| Origin
and Purpose of the Breed
The Australian Cattle Dog ("ACD")
was developed to assist with establishing the cattle industry in early Australian
conditions. The principal requirement was a strong, biting dog that possessed great
stamina and was capable of mustering and moving wild cattle. A great deal of research has
been undertaken to determine the origin of the ACD, but as early breeders kept very little
recorded information, there is a marked divergence of opinion as to the breeds originally
used.
It is however generally recognised that the
animal we see today is the result of the crossing of the Blue Merle Collie (from Scotland)
with the Dingo, and a late infusion of Dalmatian and Black & Tan Kelpie. Other
cross breeding was tried, such as the Rough Collie & Bull Terrier cross, but these
proved to be unsuccessful for the working of cattle.
The purpose of the ACD is to assist the
stockman in the control and movement of cattle in both open and confined areas. The
requirements of this breed should be kept in mind when judging this breed.
The Standard
Revised and adopted by the Australian National
Kennel Club (effective 1 January,1981).
General Appearance
Strong, compact, symmetrically built working
dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task, however arduous that
task may be.
The dog's combination of substance, power,
balance and hard muscular conditions must convey the impression of great agility, strength
and endurance. Any tendency to grossness or weediness is a serious fault.
Characteristics
As the name implies, the
main function of the dog (and one in which he has no peer) is the control and movement of
cattle in both wide open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent,
watchful, courageous, trustworthy and with an implicit devotion to duty.
The ACD's loyalty and protective instincts
make it a self appointed guardian to the Stockman, his herd and his property. Whilst
naturally suspicious of strangers, he must be amenable to handling - particularly in the
show ring. Any feature or structure foreign to a working dog must be regarded as a serious
fault.
Head
The head is strong and in
balance with the other proportions of the dog and in keeping with its general
conformation. The broad skull is slightly curved between the ears, flattening to a slight
but definite stop. Cheeks are muscular, neither course nor prominent, with the under
jaw strong, deep and well developed. The fore face is broad and well filled in under
the eyes, tapering gradually to form a medium length, deep, powerful muzzle with the skull
and muzzle on parallel planes. The lips are tight and clean. The nose is black.
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