Long ago, early settlers in Australia needed some help with their livestock.  The dogs that they had brought with them from the British Isles, were unable to work under the often harsh conditions found in Australia.
     These settlers decided to look at some of the native breeds.  These native dogs had to be able  to thrive in the arid environment that was found in parts of Australia.  The first crosses were made with dingoes, who had managed to survive, with or without help, for thousands of years.   The resulting puppies were either red or blue, and substantially more durable than the settlers original dogs.  Of course, whenever people are trying to create a new breed, there are always mistakes and crosses that don't work.  With trial and error, a type of collie was found to work the best.  With this cross, the resulting puppies were more likely to 'heel'(bite at the heels of cattle) rather than 'head'(work from the front).
     There is also some debate as to what other breeds were used to establish the Australian Cattle Dog.   Dalmatians were supposed to give the breed a love of horses, but with this cross it was found that some of the working ability was lost. This cross also produced puppies that were white at birth, and gradually darkened into their adult colour.  Deafness was another trait that was also passed on from the Dalmatian. This occasionally still crops up in cattle dog litters, but with vigorous testing, breeders are hoping to eradicate this.  Some say that the Kelpie was also used, to regain some of the lost working ability that was noticed with the Dalmatian cross, and this is where  the breeds tan points became apparent.
     The bull terrier was very popular with the early settlers, and many say that this is where the cattle inherited its tenacity, and its stocky, thickset build. Some are opposed to this idea because the terriers tendency is to hang on while the cattle dog will bite and release.
     Whatever the case, and I'm sure this debate will continue, the Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most intelligent, loyal, and courageous breeds ever developed.

Nicole Heath
Veliraf Reg'd Kennel
Conn, Ontario, Canada
(519) 323-3641

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