herding dogs, also mixes of Collies and Dingos. Their pups, too, were in great demand and soon appeared in Sydney markets, working the cattle in confined spaces as well as on the vast ranges of the outback.
The cattle sale yards were the proving grounds for Hall’s Heelers when Fred Davis, a butcher, used them to move the cattle from one small yard to another as the animals came up for sale. Seeing the outstanding ability of his dogs, Davis began breeding them. Soon two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, purchased some of the Davis pups and began breeding them with an eye to perfecting their working ability.
First, they crossed one of their blue merle bitches with a Dalmatian, which changed the blue merle to blue speckled, the color and pattern that is known today. The purpose of introducing Dalmatian genes was to enhance the dogs’ ability to work with horses and strengthen their devotion to their masters.
Finally, to reinforce a strong working driver, the Bagusts introduced Australian Kelpie blood into their dogs. Bred to herd and control sheep, Kelpies are superior herders, extremely intelligent and easily controlled. In appearance, the breed resembles a heav-ier version of the Dingo. Along with the blue or red speckling, modern Cattle Dogs carry red or blue patches around their eyes, which they inherited from the Kelpie.
Aust. Gr. Ch. Kombinalong Super Octane, the youngest Grand Champion in the breed, with owner/breeder Narelle Robertson.
Once the newest Blue Heelers were genetically set in looks, temperament and working ability, they attracted the interest of a man named Robert Kaleski, a journalist and dog fancier. In 1893, Kaleski began breeding the Blue Heelers and, by 1897, he introduced them at dog shows for the first time. Since no more experimental breeding was done after the infusion of the Kelpie, Kaleski wrote the standard for the breed in 1902 and submitted it to the Cattle and Sheep Dog Club of Australia and the Kennel Club of New South Wales for approval. The standard was approved in 1903.
Eventually, the breed assumed the official name of Australian Cattle Dog. In addition to being known as Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers, they’re often referred to as Blueys.
In the United States, the breed was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1980, and they are officially recognized as Australian Cattle Dogs. The term “AuCaDo” is another name used for the Australian Cattle Dog in America. Whatever they’re called or wherever they live, this hardy breed has changed little from the dog it was in the early 1900s. That fact has served the breed well in keeping it free of genetic problems often seen in other breeds subjected to breed tampering.
NIPPING COUSINS
The AuCaDo’s lesser known cousin is known as the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, originally referred to as the Timmins Biter. The breed was created by a cattleman by the name of Timmins, who crossed the native bobtailed Smithfield, Dingo and a blue-merle Smooth Collie. Once thought to be a variant of the AuCaDo, the Stumpy Tail is not an Aussie spinoff without a tail. The breed does not derive from the Kelpie, as does the AuCaDo, and there are some important conformational differences. The Stumpy Tail cannot have tan markings, has a more wedge-shaped, less broad head, has a square body, high-set smaller ears and an undocked, natural “stumpy” tail.
An example of the consistent type and quality of the breed world-wide is this beautiful Australian Cattle Dog from the UK.
The Australian Cattle Dog (bottom) incorporated existing Australian working dogs with the following: Dingo (upper left), a native wild dog, for endurance and athletic ability; Dalmatian (upper right), for affinity for horses and humans and for sound running gear; Smooth Collie (middle left), for herding ability and affinity for and loyalty to humans; Bull Terrier (middle right) for just a touch of toughness and aggression to deal with free-range, undomesticated cattle.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
IS THE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG RIGHT FOR YOU?
In every breed of dog, there are certain characteristics that set that breed apart, separating it from all other breeds of dog. These characteristics form the defining signature that stamps the dog as a specific breed, even though the individual dog is also a member of the canine species. Breedspecific characteristics are a breed’s mark of distinction. These comprise how the dog looks, the way he acts and the subtle little (and sometimes big!) mannerisms that he exhibits in daily life.
Frequently, such habits as high-pitched, excited barking are genetically engineered into the dog for a reason. Shetland Sheepdogs, for example, bark in this manner when they’re herding. Dachshunds often bark when they go to ground in their hunt for vermin. Once underground and out of the owner’s sight, the yipping of the Dachshund helps the owner keep track of his dog’s whereabouts.
In the case of the Australian Cattle Dog, there are a number of important physical and behavioral characteristics that set the dog apart from all others. First, the AuCaDo is extremely intelligent, capable of making decisions regarding himself, his owner and family, his job and his home territory. This ability is a result of a combination of his instincts, experiences, intellect and innate desire to function effectively within his own pack.
Probably the best way to get to learn about a particular breed of dog is to talk with those who own members of the breed. In the case of the Australian Cattle Dog, characteristic traits are never kept secret. Owners are eager to share what they know about their dogs and even more anxious to have you understand that the AuCaDo is not the right breed for everyone.
Owners will tell you that the Australian Cattle Dog is courageous, alert, curious and capable of long hours of hard work in rugged conditions. He’s athletic, quiet, versatile and aloof. His protective instincts are strong; his loyalty to his master and family and his home and property are without question.
The AuCaDo is strong-willed, selective in making friends, suspicious of strangers and aggressive when he, his family or his home is threatened. On the other hand, he loves children, is playful and eager to please and requires a firm but gentle type of discipline in management and training. Most of all, he is not a couch potato and will never be content to live a sedentary life with just a short walk around the block every day.
This high-energy dog wants to work, needs to work and works superbly at whatever task he is taught to perform. He has tireless energy that must be channeled into productive behavior every day of his life. A hike in the park on Sundays will not satisfy this working dog. He must live a full, active life with a master he loves and respects.
Unlike some breeds of dog whose characteristics are spelled out in one paragraph of the breed standard, the AuCaDo’s characteristics are listed in detail and at great length. For example, included in the characteristics of the breed, emphasis is placed on the fact that AuCaDo puppies should be placed in their new homes before they reach adolescence. This way, they will develop strong bonds with their masters, with whom they will permanently live (and possibly work). Adult AuCaDos do not do well in cases in which they must change homes and masters once they reach maturity. Their bond is for life, and they do not adjust easily to new owners once they become adult dogs.
Furthermore, it is so important that
