Australian Cattle Dogs are strong, fast, medium-sized dogs developed to herd cattle across the expansive ranches of Australia.
This heritage makes the breed tough, resilient and tireless. By nature, they are also extremely loyal and protective, although this can lead to a distrust of outsiders. For this reason, they also make excellent guard dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent and obedient, and if not used as a working dog, it makes an excellent choice for dog competitions such as agility and flyball, in which they will excel. This dog requires plenty of space, training and stimulation, and although child-friendly, it may suit a home with older children. With other dogs, it may display dominant behaviour and occasional aggression.
History
Developed to herd cattle in the Australian outback, it is believed that the Australian Cattle Dog may have some dingo and Kelpie ancestry.