Australian Cattle Dog

**Australian Cattle Dog**
	; An Australian Cattle Dog puppy at four weeks of age
Traits
Weight	15 to 22kg (33 - 49lb)
Coat	A short double coat.
Litter size	Ranges from 1-7, but 5 is most common
Life span	Approximately 12-14 years (excluding injuries to dog)
Classification & standards

The Australian Cattle Dog, or simply referred to as Cattle Dog, is a herding dog, and, as the name suggests, originates from Australia.

The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely intelligent, active and sturdy dog breed. Developed by Australian settlers for handling herds of cattle, (also suggested by the name), they are still used today as a herding dog. They thrive on having a job to do, and being part of family activities.^[1]

Australian Cattle Dog Media

Black mask and tan markings on a blue dog
Red hairs will grow through the puppy's white coat as it matures.
A Cattle Dog with a single mask and a "bentley mark" shows the breed's typical alert expression.
The breed is well suited for agility trials.
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to drive cattle, but are also used to herd sheep.
An active seventeen-year-old Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dogs have more injuries than illnesses.
An early Australian Cattle Dog, photographed in 1902
Cattle Dogs were accustomed to horses in the 1900s.
Soldiers stationed in Australia during WWII played a role in the breed's introduction to the US.