| Rosin puppies at 2 days old |
| Rosin at 4 weeks old |
| Genetic Testing and History of ACD's ... |
| About ACD's |
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| Copyright 2008/2009 All Rights Reserved :<>: Created by BRB Ranch Web Design |
| Dingo at 7 1/2 weeks old |
THE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
Those who have shared their lives with Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) are passionate about this breed.
They are among the most intelligent and loyal of all dogs, making life with them a challenge at times and an
adventure always. ACD owners must be willing to train their dogs and establish themselves as the "leader".
ACDs are often called "Velcro dogs." They bond closely to their people and want to be involved in
everything they do. Your dog will be a true companion while you work the ranch, run, hike, bike, or go
about your daily activities. ACDs do not thrive if left constantly unattended in the back yard.
OVERVIEW
The breed is known by several names -- Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, and Queensland heeler -- but, when
purebred, they are all the same dog. "Australian Cattle Dog" is the name recognized in Australia as well as
by the American Kennel Club and the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, the breed's U.S. parent club.
These compact, symmetrically built working dogs are born white and darken to their adult color over time.
To clear up some misconceptions, a red ACD is not a Dingo and there is no difference in temperment
between blue and red dogs. ACDs do not have a merle gene; the distinctive coat color probably results
from the ticking gene. Ideally, adult males are 18" - 20" at the withers (shoulders), and bitches are 17" - 19".
Contrary to common belief in some communities, the ACD is supposed to have a tail. A tail is described in
both the American and Australian breed standards. These dogs are true athletes and use their tail as a rudder
when making sudden changes of direction, whether while herding cattle, doing agility, or playing in the back
yard. Grooming is minimal -- just periodic baths, occasional brushing to remove dead hair and nail trimming
for dogs that don't naturally wear them down.
HERDING
The herding ACD works independently and often has to think for itself. It moves stubborn cattle by coming
in low from behind, biting the hock of the weight-bearing leg, and ducking to avoid the kick that often
follows. An uncooperative bovine doesn't discourage the dog, rather the ACD just becomes more
determined to get its job done.
TRAINING AND EXERCISE
It is not suprising, considering its original purpose, that the ACD is a very high-energy dog as well as an
extremely intelligent one. This means that your ACD needs a job or a purpose in life in order for them (and
you) to be happy. Many owners train their dogs for work or performance events -- herding, (cattle, sheep,
or ducks), agility, tracking, rally, and obedience. Find an activity that provides an outlet for physical and
mental energy. Mental exercise and training is good for both the ACD and its owner.
PUPPIES AND YOUNG CATTLE DOGS
In the case of puppies and young dogs, it is up to the owner to use common sense and adjust activity levels.
Until a dog has stopped growing and its joints are mature, extremes of physical activity (very long daily
hikes, leaping and twisting in the air, repetitive jumping, etc) can lead to permanent injury.
Young puppies need to be taught not to nip inappropriately. Some bite inhibition is learned from littermates,
which is why it is especially important for ACD puppies to remain in their litter until they are at least 7-8
weeks old. Puppy classes are an excellent way to begin training your ACD. Socialization and exposure to
different dogs, people, places, and situations is an important aspect of raising an ACD that will be living in a
community of people and other dogs. In general, positive training methods work best with this breed and
make training more fun for the owner as well. These are smart dogs and if you make learning enjoyable,
they will want to learn. They excel at clicker training in particular. Time-outs, training an incompatible
behavior, and preventing unwanted behaviors from happening in the first place generally solve many
problems.
Physical harsh training methods are often seen as a challenge by a dog that is bred to be kicked by a cow
and not be deterred from their intended task. There are better ways to establish respect. Teaching your
dog to obey basic commands and then making them earn what they want (a "Nothing in Life is Free"
approach) helps establish the pack order in a kind and safe way.
GENETICS, HEALTH, AND LONGEVITY
In general, ACDs are sturdy, healthy dogs with an average life span of about 12-16 years. However, there
are some health concerns that owners and breeders should be aware of.
1. Breeding stock should have their hips and elbows x-rayed to rule out dysplasia. OFA and PennHip
provide these services.
2. Blindness is a problem in ACDs. A DNA test can detect progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) before
dogs are bred so that no affected puppies need be produced. Prior to this test's development, PRA was
responsible for blindness in 25% of ACDs if they lived long enough (usually 6-8 years) for it to develop.
3. CERF testing is done by veterinary ophthalmologists to detect other inherited eye diseases.
4. There is genetic deafness in the breed. Puppies and adults can be tested (BAER) to determine whether
they can hear in each ear. ACDs are smart enough that puppies can mimic their littermate's responses and
seem to have normal hearing.
Testing and results on several of these disorders can be verified on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
web site at http://www.offa.org. See our health testing links on this page above in the left column.
BREEDING
Breeding a dog is a great responsibility. Think carefully before using your dog as a stud dog or brood bitch.
At a minimum, your dog should be tested for the disorders described above. Your dog should be a good
representative of the breed in comparison to the standard and have a sound temperment. You should be
ready to spend more money in raising the pups than you will make is selling them. Finally, you should be
willing to make a lifetime commitment to the puppies you produce. For most dogs, your voluntary decision
to spay for neuter your pet, in consultation with your veterinarian, is one of the best choices you can make.
Those who have shared their lives with Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) are passionate about this breed.
They are among the most intelligent and loyal of all dogs, making life with them a challenge at times and an
adventure always. ACD owners must be willing to train their dogs and establish themselves as the "leader".
ACDs are often called "Velcro dogs." They bond closely to their people and want to be involved in
everything they do. Your dog will be a true companion while you work the ranch, run, hike, bike, or go
about your daily activities. ACDs do not thrive if left constantly unattended in the back yard.
OVERVIEW
The breed is known by several names -- Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, and Queensland heeler -- but, when
purebred, they are all the same dog. "Australian Cattle Dog" is the name recognized in Australia as well as
by the American Kennel Club and the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, the breed's U.S. parent club.
These compact, symmetrically built working dogs are born white and darken to their adult color over time.
To clear up some misconceptions, a red ACD is not a Dingo and there is no difference in temperment
between blue and red dogs. ACDs do not have a merle gene; the distinctive coat color probably results
from the ticking gene. Ideally, adult males are 18" - 20" at the withers (shoulders), and bitches are 17" - 19".
Contrary to common belief in some communities, the ACD is supposed to have a tail. A tail is described in
both the American and Australian breed standards. These dogs are true athletes and use their tail as a rudder
when making sudden changes of direction, whether while herding cattle, doing agility, or playing in the back
yard. Grooming is minimal -- just periodic baths, occasional brushing to remove dead hair and nail trimming
for dogs that don't naturally wear them down.
HERDING
The herding ACD works independently and often has to think for itself. It moves stubborn cattle by coming
in low from behind, biting the hock of the weight-bearing leg, and ducking to avoid the kick that often
follows. An uncooperative bovine doesn't discourage the dog, rather the ACD just becomes more
determined to get its job done.
TRAINING AND EXERCISE
It is not suprising, considering its original purpose, that the ACD is a very high-energy dog as well as an
extremely intelligent one. This means that your ACD needs a job or a purpose in life in order for them (and
you) to be happy. Many owners train their dogs for work or performance events -- herding, (cattle, sheep,
or ducks), agility, tracking, rally, and obedience. Find an activity that provides an outlet for physical and
mental energy. Mental exercise and training is good for both the ACD and its owner.
PUPPIES AND YOUNG CATTLE DOGS
In the case of puppies and young dogs, it is up to the owner to use common sense and adjust activity levels.
Until a dog has stopped growing and its joints are mature, extremes of physical activity (very long daily
hikes, leaping and twisting in the air, repetitive jumping, etc) can lead to permanent injury.
Young puppies need to be taught not to nip inappropriately. Some bite inhibition is learned from littermates,
which is why it is especially important for ACD puppies to remain in their litter until they are at least 7-8
weeks old. Puppy classes are an excellent way to begin training your ACD. Socialization and exposure to
different dogs, people, places, and situations is an important aspect of raising an ACD that will be living in a
community of people and other dogs. In general, positive training methods work best with this breed and
make training more fun for the owner as well. These are smart dogs and if you make learning enjoyable,
they will want to learn. They excel at clicker training in particular. Time-outs, training an incompatible
behavior, and preventing unwanted behaviors from happening in the first place generally solve many
problems.
Physical harsh training methods are often seen as a challenge by a dog that is bred to be kicked by a cow
and not be deterred from their intended task. There are better ways to establish respect. Teaching your
dog to obey basic commands and then making them earn what they want (a "Nothing in Life is Free"
approach) helps establish the pack order in a kind and safe way.
GENETICS, HEALTH, AND LONGEVITY
In general, ACDs are sturdy, healthy dogs with an average life span of about 12-16 years. However, there
are some health concerns that owners and breeders should be aware of.
1. Breeding stock should have their hips and elbows x-rayed to rule out dysplasia. OFA and PennHip
provide these services.
2. Blindness is a problem in ACDs. A DNA test can detect progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) before
dogs are bred so that no affected puppies need be produced. Prior to this test's development, PRA was
responsible for blindness in 25% of ACDs if they lived long enough (usually 6-8 years) for it to develop.
3. CERF testing is done by veterinary ophthalmologists to detect other inherited eye diseases.
4. There is genetic deafness in the breed. Puppies and adults can be tested (BAER) to determine whether
they can hear in each ear. ACDs are smart enough that puppies can mimic their littermate's responses and
seem to have normal hearing.
Testing and results on several of these disorders can be verified on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
web site at http://www.offa.org. See our health testing links on this page above in the left column.
BREEDING
Breeding a dog is a great responsibility. Think carefully before using your dog as a stud dog or brood bitch.
At a minimum, your dog should be tested for the disorders described above. Your dog should be a good
representative of the breed in comparison to the standard and have a sound temperment. You should be
ready to spend more money in raising the pups than you will make is selling them. Finally, you should be
willing to make a lifetime commitment to the puppies you produce. For most dogs, your voluntary decision
to spay for neuter your pet, in consultation with your veterinarian, is one of the best choices you can make.
| (Taken from the AKC web site as provided by the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, Inc) |
| Links |
ACD Pedigree Finder
ACD pedigrees with
genetic test results
Australian Cattle
Dog History
The Australian Cattle
Dog Social Club
of North Queensland
BAER
Brainstem Auditory
Evoked Response
hearing test for dogs
CERF
Canine Eye
Registration
Foundation eye test
for dogs
CHIC
Canine Health
Information Center
database for testing
OFA
Orthopedic
Foundation for
Animals
OPTIGEN
DNA based eye test
for PRCD-PRA
(progressive retinal
atrophy or hereditary
blindness in dogs)
ACD pedigrees with
genetic test results
Australian Cattle
Dog History
The Australian Cattle
Dog Social Club
of North Queensland
BAER
Brainstem Auditory
Evoked Response
hearing test for dogs
CERF
Canine Eye
Registration
Foundation eye test
for dogs
CHIC
Canine Health
Information Center
database for testing
OFA
Orthopedic
Foundation for
Animals
OPTIGEN
DNA based eye test
for PRCD-PRA
(progressive retinal
atrophy or hereditary
blindness in dogs)
| Jake at 8 1/2 weeks old |
