue puppies, Lenthel Flinton and Lenthel Darlot , imported in 1980 by Malcolm Duding. They were followed soon afterwards by Landmaster Darling Red in whelp. Landmaster Darling Red
6144-562: The exception of a "Canadian-Bred" class replacing the AKC's "American-Bred". The main difference is the number of points required for a Championship, and the way those points are calculated. Under the Canadian Kennel Club rules, 10 points are needed for a Championship, with wins awarded by at least three different judges and at least one "major" win of two or more points. Once a Championship is completed, dogs may earn points toward their Grand Championship. As of January 1, 2013, to reach
6240-627: The eyes, with muscular cheeks and a medium-length, deep, powerful muzzle . The ears are pricked, small to medium in size and set wide apart, with a covering of hair on the inside. The eyes are oval and dark, with an alert, keen expression. The neck and shoulders are strong and muscular; the forelegs are straight and parallel; and the feet round and arched, with small, sturdy toes and nails. The Australian Cattle Dog breed standard states that it should have well-conditioned muscles, even when bred for companion or show purposes, and that its appearance should be symmetrical and balanced, with no individual part of
6336-643: The help of herding dogs turned out to be the most effective and only easily implemented way: walking through the patrolled area several times a day, the dogs force the geese to settle in places where they cause less trouble, while the nature is not being harmed. All shepherd dogs are born athletes. Their high need for physical and intellectual activity can be replenished not only by sports grazing, but also by other types of cynological sports. Border Collies as owners of outstanding sports qualities, Belgian Shepherds, Australian Shepherds invariably occupy leading positions in agility, flyball, frisbee, dog dancing, obedience. At
6432-411: The individual breed's breed standard . Dog show judges attempt to identify dogs who epitomise the published standards for each breed. Some judgments must be subjective. As an example, what exactly entails a "full coat" or a "cheerful attitude", descriptions found in breed standards, can be learned different. Judges are generally certified to judge one or several breeds, usually in the same group , but
6528-526: The joint remains of sheep and dogs date back to 3685 BC. The place of their origin is considered to be the territories of modern Turkey , Iraq and Syria . Shepherd dogs are mentioned in the Old Testament , the writings of Cato the Elder and Varro , their images are found in works of art created more than two thousand years ago. These dogs were used not only to guard herds, but also for military purposes. From
6624-680: The judge, and only dogs with high ratings go on to compete against other dogs in the class. A dog must receive four international Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté (CACIB) to qualify for a championship; one must be won in the dog's own country, and at least two in other countries under at least three different judges. The Kennel Club also operates a separate show open only to mixed-breeds, Scruffts , which judges its contestants on character, health, and temperament with people and other dogs. There are seven classes per breed in American Kennel Club dog shows: The American-Bred and Open classes are mandatory for each show, while
6720-412: The most common are masks over one or both eyes, a white tip to the tail, a solid spot at the base of the tail, and sometimes solid spots on the body, though these are not desirable in dogs bred for conformation shows . Blue dogs may have tan midway up the legs and extending up the front to breast and throat, with tan on jaws, and tan eyebrows. Both colour forms can have a white "star" on the forehead called
6816-882: The most common conditions in the Australian Cattle Dogs treated. British colonist George Hall and his family arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802. By 1825, the Halls had established two cattle stations in the Upper Hunter Valley , and had begun a northward expansion into the Liverpool Plains , New England and Queensland . Getting his cattle to the Sydney markets presented a problem in that cattle had to be moved along unfenced stock routes through sometimes rugged bush and mountain ranges. The mobs of cattle were small (the population centres were small) and
6912-497: The most popular activities for an Australian Cattle Dog is dog agility . It is ideally suited for navigating obstacle courses, since as a herding dog it is reactive to the handler's body language and willing to work accurately at a distance from the handler. Agility has been used by Cattle Dog owners to instil confidence in their dogs, and enhance their performance in training and competition. The Australian Cattle Dog thrives on change and new experiences, and many handlers find training
7008-504: The number of dogs competing and the area where the show is held. At least two wins must be a set of three or more points ("majors") under two different judges; at least one additional win under a third judge is also required. The rules for the United Kennel Club (UKC) use a different points system. A championship requires a combination of points and competition wins. Points are awarded at breed level for each win; for example, winning
7104-416: The only commands used: there are many variations. When whistles are used, each individual dog usually has a different set of commands to avoid confusion when several dogs are being worked at one time. Conformation show A dog show is an animal show , an event where dogs are exhibited. A conformation show , also referred to as a breed show , is a kind of dog show in which a judge , familiar with
7200-526: The others are optional. In some cases, one or more of these classes may be divided by color, height, weight, or coat type. A dog can earn extra points during these awards, depending on the number of dogs of its sex and the Champions that were competing against it. In the American Kennel Club, a dog needs 15 points to become a Champion, with each win gaining anywhere from zero to five points depending on
7296-663: The owner and a desire to work has led to the widespread use of large European Shepherds for a number of other civil and military jobs. These are the most common police and military dogs employed in the guard, search, rescue and other types of services. The modern world presents people with new tasks, which are successfully solved with the help of dogs. For example, in the United States, legally protected geese often pose serious problems for life and work. Here, border collies and other strong-eyed herding dogs are used to patrol crops, residential and recreational areas, parks, beaches, golf courses and, above all, airports. Protection from birds with
7392-457: The popularity and the number of herding dogs are growing, and the scope of work for them is narrowing. In the 21st century herding dogs are often chosen as family pets . The collie breeds including the Bearded Collie and Border Collie are well known, as are the Australian kelpie and Australian Working kelpie, Welsh Corgis . They make good family dogs and are at their best when they have
7488-480: The regions of Western Asia, herding spread to west and north, followed by an increase in the number of domestic animals. On the territory of Europe , the progenitors of herding dogs appeared in the 6th to 7th centuries BC. According to archaeological research, cattle breeding and agriculture spread across Europe in different ways: along the Danube and Rhine rivers to the territory of modern Germany , northern France and
7584-634: The rules of the International Federation of Kennel Clubs. ( Fédération Cynologique Internationale ) . According to the ACCC, only purebred dogs recognised by the FCI are allowed to participate. Purebreds of Colombian origin must be registered with the ACCC, and therefore they must hold an LOC number (Number in the Colombian Book of Origins). In the United Kingdom, the international championship show Crufts
7680-527: The same time, in service, sport and show dogs of herding breeds that do not interact with livestock, the herding instinct is gradually weakened. The competitive dog sport in which herding dogs move animals around a field, fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers is called a sheepdog trial , herding test or stockdog trial depending on the area. Such events are particularly associated with hill farming areas, where sheep range widely on largely unfenced land. These trials are popular in
7776-462: The selection of breeding dogs based solely upon appearance, which is seen by some as detrimental to working qualities and, at worst, as a promotion of eugenics . The shows have been criticized for encouraging breeding of traits that are harmful to the dogs; for example, the Pekingese dog who won at Britain's most prestigious dog show in 2003 had to be photographed while lying on an icepack after winning
7872-406: The selection process, the physical characteristics of the dogs were formed, allowing them to do their job in the best possible way. Regardless of the conditions in which herding dogs work and what function they perform, they all have a number of common characteristics. Herding dogs are strong and have a lot of stamina. Their paws are well protected from thorns and sharp stones: toes are compressed into
7968-581: The share of cultivated and populated land, the main task of herding dogs was to protect crops, private and protected areas from harm during grazing and moving herds. Shepherd dogs were more suitable for this work than larger and stronger breeds, being medium-sized and mobile. Such dogs managed small and large livestock, as well as domestic birds. In addition to the Central European type of shepherd, another type of dog has emerged, often with thick hair, more suitable for colder areas. These dogs have shown not only
8064-489: The shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness (both hereditary conditions) and accidental injury. Thomas Simpson Hall , pastoralist and son of pioneer Hawkesbury region colonist George Hall, developed an Australian working dog for cattle farming during the mid 1800s. Robert Kaleski , who wrote the first standard for the cattle dog (later, the Australian cattle dog), called Hall's dogs "Halls Heelers". Thomas Hall imported dogs from
8160-573: The show because the dog could not breathe well enough to efficiently cool his own overheated body. Breeding selective traits reduces genetic diversity , which can create some health problems in dogs. In the United States, some working dog breed organisations, such as the American Border Collie Association and the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America , have tried to fight to keep their breeds from being recognised by
8256-402: The slope of the back. It should hang in a slight curve at rest, though an excited dog may carry its tail higher. The tail should feature a good level of brush. In the United States , tails are sometimes docked on working stock. Tail docking is illegal, except in special circumstances, in all states and territories of Australia . The Australian Cattle Dog shares ancestry and early history with
8352-425: The time puppies are weaned, they should have learned that the company of people is pleasurable, and that responding to cues from a person is rewarding. The bond that this breed can create with its owner is strong and will leave the dog feeling protective towards the owner, typically resulting in the dog's never being too far from the owner's side. The Australian Cattle Dog can be the friendliest of companions although it
8448-415: The training centres for working and sporting herding dogs, offering sheep rental and walks in the pasture. Dogs living in the suburbs and villages can work with small groups of animals or poultry. Sometimes owners even buy a few sheep so that their dogs can enjoy what they were originally bred for. The combination of quick learning ability, physical strength, endurance, predatory behavior with dedication to
8544-676: The two fell into conversation about their Australian Cattle Dogs and the process of establishing a parent club for the breed. By 1969 the fledgling club had 12 members and formally applied to the AKC for instructions. One of the requirements was that the club had to start keeping its own registry for the breed and that all dogs on the registry would have to be an extension of the Australian registry, tracing back to registered dogs in Australia. The AKC Parent Club members began researching their dogs, including exchanging correspondence with McNiven, and discovered that few of them had dogs that could be traced back to dogs registered in Australia. The AKC took over
8640-535: The type. I drew up a standard for them on those lines". This first breed standard for the Cattle Dog breed was published, with photographs, by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture in 1903. Kaleski's standard emphasised that the dog should retain the overall general appearance of a 'small thick-set dingo'. Kaleski's standard was adopted by breed clubs in Queensland and New South Wales and re-issued as their own, with local changes. His writings from
8736-447: The water and are excellent swimmers. It is not a hyperactive breed, and once one has had its exercise, it is happy to lie at its owner's feet, or to rest in its bed or crate while keeping an ear and eye open for signs of pending activity. The Australian Cattle Dog is an adaptable dog that can accept city or indoor living conditions, if its considerable exercise and companionship needs are met. The Australian Cattle Dog can be put to work in
8832-517: Was broken February 2011 at the auction at Skipton Market, England, with £6,300 ($ 10,270) for Dewi Fan. The previous record was £5,145 ($ 8,390) These commands may be indicated by a hand movement, whistle or voice. There are many other commands that are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock. Herding dog commands are generally taught using livestock as the modus operandi. Urban owners without access to livestock are able to teach basic commands through herding games. These are not
8928-497: Was consequently expelled from the RASKC and all of his dogs removed from the registry. Meanwhile, Greg Lougher, a Napa , California cattle rancher who met Alan McNiven while stationed in Australia during World War II , had imported several adults and several litters from McNiven. After his de-registration McNiven continued to export his "improved" dogs to the United States. Many U.S. soldiers who were stationed in Queensland or NSW during
9024-603: Was first held in 1891. Since its centenary year in 1991, the show has officially been recognised as the world's largest and most prestigious dog show by Guinness World Records , with a total of 22,991 dogs being exhibited that year. 22,964 dogs were exhibited in 2008, 27 short of the previous record. The World Dog Show is sponsored by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international championships in conformation and other dog sports . The location rotates between member countries. The 2008 show
9120-796: Was held in Stockholm, Sweden ; the 2009 show in Bratislava , Slovakia ; and the 2010 show in Herning , Denmark . The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an all-breed conformation show, historically held in the New York City area. It is one of a handful of benched shows in the United States. It is often compared to the World Dog Show ; the World Dog Show is considered a bit more valuable reputation-wise. Some critics state that conformation shows lead to
9216-531: Was imported by John and Mary Holmes, and proved to be an outstanding brood bitch. Over the next few years additional Cattle Dogs arrived in the UK from the Netherlands, Kenya, Germany and Australia, although prior to relaxation of rules regarding artificial insemination , the UK gene pool was limited. In 1985 the Australian Cattle Dog Society of Great Britain was formed and officially recognised by
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