Australian Cattle Dog

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The Australian Cattle Dog has a weather resistant double coat. The outer coat is flat, hard, straight, and close. The under coat is dense and short. The color of the coat comes in blue, red speckle, blue speckle, or blue-mottled. The blue coat has markings of black, blue, or tan. Puppies are born white. However, adult coat color is visible in the pads of the paws.

How big is an Australian Cattle Dog? With regards to size, the Australian Cattle Dog is of medium build. The Australian Cattle Dog is 35-45 pounds in weight. The Australian Cattle Dog is a member of the Herding group.

Because these dogs were bred to herd, they are energetic and enthusiastic. They are loyal and loving protectors and need a lot of fresh air and exercise. Australian Cattle Dogs can be great with children, as long as they are introduced to youngsters at an early age. They will often need to be directed not to nip at the heels of little ones, because this is a herding instinct that is ingrained within them. The Australian Cattle Dog is wary of strangers and can become aggressive towards them if not socialized properly as puppies.

Australian Cattle Dogs not only tolerate a high level of physical activity, they almost demand it. Like many other herding dog breeds, they have active and fertile minds that turn mischievous if not properly channeled.

Australian Cattle Dogs are sturdy, alert, and watchful. They were originally bred to work cattle in the rough inland terrain of Australia. Bred to herd all day, Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot of energy.

Early intense socialization and obedience are crucial for the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is extremely obedient. Australian Cattle Dogs do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, praise, consistency, and patience.