About
Characteristics
Healthcare
Normally Treatment Method
Supplements

About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71.0-84.0 cm

Height range  : 43.0-51.0cm

Weight range : 14.0-23.0kg

Coat : short double coat|dense undercoat|straight outer coat|weather-resistant double coat

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: blue|blue mottled|blue speckled|red speckled|black markings|tan markings|white at birth.

Activitity Level : high

Origin: Australia

Similar Breeds : Australian Shepherd|German Shepherd|Australian Kelpie|Border Collie|Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

 

History

The breed was developed in Australia during the 19th century as a drover’s dog built for stamina , resilience , tenacity and independent decision-making with rough cattle over vast distances. Development involved experimentation with collies including blue merle types , dingoes , Dalmatians and Kelpies. The breed was widely recognized in Australia by the late 1800s and accepted for AKC registration in 1980.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

extremely alert , hard-working , tenacious , devoted to duty , protective of owner and property , can be dominant or mouthy , eager to please when engaged

Personality

intelligent|alert|watchful|courageous|loyal|trustworthy|protective|wary of strangers|strong-willed

Needs

high exercise|mental stimulation|jobs to do|secure yard|early socialization|active owner|not suited to apartment living

Social Needs

bonds strongly to family|often bonds especially closely to one person|can be good with children under supervision|can be wary of strangers|may be aggressive with other dogs

Grooming 

weekly brushing once or twice a week|daily brushing can help during heavier shed|occasional bath when needed|moderate to high seasonal shedding|regular ear cleaning|regular nail trimming

Nutrition

AAFCO-appropriate food|diet matched to life stage|may benefit from calorically dense food for active lifestyle|monitor calories and ideal weight|joint supplements may be discussed with a veterinarian

 

Breed Standard

compact , strong , symmetrically built working dog|muscular and agile|upright ears|short straight double coat|blue , blue mottled , blue speckled or red speckled coloring|developed for herding and heeling cattle

Did you know?

An Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey is widely noted for reaching 29 years of age and the breed’s puppies are born white before their adult blue or red pattern develops.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness, Hip Dysplasia, Lens Luxation, Portosystemic Shunt

 

Symptoms

1. night blindness
2. increased eye shine may appear
3. dilated pupils may be seen
4. progressive vision loss may occur
5. cataracts may develop later

1. poor response to calls or loud sounds
2. difficulty waking may occur
3. easy startling when touched
4. loud vocalization may occur
5. trouble locating sound may occur with one-sided deafness

1. lameness or limping
2. reluctance to rise or jump
3. shifting weight to forelimbs may occur
4. loss of rear muscle mass may occur
5. hip pain or bunny hopping gait may be seen

1. sudden eye pain may occur
2. redness and inflammation may appear
3. cloudy or steamy cornea may occur
4. excessive tearing may occur
5. displaced or wobbly lens may be visible

1. poor growth may occur
2. disorientation or circling may occur
3. vomiting or diarrhea may occur
4. urinary straining may occur
5. seizures or head pressing may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. signs usually become noticeable in adulthood
2. often between 3 and 6 years
3. late-onset cases may show night blindness around 5 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be high because it is a major inherited disease in the breed

Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness

1. present from birth
2. BAER testing may confirm it by about 5 to 6 weeks of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. prevalence may be high
2. roughly 10 to 14 percent of dogs may be affected

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may appear in growing dogs from about 6 to 18 months
2. or later in middle to senior age as arthritis develops

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be moderate to high
2. OFA statistics in the provided health text indicate about 16 percent

Lens Luxation

1. typically occurs in adulthood
2. often between 3 and 8 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be moderate because inherited forms are recognized in the breed

Portosystemic Shunt

1. symptoms are usually noticed in puppies
2. often before 6 months of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be low to moderate but it is recognized as a serious congenital problem

Reasons

Progressive Retinal Atrophy       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic retinal degeneration

 

Hip Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is mainly hereditary and conformational
2. natural joint-support compounds may not keep pace with chronic damage

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic retinal degeneration

Hip Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is mainly hereditary and conformational
2. natural joint-support compounds may not keep pace with chronic damage

 

Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a structural and neurologic defect linked to absent pigment cells in the inner ear

Lens Luxation

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this reflects a genetic zonule protein defect

Portosystemic Shunt

  1. 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a vascular birth defect
    2. toxins such as ammonia may build up in circulation

Normally Treament Methods

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. there may be no cure
    2. management may focus on stable surroundings , leash use in unfamiliar places and adaptation support
    3. breeding affected or carrier combinations is not recommended

 

Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness:

  1. 1. BAER testing may confirm deafness
    2. management may use hand signals , visual cues or vibration-based recall tools
    3. off-leash exposure in unsafe areas is not recommended

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may use specially positioned x-rays , palpation and PennHIP screening
    2. management may include keeping the dog very slim , limited controlled exercise , NSAIDs , fish oil and physical therapy
    3. highly athletic activity without surgical correction is not recommended in severely affected dogs

 

Lens Luxation:

  1. 1. this may require emergency veterinary attention
    2. surgical lens removal may be used in urgent cases
    3. medical management with lifelong eye drops may be used in selected cases

 

Portosystemic Shunt:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve blood tests and imaging
    2. low-protein diet , lactulose and antibiotics may be used for stabilization
    3. surgical shunt closure may be the definitive treatment. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Progressive Retinal Atrophy :

  • 1. antioxidant formulas can,might be helpful for supporting overall eye health
    2. omega-3 fatty acids especially DHA can,might be helpful for retinal support
recommend product

Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness

  • 1. no supplement may restore hearing according to the content
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation
    3. green-lipped mussel can,might be helpful for joint support
recommend product recommend product

Lens Luxation

  • 1. no supplement may correct lens support failure according to the content

Portosystemic Shunt

  • 1. no curative supplement is identified
    2. diet management can,might be helpful for reducing toxin burden
recommend product

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