Out for a Walk
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
Out for a Walk
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either brown or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a "red" or "blue" dog.
As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness (both hereditary conditions) and accidental injury; otherwise, it is a robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
In the 19th century, New South Wales cattle farmer Thomas Hall crossed the dogs used by drovers in his parents' home county, Northumberland, with dingoes he had tamed. The resulting dogs were known as Halls Heelers. After Hall's death in 1870, the dogs became available beyond the Hall family and their associates. They were subsequently developed into two modern breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Robert Kaleski, who wrote the first standard for the breed, was influential in its development.
It has been nicknamed a "Red Heeler" or "Blue Heeler" on the basis of its colouring and practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. Dogs from a line bred in Queensland, Australia, which were successful at shows and at stud in the 1940s, were called "Queensland Heelers" to differentiate them from lines bred in New South Wales; this nickname is now occasionally applied to any Australian Cattle Dog.
Uploaded
January 5th, 2016
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Viewed 874 Times - Last Visitor from Norwalk, CT on 04/19/2024 at 2:58 AM
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Comments (23)
Phyllis Kaltenbach
A wonderful capture Elizabeth! They look like you had posed them. The Blue and Red Australian Cattle Dogs. Beautiful! V/F
Deb Halloran
Elizabeth, What an adorable image .... so precious. Excellent photography....nicely done. v/f
Elizabeth Tillar
Elizabeth, this is a very captivating image; so beautiful and energized by the excellent capture of the night and the canines! l/f
Mitch Shindelbower
These dogs are so much fun. There has always been someone in my family who's has one and they are the best.. l/f
Nancy Kane Chapman
We had a border collie when our kids were young. We found him a farm because his herding instinct was just too strong. Such a great shot of these guys!!