What you need to know about Australian Cattle Dogs
Cattledog Dreams
Dedicated to the Care, Training and Placement of Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs)
come in many sizes, shapes
and colors. However, they are
typically between 35-45 pounds
(though we have had them as
small as 25 and as large as 60),
and they have erect ears, a
sturdy conformation, a white
mark on their forehead (known
as a "Bentley " mark), a long tail
and brown eyes.
All the dogs on this bed are
ACDs (also known as
"Queensland Heelers").
come in many sizes, shapes
and colors. However, they are
typically between 35-45 pounds
(though we have had them as
small as 25 and as large as 60),
and they have erect ears, a
sturdy conformation, a white
mark on their forehead (known
as a "Bentley " mark), a long tail
and brown eyes.
All the dogs on this bed are
ACDs (also known as
"Queensland Heelers").
Loyal Family Dogs: If they are raised
with children, ACDs can be excellent
family dogs. However, some tend to
be "mouthy", and this trait needs to
be channeled in a constructive way
around children.
ACDs are very loyal, believing their
job is to be within 10 feet of their
owner at all times. They are very
responsive to the people that interact
with them on a regular basis.
However, owners have to earn their
loyalty. Family members that ignore
them can expect to be ignored in
return.
with children, ACDs can be excellent
family dogs. However, some tend to
be "mouthy", and this trait needs to
be channeled in a constructive way
around children.
ACDs are very loyal, believing their
job is to be within 10 feet of their
owner at all times. They are very
responsive to the people that interact
with them on a regular basis.
However, owners have to earn their
loyalty. Family members that ignore
them can expect to be ignored in
return.
Smart and Athletic: ACDs are
typically medium energy dogs that
are always ready to do something
with you if you give them half a
chance. Their natural intelligence,
athleticism and dedication to their
owner makes them excellent
candidates for Agility, Fly Ball and
other canine sports.
Reserved: ACD's are naturally
weary of strangers and like to be
"properly introduced" to new people
by their owner. It is a rare ACD that
will run up to a complete stranger
looking for pets and hugs!
typically medium energy dogs that
are always ready to do something
with you if you give them half a
chance. Their natural intelligence,
athleticism and dedication to their
owner makes them excellent
candidates for Agility, Fly Ball and
other canine sports.
Reserved: ACD's are naturally
weary of strangers and like to be
"properly introduced" to new people
by their owner. It is a rare ACD that
will run up to a complete stranger
looking for pets and hugs!
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
The Story on Tails: ACDs should have tails,
but you will see many out there without them.
Though there is a genetic variety of ACD,
called "Stumpies" that are born with bobbed
tails, they are rare. Chances are if you see a
short-tailed Cattle Dog, it has had its tail
docked as a puppy, and that is a shame
because ACDs have beautiful bushy tails that
aid them in making sharp turns when they work
and play.
It is thought the practice of docking tails started
when ACDs were introduced on ranches in the
US. The dogs looked so much like wolves and
coyotes from a distance that they were being
shot by mistake. So, ranchers started docking
tails to help distinguish them from their wild
cousins.
Cattledog Dreams never docks an ACD's tail,
and our adoption agreement prevents
adopters from doing so, but we often have
dogs with docked tails available for adoption
since this practice is still common in the inland
valley of California.
but you will see many out there without them.
Though there is a genetic variety of ACD,
called "Stumpies" that are born with bobbed
tails, they are rare. Chances are if you see a
short-tailed Cattle Dog, it has had its tail
docked as a puppy, and that is a shame
because ACDs have beautiful bushy tails that
aid them in making sharp turns when they work
and play.
It is thought the practice of docking tails started
when ACDs were introduced on ranches in the
US. The dogs looked so much like wolves and
coyotes from a distance that they were being
shot by mistake. So, ranchers started docking
tails to help distinguish them from their wild
cousins.
Cattledog Dreams never docks an ACD's tail,
and our adoption agreement prevents
adopters from doing so, but we often have
dogs with docked tails available for adoption
since this practice is still common in the inland
valley of California.
