| The Australian Cattle Dog was 'born' in the | | | | to buy a puppy, you have to decide what kind |
| late 1800's. Like most of the breeds we know | | | | and who to buy it from. Whether or not you |
| today, this dog was refined through specific | | | | have chosen a type, make sure the dog you |
| breeding efforts. These efforts were made by | | | | choose fits in with your family. The |
| a variety of people: the Bagust brothers, | | | | American Kennel Club (AKC) web site will give |
| Brennan, Davis, Hall, and Rose. | | | | you a lot of detail about different breeds |
| | | | and their temperaments. |
| Although we know that these breeders had a | | | | |
| lot to do with interbreeding various dogs to | | | | If is important that the dog fit with your |
| achieve certain qualities, there is no | | | | lifestyle and immediate family members. Once |
| written history from these gentlemen. Until | | | | you have chosen the appropriate breed of dog, |
| Kaleski came along and wrote what he deemed | | | | you need to look into reputable breeders. |
| as the truth in the breeding, no one had made | | | | |
| a detailed recording of the supposed trials, | | | | A reputable breeder is someone who usually |
| errors, and successes from the breeding | | | | breeds as a hobby. These people may or may |
| processes of the Australian Cattle Dog. Due | | | | not show dogs, but they obviously love them. |
| to this, we have some idea as to the breed | | | | There really is not profit in breeding if the |
| history of the Australian Cattle Dog. | | | | dogs are well cared for both during gestation |
| | | | and after birth. No profit unless the |
| Settlers brought their own stock and dogs to | | | | breeder pushes the bitch (proper term for a |
| Australia. When these dogs were moved into | | | | female dog) hard, over-breeding her and |
| these warmer climates, it was found that they | | | | keeping her in less than humane conditions. |
| were not suited to the conditions. Most of | | | | Puppies not purchased from reputable breeders |
| these dogs were a mixed breed that had long | | | | generally do not have long life spans. |
| hair. This is why the refining process | | | | |
| began. | | | | Things to consider as you check into breeders |
| | | | include: |
| Around 1850, Highland Collies (Welsh Heelers) | | | | |
| were imported by Hall, these dogs were also | | | | 1. The conditions should be humane. |
| ill-suited to the climate. These dogs were | | | | |
| cross-bred with a native Australian dog, the | | | | 2. The puppy should remain with its mother |
| Dingo. The new breed was known as Hall's | | | | and siblings at least until 8 weeks of age, |
| Heelers, Blue Heelers, or Merlins. | | | | this helps socialization skills. Puppies |
| Eventually, Dalmatians were crossed with the | | | | that are not with the mother are not a good |
| new breed because of the Dalmatian's because | | | | bet. |
| of their good nature with horses. Herding | | | | |
| ability was lost with this cross which made | | | | 3. Does the breeder have thorough knowledge |
| it necessary to cross with still another | | | | of the breed? You may know more than the |
| breed, Black and Tan Kelpies. | | | | breeder if they are less than reputable and |
| | | | you did your research in choosing your breed. |
| There have been reports that the Bull Terrier | | | | Ask questions and watch for inappropriate |
| was also entered into the mix somewhere along | | | | answers. Reputable breeders won't just tell |
| the way but there are also a multitude of | | | | you what you want to hear to make the sale. |
| arguments against this. Another dog that may | | | | |
| have been part of the refining is the Barb, | | | | 4. Do they have pedigree information right |
| but it was unsuccessful. | | | | there for you to see? Proof of kennel club |
| | | | registration is a must. This registration |
| Through the efforts of these breeders we have | | | | should have the breeder's name on it, if it |
| an excellent breed of dog which is known by a | | | | doesn't, don't buy! |
| number of names: Blueys, Queenslands, | | | | |
| Queensland Blues, Queensland Blue Heelers, | | | | 5. Most reputable breeders also provide a |
| Queensland Heelers, and, of course, the | | | | health guarantee. |
| Australian Cattle Dog. | | | | |
| | | | 6. Reputable breeders will stay with one or |
| Regardless of what sort of dog you are | | | | two breeds, any more types of dog and you are |
| looking for, it is important you only deal | | | | looking at someone less than reputable as a |
| with reputable breeders. If you have decided | | | | general rule. |