The Australian Cattle Dog breed began evolving in the early 1830s through the need for a dog that could work cattle in Australia's harsh environment. The breed today is the result of many years of selective breeding. Five breeds of dog have gone into "the making" of the Australian Cattle Dog.

First there was the crossing of the dingo with an English breed of dog, the Smithfield, and the progeny from these were crossed with the smooth-coated blue merle Collie (commonly referred to today as the German Coolie). These were then mated to the Dalmatian to put the love of horses and the protection of their master's property into the breed.

This Aussie battler will often live up to 15 years of age but with the right care and diet can live to 20 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

Australian Cattle Dogs are loyal, courageous and devoted and possess a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle. They are suspicious of strangers and will protect the family and possessions with their life. They are not naturally aggressive, but if provoked they will not back down without a fight.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Australian Cattle Dog will get along with other animals in a household as long as they are introduced slowly and without tension. The best way to do this is by allowing the animals to see and smell each other through a wire fence for a few weeks until they realise they pose no threat to each other.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Even though the Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog, it does well in a suburban household as long as its exercise requirements (this includes mental stimulation) are met. Obedience training of Australian Cattle Dogs is a must, as their brain needs stimulation of the right sort so that they don't think things up for themselves – such as digging, pulling washing from the clothes-line, pruning trees, landscaping, and jumping fences.

IDEAL OWNERS

The ideal owner for the Australian Cattle Dog should be someone who likes to have an active dog. While the Australian Cattle Dog absolutely adores children, similar to all breeds of dog it should never be left alone with them unsupervised. Elderly people might find that the Australian Cattle Dog is a bit of a handful.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Australian Cattle Dog is the dog for you and you are prepared to properly train this loyal dog to get the most out of it, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Julie Broad	Jakobi	WA	Contact
Anne Hickey	Yaringah	NSW	Contact
Roseanne Warren	minyaka	QLD	Contact
Carol Speed	Kimscott	QLD	Contact
Annette Johns	Rhodeholm	VIC	Contact
Glenys Armstrong	Dewregal	QLD	Contact
Margaret Price	Mystar	NSW	Contact
Pauline Aspinall	Hytop	NSW	Contact
J Mann	Caroblee	QLD	Contact
Bob and Connie Redhead	LANDMASTER	SA	Contact
Craig and Nicola Kuhler	Bluereserve/Stockaway	QLD	Contact
Alistair and Brenda McCoy	brallo	NSW	Contact
Joanne Williams	Caplin Cove	NSW	Contact
Kylie & Jason Kuhn	Koolanahill	QLD	Contact
Kerry Taylor	Tambourah	WA	Contact
Annette Goodman	Goodvale	NSW	Contact
Tim and Tennille Hughes	Timmentee	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)