Australian Cattle Dog
"Barney"
Australian Cattle Dog profile
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Lifespan: 11-13 Years
Avg height: 43-50cm
Avg weight: 16-20.5kg
Coat type: Dense, short and coarse double coat
Coat colours: Blue, blue mottled, red speckled
Originally bred for: Cattle herding
Breed traits: Smart, hardy, energetic, independent, stubborn, untiring, tenacious
A little about the Australian Cattle Dog
The Cattle Dog is an efficient working dog with a strong urge to herd. They are excellent and loyal companions, who love exercise and stimulation with their tireless personality. They are amongst the most responsive and obedient dog breeds but do have the tendency to nip at heels as they try to herd everyone.
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG HEALTH INFORMATION
Cattle Dogs are a hardy and healthy breed, however some hereditary problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, OCD and progressive retinol atrophy can occur. Other occasionally seen problems include cataracts, lens luxation and Willebrand's disease.
WHAT YOUR VET THINKS WHEN A CATTLE DOG WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR…
“Will take a while to tire out this one"
A day in the life of "Barney"
I stoop down low, belly dragging on the dusty ground and move forward slowly. They’re scattered, and they shouldn’t be. Only I can bring them back together. We meet eyes; me and the chicken. She knows what’s coming next.
This chicken is the furthest from the group and had strayed over to the water tank. That’s a whole five meters from the others! And she knows it, she starts clucking a long ‘baaaaaaaaawk’ as she eyes me off. I look at her then the other three chickens scratching five metres from her then stand a bit higher. Easier to run at this height.
I skulk forward, banking the left to get behind the stray chicken, getting ready to push her back towards the group. She sees what I’m doing and she’s off, flapping and clucking as she runs flat strap towards her friends. I leap forward to follow and make sure she joins them.
‘Barney! Stop chasing the chickens!’ My owner yells from inside. My ears flatten to my head and I sink down to the ground again. Oops. My person always gets so mad, but the chickens need me! I creep back towards the house away from the chicken coup, and just before I turn the corner I look back. The chickens are huddled together, and I count them all. One, two, three, four. They’re all there. I can relax, for now.
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