Been asked if I know anything about this breed and said very little apart from that they are a herding breed with strong herding instincts and need plenty of exercise.Anyone know any more so I can pass on the info.
Archer

They are not a breed for an inexperienced owner. they are very tough guys, as they are used for Semi feral cattle, and are hard dogs. In general they are inclined to be dog dominant.

Several people on my breed email lisat have them with their Elkhounds doing Agility.

I've only ever met one -awfully cute but not my cup of tea!!
Archer

Hi Archer,
This is a breed that became very trendy in Australia in the 70s-80s and they were extremely common, in both the country and the city (though most inappropriate in the city). It seemed that a good one was a marvellous dog in all respects, and owners of these would swear by them, but a lot of them were awful dogs and heelers (that's what they are called in Australia) in general got a reputation for biting, chasing everything - cars especially, but bicycles, other dogs, prams, etc., and being generally a rather nasty breed. Because they are cattle dogs they will sneak up behind you and bite you on the back of the leg, and they were a postie's nightmare. I used to live in Alice Springs where they were the most common dog and you used to have to walk with a stick, to fend them off when they came after you. As Brainless says, they are a handful, you need to know their characteristics and really want one! But if you do get a good one they say they are almost human. But no, not everyone's cup of tea!

I love 'em!
Dawn.

Also known as blue heelers temperament of a staffie bit of a fighter and stubborn.

Can also be territorialy aggressive against humans. They are ok if you are an experienced owner I wouldn't recommend them if you have young children.

Incidently one lived to 29 years old and that as Roy Castle used to say is a World Record Breaker

Regards

Doglistener

We are hoping to get an ACD, but they are a bit difficult to get hold of as the gene pool is very small in the UK, in fact the breeder we were hoping to get one from using AI to get her bitch into whelp, and the scan has showed only one pup.

They are a dog that needs a lot of stimulation and working when they get to an appropriate age, there is nothing wrong with the dog living with children (mine are 4 and 2) as long as the dog is from good parents, and is taught to respect children, and of course other humans and animals (as with all breeds, but especially with breeds with a strong working instinct)

I am currently reading the Perfect Puppy and Sheila Booth's Purely Positive Training as I feel it is very important that dominant, instinctive dogs should be trained and socialised by using their best points, and not by trying to make a dominant dog submissive, which will not produce a confident, sociable, happy dog

The best ACD book we have found (and which was recommended by a lot of ACD people) is 'The Complete Australian Cattle Dog' by John and Mary Holmes, who were one of the first breeders to import ACD's into the country

Good luck

Hayley

Thanks to everyone- I'll pass on the info
Archer

I have always thought John Holems writings, and think his Family Dog (it's choice and Training) such good sense.

Archer

A website your friend may find interesting is www.acdsocietyofgb.com, loads of info and pics too. The secretary of the society is Kimberley Jebson - who is a mine of info and has some lovely dogs, her website is on the Champdogs search pages under Austmans

Hayley

a friend of mine has two of these and they are incredible dogs.
hers are probably the most well trained dogs i have ever met and boy did they need it.

they both live to work, and it's quite amazing to watch them. if you look like you're about to throw a ball or toy for them they will hold for their pose (i.e. getting ready to go for it) for as long as it takes until you throw! you can go away, get a cup of tea and they will still be waiting in the same pose for the ball when you get back!

the best trick is when she gets them to lie down, then places a treat on each of their paws - they wait until they are told they can eat - the older one actually turns her head away from her paws cos the treat's too tempting poor thing!

they can still be a handful tho even tho so well disciplined. the younger one (1year) had really bad dog aggression problems. they really need expert handling, i think i'll stick to my mini dachs, he's a handful enough for me!