Cattle Dogs

[Henrietta]

Could those that know them please share their experience of the breed?

I will admit to being a little wary of cattle dogs I don't know and I've had a few experiences that have made me a little bit nervous. For example, stopping for a holiday snap and getting my car bailed up by the resident cattle dog - no harm done, I moved down the road. For work sometimes I have to go onto peoples' properties and their have been a couple of occasions I remember wishing that the owners would put their dogs away. I've known them to be tenacious and perhaps a little territorial.

The ones I have gotten to know are nice, very owner focused and quite active (not surprising).

I have met one boy that is very sweet, fun-loving yet sensible. Seems very switched on, but has a lovely off switch at the same time. Quite affectionate without being over the top. He's not a big barker either.

[juice]

I have a neighbour who has one, its his 4th since he has lived here.

First two came when he moved in, really old red boy, very territorial, bailed my daughter up twice on our lawn when he wandered this way.

I got used to him over the years, but would never pat him, he died at 18 , 2 years ago.

The blue one was fear aggressive, and bit the lady who lived next dooR on the thigh, twice, chased my son on his bike and bit the pedal, he was eventually sent away ( to rellies in the country, where he came from, when the ranger paid him a visit).

He then bought a gorgeous blue pup from a breeder, on terms, best cattle dog I met( I would love one from this breeder , stunning dog), big chunky lovable boy, loved everyone, but he had a disagreement with breeder, and one day came home and he was gone.

He now has a red pup, fearful of everything, stays hidden behind him and barks at you.( he also now has a kelpie x poodle).

I have a cattle x , I love the breed, they are loyal and smart, but mine took a lot of socializing , and he will nip ankle's and nose's , so he isn't given the chance.

I would say a great breed, but need to get a solid temp and put lots of wotk in.

Edited August 3, 2014 by juice

[Brandiandwe]

Personally I haven't met any that I like. But I live in suburbia where most of them live in their backyards, with inadequate exercise, socialisation or training, stimulation and company. So when they aren't in their backyards, they are dragging their owners all over the place, or off leash and menacing my dogs. Hermon has dealt with one very effectively by flipping it onto its back and holding it there with his paw, but he shouldn't have to.

So, in summary, no good experiences here, but that's more about the owners than the dogs. I'd love to meet a few though. I love watching them work.

ETA: that based on where I live, I don't meet many dogs that I actually like, although there are plenty I feel sorry for. Which is mainly because of the way they are looked after (or not). So one of my favourites is the doodle up the street, although I think it looks ridiculous, because it is so clearly part of the family, very much loved and well looked after. So it behaves itself as well as it is able (at the irrepressible puppy stage right now).

Edited August 3, 2014 by Brandiandwe

[sheena]

The only cattle dogs I have known have been aggressive. We have one at agility training & when he is running, all other dogs have to be put well away & she gets it around the course by holding a treat in front of its nose to keep it from running off & having a go at the other dogs. The owner has recently bought a second one from the same breeder & I believe that it has a very similar temperament They can also quite often be deaf.

[Dame Aussie]

Beautiful dogs, one of my favourite breeds :) not a dog for the inexperienced or inactive though.

[persephone]

Like any dog - there are variances in individual temperaments :)

They are ori=ginally bred to be determined and strong and to nip at the heels of cattle , regardless of hooves, dirt, horns

from birth to age 4 a cattledog called Plonk was my 'nanny' in the bush. he wasn't indoors , but I spent a lot of time outdoors, and he guarded me from snakes, other dogs, and grandparent

I remember him as being very patient and bombproof - and a great snake killer!

neighbours here bought one many years ago, as a guard dog ....FAIL . he was the most loveable and tolerant of dogs - entire male - not treated terrible well - but useless as a watch dog - and fantastic with the toddler grandkids .

he did , one day kill one of the tiny silkies who had taunted him for years ...one day there was no one to intervene That was not held against him , thankfully ...

I have been bailed up by ACDs in the city - as said , mis handling , and not supplying them with what they need can cause many problems .

and yes- I am VERY cautious around them .

[BlaznHotAussies]

I've always been cautious around them too, often the ones I've met have been working dogs & not really supposed to be friendly with visitors :) but I do love a nice chunky well-bred one!

[The Spotted Devil]

My first obedience/agility dog was a red ACD. Best. Dog. Ever. Incredibly intelligent, gentle and so keen to work with me - I was a rubbish trainer but she was phenomenal. I will say, however, that she was totally different from any dog that came from that particular breeder. My family have owned several - one I didn't trust at all. The two they have now from a Vic breeder (now retired I think) are nice enough dogs. They can be very, very persistent! They are a breed that HAD to be tenacious and tough and "heelers" in the true sense of the word to deal with equally tenacious beef cattle. The original ACD was way too tough for dairy cattle in general but I worked my girl on sheep. As always - depends on the breeding lines and the individual dog.

Edited August 4, 2014 by The Spotted Devil

[Cosmolo]

I have plenty of experience with Cattle dogs and their derivatives.

The thing that people need to understand about ACD's is that generally speaking they are dogs that are quick to react. When i say react i'm not referring to aggression, i'm speaking in the true sense of the word- they are quick to react. So when not socialised well, trained and managed well- this tendency to be quick to react can lead to aggression or other problematic behaviours. They are also extremely intelligent so problem behaviours in some other dogs that might take 10- 100 repetitions to become a bad habit, an ACD will only need 2-3 reps to end up with the same outcome. Before owners have even realised what's happening they have a serious problem.

Honestly- most people shouldn't have Cattle dogs. Most people aren't quick enough to react themselves and coupled with a dog that is quick can create problems.

But a WELL BRED, ACD in an experienced home is absolutely awesome and we would always have them in our life.

I have had people ask me the difference between a border collie, kelpie and ACD. I use the following analogy as part of my explanation- hopefully i don't offend anyone and it's not meant to be taken literally- not suggesting anyone goes around poking dogs...

Poke a border collie and they'll giggle

Poke a kelpie and they'll bounce around saying 'yeah, lets go'

Poke an ACD and they'll simply stare at you and say seriously 'DON'T'

[superminty]

I have had people ask me the difference between a border collie, kelpie and ACD. I use the following analogy as part of my explanation- hopefully i don't offend anyone and it's not meant to be taken literally- not suggesting anyone goes around poking dogs...

Poke a border collie and they'll giggle

Poke a kelpie and they'll bounce around saying 'yeah, lets go'

Poke an ACD and they'll simply stare at you and say seriously 'DON'T'

Just love this! Hopefully a cattle dog is in my near future, love em to bits.

[Henrietta]

I have had people ask me the difference between a border collie, kelpie and ACD. I use the following analogy as part of my explanation- hopefully i don't offend anyone and it's not meant to be taken literally- not suggesting anyone goes around poking dogs...

Poke a border collie and they'll giggle

Poke a kelpie and they'll bounce around saying 'yeah, lets go'

Poke an ACD and they'll simply stare at you and say seriously 'DON'T'

Just love this! Hopefully a cattle dog is in my near future, love em to bits.

Yes - I have always felt that they have quite a serious nature. To be honest, I wouldn't be a suitable owner for one in general - they are too sharp for me. But this boy is a delight and perhaps an individual that would be fine living with me.

Fingers crossed Superminty! That's very exciting.

Appreciate your thoughts guys. I certainly think they are an interesting breed. Very strong characters. I've always felt vaguely guilty about feeling a way about a certain breed. But at the same time, I also appreciate that breed traits are real.

And really, I'd hate to see a watered down version of any breed just to become suitable pets for an 'average' family. There's got to be a balance. In an ideal world, we'd be choosing dogs that thrive in the environment we have to offer I suppose.

[HeelerLove]

My bluey is the sweetest dog I have ever met. Loves everyone she meets and will sit on their foot until they give her a pat. She is wary around some other female dogs but will just avoid them rather than make a scene. She is a huge sook. Loves her people, usually found on the couch or bed cuddling her humans. Extremely clever, but if her ball is in her line of sight, good luck getting her to focus on much else. She is fiercely loyal- as beautifully natured as she is, I have no doubt I'd see another side if she ever felt my OH and/or I were threatened or someone tried to jump our fence etc.

My boy is blue x staff. He is pretty much similar but loves all other dogs, is less people orientated and is fairly dumb lol. He is a true boofhead.

Edited August 4, 2014 by BlueyLove

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I love them in spite of being bitten by a purebred red one at the shelter I was working at, I was just walking her at the time and there was no reason to bite ...

I wouldn't put them with small children, they are territorial but they are fantastic dogs in the the right home.

[juice]

I have also found the red ones even tougher? I would love a pure one next time, I think mine is watered down with a bit of BC or kelpie. :laugh:

[Ranga]

I've had seven cattle dogs - five blueys and two reds. Without sounding too biased the blueys were better :)

They are fiercely loyal to their family. I had one entire male who wouldn't even leave my sight to visit a local bitch on heat

Mine were fabulous with my children growing up, however, I always locked them away when friends were visiting ... You just never know. As Cosmolo said, they are quick to react! I love the breed, however, when I was considering another dog recently, I decided against a cattle dog as I realise at my stage of life it would be a disaster. They need a LOT of exercise or a job to do, which I'm not able to supply now.

A fantastic breed of dog in the right circumstances. We used one of ours with sheep also. If you pointed to a particular sheep in the mob he would grab it by the leg and upend it until you got there :) Didn't hurt the sheep or draw blood, just held it for you. Had to teach them as young pups NOT to swing on the horses tails when behind out riding! :laugh:

Not a dog for suburban living ...

[baifra]

My old red girl was my pride and joy.

She was cuddly, loyal and tenacious. I loved all those qualities.

She was extremely protective but was very dog social until I had my son then she became quite dog aggressive. NEVER human aggressive though.

I'd have another cattle dog in a heartbeat.

[Simply Grand]

I have plenty of experience with Cattle dogs and their derivatives.

The thing that people need to understand about ACD's is that generally speaking they are dogs that are quick to react. When i say react i'm not referring to aggression, i'm speaking in the true sense of the word- they are quick to react. So when not socialised well, trained and managed well- this tendency to be quick to react can lead to aggression or other problematic behaviours. They are also extremely intelligent so problem behaviours in some other dogs that might take 10- 100 repetitions to become a bad habit, an ACD will only need 2-3 reps to end up with the same outcome. Before owners have even realised what's happening they have a serious problem.

Honestly- most people shouldn't have Cattle dogs. Most people aren't quick enough to react themselves and coupled with a dog that is quick can create problems.

But a WELL BRED, ACD in an experienced home is absolutely awesome and we would always have them in our life.

I have had people ask me the difference between a border collie, kelpie and ACD. I use the following analogy as part of my explanation- hopefully i don't offend anyone and it's not meant to be taken literally- not suggesting anyone goes around poking dogs...

Poke a border collie and they'll giggle

Poke a kelpie and they'll bounce around saying 'yeah, lets go'

Poke an ACD and they'll simply stare at you and say seriously 'DON'T'

What a perfect explanation! I don't have a whole lot of experience with them but you've really articulated my impressions.

Funnily enough, I actually do tend to poke my Aussie Shepherd quite often, she tends to poke me back with her paw :laugh: (really!)

On a sad note, one of the shelter dog euthanasias I was saddest and most conflicted about was a 5/6 month old red stumpy tail who was surrendered to the shelter having had no socialisation at all, he lived in an apartment with his old man owner from six weeks old and literally only left the apartment to go out to toilet. He would bite at anyone who tried to touch him at first but he decided to trust me after a few days and was super sweet and fun with me then but not great with other people and pretty bad with dogs and it was like you said Cosmolo, you could see that at the slightest push past the line where he was comfortable he would react in a flash, no warning, and in his case it was with aggression. It was really sad because I think if he'd been well socialised he could have been a great little dog in the right home

[LisaCC]

Great explanation Cosmolo!

Aussie my aussie will poke back too .

I've met a few ACDs, some have been horrible dogs, but they weren't very well looked after. I know two amazing blues though, fiercely loyal and smart.

[AussieDog]

I have a ACD, she is eight.

Super loyal and great with my nephews. Her only downside is she isn't a fan of dogs she doesn't know and she malts ALL THE TIME. Very smart too.

My poor dogs have been housebound for a few weeks as I'm heavily pregnant and just can't walk them anymore. They have adapted well.

I absolutely love my ACD. Best dog ever.

[juice]

They don't present well in the pounds either, I took one who was so terrified in the pound he froze and peed when you tried to move him, got him home and he was a terror :laugh: