Quote from an Owner 

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, double-coated herding dog developed in the late 1800s by ranchers in Australia who needed a dog that could work on the wild herds of cattle in the Outback.  Temperature and terrain extremes necessitated a tough, intelligent and hardy dog. The origins of the breed began with a cross between the dingo (Australia's native wild dog) and a now-extinct British herding dog called the Smithfield Collie.  Fine tuning desired traits was done with crosses of Bull Terrier, Dalmatian and a blue-merled smooth-coated herder related to today's smooth Collie.  Today's Australian Cattle Dog is a natural herder, a droving dog that can work in Outback conditions or stockyard pens, who can heel the largest steer with a well-placed bite and has the agility to duck a well-aimed kick by an irate cow.

Strong, intelligent, brave and loving, the Australian Cattle Dog is all these-and more.

Basic Requirements: Australian Cattle Dogs need an average-sized yard with room to run and play. A strong, 6' fence is needed. Weekly brushing will help to control shedding.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog temperament is aloof with strangers and instinctively protective of home and family.  The Australian Cattle Dog is adaptable to whomever and whatever environment it encounters. This is not a breed for everyone.  Talking with reputable owners, breeders and exhibitors is a must if planning on acquiring a puppy of this breed.