The Queensland Blue Heeler was the original name of the Australian Cattle Dog. In 1813 in Australia, when the crossing of the Great Dividing Range had been accomplished and the vast ranges of Queensland were settled, thousands of small ranchers had a great need for a cattle drover that could withstand the punishing temperatures extremes of weather.
Without fencing it was vital to have a dog that could keep the cattle rounded up. Writings are sketchy but it appears that the Blue Heeler was developed from crosses of the Smooth Collie, the kelpie and the wild dingos with a bit of dalmatian thrown into the mix also.
The result was a dog with great agility at the turn bred to bite at the heels of the cattle to move them, a dog that was quiet as a ghost and could contain the herd without "spooking" it.
This original dog was the animal that had these necessary traits. A man by the name of Robert Kaleski developed this original strain and in 1902 drew up the first breed standard. The Kennel club of New South Wales accepted the standard in 1903, when it was officially named the Australian Cattle dog. The term "Blue Heeler" is still often used to denote this breed.
The Cattle dog is a non compromising dog that sets its mind to the task. It is wary of strangers but is absolutely loyal to its master. This is a highly intelligent dog with easy trainability and a strong desire to please.
The dog was purposely bred to have a heavy mouth and punishing jaws, for the purpose of biting and nipping at the heels of the cattle when moving the herds. Any display of bad temperament was discouraged early on in the breeding of these dogs and it is essential that this remain a practice of the responsible breeders, since this dog has great power and strength in his bite.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardy and tough dog with few genetic problems. Few cases of hip dysplasia have been reported. It is not a large dog, standing 18-20 inches at the withers. The skull is broad to accommodate the bite, with a deep muzzle and no sign of looseness of flews. The body is balanced and sturdy, the coat being of moderate length with weather resistant harsh outer guard hairs which lie flat.
All the puppies are born white and the coat later develops into the "coat of many colors" that typifies the breed. The Cattle Dog is a merle dog with blue mottles or speckles or red with red mottling. Usually there is a lighter "brush" of white on the tail. Cattle drivers have a preference for the darker coloring since the dog is less easily seen at night by the cattle and can move among them without "spooking" the herd.
The Blue Heeler is a friendly and lovable dog and they are gaining popularity as pets and companion dogs. However they can be strong willed and should be trained early. They make good watch dogs and guard dogs. Anyone who has a cattle dog as a pet needs to understand that this is a dog bred to work and it will always need plenty of exercise. They make a great joggers companion!
Although we know that these breeders had a lot to do with interbreeding various dogs to achieve certain qualities, there is no written history from these gentlemen. Until Kaleski came along and wrote what he deemed as the truth in the breeding, no one had made a detailed recording of the supposed trials, errors, and successes from the breeding processes of the Australian Cattle Dog. Due to this, we have some idea as to the breed history of the Australian Cattle Dog.
Settlers brought their own stock and dogs to Australia. When these dogs were moved into these warmer climates, it was found that they were not suited to the conditions. Most of these dogs were a mixed breed that had long hair. This is why the refining process began.
Around 1850, Highland Collies (Welsh Heelers) were imported by Hall, these dogs were also ill-suited to the climate. These dogs were cross-bred with a native Australian dog, the Dingo. The new breed was known as Hall's Heelers, Blue Heelers, or Merlins. Eventually, Dalmatians were crossed with the new breed because of the Dalmatian's because of their good nature with horses. Herding ability was lost with this cross which made it necessary to cross with still another breed, Black and Tan Kelpies.
There have been reports that the Bull Terrier was also entered into the mix somewhere along the way but there are also a multitude of arguments against this. Another dog that may have been part of the refining is the Barb, but it was unsuccessful.
Through the efforts of these breeders we have an excellent breed of dog which is known by a number of names: Blueys, Queenslands, Queensland Blues, Queensland Blue Heelers, Queensland Heelers, and, of course, the Australian Cattle Dog.
Regardless of what sort of dog you are looking for, it is important you only deal with reputable breeders. If you have decided to buy a puppy, you have to decide what kind and who to buy it from. Whether or not you have chosen a type, make sure the dog you choose fits in with your family. The American Kennel Club (AKC) web site will give you a lot of detail about different breeds and their temperaments.
If is important that the dog fit with your lifestyle and immediate family members. Once you have chosen the appropriate breed of dog, you need to look into reputable breeders.
A reputable breeder is someone who usually breeds as a hobby. These people may or may not show dogs, but they obviously love them. There really is not profit in breeding if the dogs are well cared for both during gestation and after birth. No profit unless the breeder pushes the bitch (proper term for a female dog) hard, over-breeding her and keeping her in less than humane conditions. Puppies not purchased from reputable breeders generally do not have long life spans.
Things to consider as you check into breeders include: 1. The conditions should be humane. 2. The puppy should remain with its mother and siblings at least until 8 weeks of age, this helps socialization skills. Puppies that are not with the mother are not a good bet. 3. Does the breeder have thorough knowledge of the breed? You may know more than the breeder if they are less than reputable and you did your research in choosing your breed. Ask questions and watch for inappropriate answers. Reputable breeders won't just tell you what you want to hear to make the sale. 4. Do they have pedigree information right there for you to see? Proof of kennel club registration is a must. This registration should have the breeder's name on it, if it doesn't, don't buy! 5. Most reputable breeders also provide a health guarantee. 6. Reputable breeders will stay with one or two breeds, any more types of dog and you are looking at someone less than reputable as a general rule.
Kerry Plowright has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Pets and Audi Cars. downtown doggy manufactures and .. Kerry Plowright's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.