Maggie Ross Dog Art : Australian Cattle Dog

The precise origins of the Blue Heeler are not known, but they appear to have been a distinct breed as early as 1897. It began when Smithfields were originally used in Australia for herding cattle. They were noisy and bit too hard, so they were bred with the Dingo, a wild dog prevalent in Australia. The resulting crosses were known as “Timmins Biters,” which were quieter, but still bit hard.

A primitive stage of Collie unlike that of today's Border Collies and Smooth Collies, used for herding sheep, were then bred to the Dingo. In 1840, Thomas Hall bred a couple of Blue Smooth Highland Collies with dingoes and got the “Hall’s Heeler.” Then, in the 1870’s Fred Davis bred some Bull Terrier into them to make the dogs more aggressive. These were relatively common as sporting and guard dogs in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The resulting Cattle Dog was of a slightly heavier and more muscular build than the Border Collie and of less temperamental nature, with good herding ability, the stamina to withstand extremes of temperature and the resourcefulness to forage and to feed itself on an omnivorous diet like a wild dog. Physically the Heeler has inherited a big broad head and strong jaws from the Bull Terrier. From the Dingo comes the distinctive sandy color of the legs and rather large pricked ears.

Australian Cattle Dog for OBAMA Celebrate this historic Presidential Inauguration with an Australian Cattle Dog design commemorative souvenir!	Keepsakes, Memorials, Dedications Keepsakes, Memorials, Dedications, a set of designs praising the Australian Cattle Dog on Tiles, Pillows, Prints, Boxes and more. Designs available for Male or Female dogs.	My Australian Cattle Dog Tell the world how you feel about that very special dog! I love my Australian Cattle Dog! Clothing and Gift items to proclaim your love.
Australian Cattle Dog Pastoral Scene Australian Cattle Dog shirts, Australian Cattle Dog mugs, Australian Cattle Dog keepsake boxes, Australian Cattle Dog gifts, Australian Cattle Dog clothing, Australian Cattle Dog prints.	Australian Cattle Dog Memory Here is a lovely memorial design featuring the Australian Cattle Dog against a backdrop of Forget-Me-Not flowers and Dusty Miller on clothing and other items for you.	Australian Cattle Dog & Pup - Halloween Australian Cattle Dog puppy has dressed up as a Ghost for Halloween Trick or Treating. . .and dad is coming along to watch over him. Fun Halloween clothing and gift items!