First developed and refined in Australia during the late 1800's to herd cattle, the Australian Cattle Dog is tough, courageous, and possesses great stamina.
The versatility of this breed is a tribute to those who have dedicated themselves to keeping it a true working dog.
The breed's intelligence and their ability to 'problem-solve' guarantee that the Australian Cattle Dog will excel in Conformation, Herding, Obedience and Agility. These high-drive dogs are happiest when they can work to please their handlers.
Breed Origins
Although the wild Australian Dog, (the Dingo), was used in the founding of the breed, this infusion was minimal when compared to that of the many other breeds used to create this dog: among these were the smooth haired Scotch Merle Collie and the Australian Kelpie.
Early Breed history reports the use of several other dogs - from the Dalmation to the Bull Terrier - that were used at one point or another in attempts to create the breed. Some of these early attempts were successful, and some were not.
The ACD Today
Even though there exists some disagreement among early accounts of the breed's beginnings, one fact is known and agreed upon by the fanciers of today:
Here is a dog whose loyalty is without question; whose strong build is as well suited for work today as it was then; whose intelligence finds few equals among dogs; and whose energy and stamina remains as strong today as ever it was in the earliest days of our breed.
