However, your Australian Cattle Dog also seems to enjoy biting. It may have started with gentle nibbles when you were playing, but now it has become an aggressive and persistent habit. It means you’re on edge whenever a guest reaches down to stroke your pup.
Many Australian Cattle Dogs are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures.
Australian Cattle Dog Pros and Cons Pros
Cons
The Australian Cattle Dog, as its name suggests, is indigenous to Australia. In the early 19th century, when the Anglo-Australian settlers started to migrate from the initial coastal settlements to the vast grasslands of the western inland. This was considered to be the prime territory for raising beef cattle. During the process of creating the large cattle on huge ranches, eventually, farmers needed good, reliable herding dogs, to help them out.
The first cattle dogs in Australia were British imports like the Old English Sheepdog and the Smithfield. The Smithfield was unsuited to the rough terrain, the high temperature, and to the vast distances between the market and the ranches. Records from these early pioneers document the loss of many cattle in transit to the market due to the lack of control by their herding dogs. These distances were usually hundreds of miles long over rough terrain, which was too demanding for the Old World breeds. Thus, a long process of trial and error type of breeding begun, with the intention of breeding a herding breed, that could meet the requirements the Australian terrain posed. So, the Smithfield were crossed with the Dingoes and with Scottish Highland Collied as breeders worked their way to the hardworking and durable herding breed, they sought after. In the mid-19th century, some ranchers experimented by cross-breeding the native Dingo with the blue-merle drover’s dog.
Surprisingly, the result was an intelligent, and very capable dog, who was naturally tenacious enough to deal with the beef cattle. These dogs became known as the Blue Heelers. They were especially popular in Queensland, where the dogs were called Queensland Heelers. A man named Robert Kaleske, in 1883 took up the breeding of Blue Heelers and started to present them at local and national dog shows. He also drew up a breed standard, which was accepted, basing the breed on the Dingo, believing that the Dingo was its ancestor. In 1903, the Kennel Club of New South Wales approved the standard. The key contributor breeder was George Elliot, from Queensland, who bred Dingoes with Collies and sold the puppies to ranchers, spreading the word. Later, towards the middle of the 20th century, two brothers, named Harry and Jack Bagust, in the United States perfected the breed. They were crossing the Australian Cattle Dog made by Mr. Elliot with Dalmatians, with the Kelpie, and some with the German Shepherd. Thanks to the Dalmatian’s natural protectiveness, loyalty, and ease with horses, mixed with the initial breed’s working capabilities was the right combination in order to produce the final Australian Cattle Dog, we know today.
Despite the breed’s long history, because of the constant breeding processes, it was not until 1980 that the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the Australian Cattle Dog. The UKC (United Kennel Club) followed in 1985 with the registration. In the early days of the Australian economy, the Australian Cattle Dog made indispensable contributions to the growth of the continent’s beef industry. Today, the breed is still employed on ranches all around the world. However, many enjoy them simply as family companions, including the Hollywood stars like Owen Wilson, Steve Earle, and Matthew McConaughey.
What’s the bite force of an Australian cattle dog?
With a bite force as strong as 743 PSI, theyre obviously dangerous if you upset them, so do not do anything of the sort. However, when they are treated right and feel connected to their peers, they are like gentle giants with strong protective instincts.
Are They Aggressive Dogs? Blue Heelers have one of the worst reputations among any breed for biting people. In particular, it is well known that a Blue Heeler will let anyone into a house, yet not let him or her out. They will attack the persons heel, true to the name “heeler.”
It is possible to raise a dog-friendly Blue Heeler. However, these dogs are loyal and often devoted to one person the most. ACDs can become jealous if their person tries to cuddle with the other animals.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Barkers? Temperament Of Australian Cattle Dogs
One of the best things about living with an Australian Cattle dog is how awesome their personalities are. These doggies will get along with pretty much anyone especially if they are socialized from an early age. Here are just a few of the key personality traits you have to look forward to owning one of these pooches.
FAQ
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Which dog has the strongest bite force?