The breed of dog is called cattle dog.

AKC standard for cattle and dogs and its introduction.

Cattle and dogs, Australia is a compact and harmonious working dog. No matter how difficult the work assigned to him was, he showed talent and initiative. He combines physique, strength, balance and strong muscles, giving the impression that he is very agile, powerful and endurance. Being fat or thin is a serious defect.

Characteristics of Australian cattle dog

From his name, we can know that he is not from a noble family, but manages and drives cattle on an open pasture. Cattle and dogs, Australia is always alert, extremely smart, alert, brave and trustworthy. You can be an ideal dog.

Temperament of Australian cattle and dogs

Cattle and dogs, Australia, have a loyal and protective nature, so it will protect the shepherd, livestock and his property by itself. Its nature is to have doubts about strangers, and it is even more special to obey Handler in the competition field. Any temperament or structure that has nothing to do with working dogs will be regarded as a serious defect.

The head and head of Australian cattle and dogs

A strong head must be balanced with the whole body and the whole structure. The broad head bends slightly between the ears, and the stop is slightly clear and becomes slightly flat. Cheeks are muscular, neither rough nor prominent, and jaws are firm, deep and very clear. The front face is plump, below the eyes, the tip of the nose is slightly thin and the length is moderate. The muzzle is deep and powerful, and the muzzle contour is parallel to the head. The lips are tight and tidy, and the nose mirror is black.

Eyes: The eyes are oval and of medium size. It is neither prominent nor concave, so we must be alert and smart. When strangers approach, warning and suspicious eyes are unique to this breed. Eyes are dark brown.

Ears: medium size, smaller is better. The ears are broad, muscular, upright and slightly pointed, neither spoon-shaped nor bat's ears. Ears are open, outward and sensitive in the position of the head, and stand upright when alert. The auricle is thick and the ears are hairy.

Teeth: sound, strong and evenly distributed. Scissor bite, the lower incisors are located behind the upper incisors, and the upper incisors are tightened. Because he wants to chase the big cow by biting his heel, his voice and strong teeth are very important.

The neck of Australian cattle and dogs

The neck is very strong, muscular, of medium length, gradually widening and combining with the body. My throat is free.

The front of the Australian cattle dog.

The shoulders are firm, sloping and muscular, at an appropriate angle to the forearm, and the ends of the withers should not be too close. Strong forearms and strong bones. Seen from the front, it is straight and parallel from the forearm to the paw. Viewed from the side, the ankle is slightly inclined and elastic. Although the shoulders are muscular and the bones are good, the anti-shoulders and overweight forequarters will hinder correct movements and limit the ability to work.

The carcasses of Australian cattle and dogs

The ratio of body length (straight line distance from sternum to hip) to shoulder height is about 10/9. The topline is horizontal. The back is strong, the ribs are well expanded, and there is no barrel chest. The chest is deep, muscular and moderate in width. The waist is wide, strong, muscular and deep. The overall combination is very strong.

The hindquarters of Australian cattle and dogs

The hindquarters are broad, strong and muscular. Hip is long and oblique, thigh is long and wide and well developed, knee joint angle is appropriate, hock joint is firm and low. Seen from the back, the hind legs are straight from hock joint to front paws, parallel to each other, neither too close nor too far.

The claws of Australian cattle and dogs

Feet are round, toes are short, strong, round and tight. The foot pads are hard and deep, and the toenails are short and strong.

Tails of Australian cattle and dogs

The tail root is slightly lower and extends down from the sloping hip contour to the hock joint. When resting, the tail hangs straight and bends slightly. When exercising or excited, the tail protrudes, but starting from the root, no part of the tail is allowed to reach the vertical height, and the tail is in a beautiful brush shape.

Gait and Action of Australian cattle dog

The movements are accurate, stretching, smooth and effortless, and the movements of the shoulders and forequarters are well coordinated with the powerful driving force of the hindquarters. Sudden and quick action is the characteristic of this breed. Stable gait is extremely important and stiff; Anti-shoulder or slack shoulder; Shoulders are too straight; Elbow, ankle and claw weakness; The knee joint is too straight; Cattle limbs or arched legs; Is a serious defect. When the speed increases during the trot, the paws tend to get closer, but at rest, their standing posture makes the body proportional to the rectangle.

The fur of Australian cattle and dogs

The coat is smooth and double-layered. The undercoat is short and thick, the outer layer is tight, and all the hairs are straight and hard, lying flat on the body, which can prevent rain. The hair from the lower part of the body to the back of the leg is slightly longer, and the hair from the thigh to the hip is moderate. Hair on the head (including ears), front of legs and claws is short. The hair around the neck is long and thick. Too long or too short coat is a defect. The average length of hair on the body is 2.5~4 cm (1~ 1.5 inch).

The color of australian shepherd (blue)

The colors are blue, blue and blue spots, with or without marks. Black, blue or brown markings are allowed on the head, and the uniform distribution of markings is ideal. The brown markings on the forelimbs extend from halfway up the mountain to the chest and throat, and the lower jaw is also brown. The brown markings on the hind limbs are on the inner leg, the inner thigh, extending down to the front of the knee, and then extending down from the hock joint to the claw, and the brown has spread to the outer leg. Brown undercoat is allowed on the body, provided that it cannot be exposed through blue hair. The black stripes on my body are not ideal.

The color of Australian cattle and dogs (red spots)

The whole body is evenly covered with red spots, including undercoat (not white or cheese color), with or without crimson markings on the head. A unified head marker is ideal. Red stripes on the body are allowed, but not ideal.

size

Height: Male shoulder height is 46~5 1 cm (18~20 inches).

The shoulder height of female is 43~48 cm (17~ 19 inch).

Defects of Australian cattle dogs

Any deviation from the above description is a defect and will be deducted according to the degree of deviation.