Cow Dog Breeds for Farm Work and Family

If you're looking for a loyal companion that can help with farm work and be a great addition to your family, cow dog breeds are an excellent choice.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a popular breed that excels at herding cattle and has a strong work ethic.

They're also highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

The Blue Heeler is another breed that's well-suited for farm work, with its high energy level and strong herding instincts.

These dogs are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their family, making them a great addition to any household.

The Australian Kelpie is a breed that's been used for centuries to herd sheep and cattle, and is known for its intelligence and agility.

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The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy and muscular dog that exudes agility and strength. Its broad skull and powerful muzzle give it a commanding presence.

The breed standard emphasizes the importance of well-conditioned muscles, even for dogs bred as companions or show dogs. This ensures they remain agile and enduring.

Males stand 18 to 20 inches tall, and females stand 17 to 19 inches tall.

The Australian Cattle Dog has a sturdy, muscular, compact build that gives the impression of agility and strength.

Its broad skull flattens to a definite stop between the eyes, with muscular cheeks and a medium-length, deep, powerful muzzle.

The ears are pricked, small to medium in size and set wide apart, with a covering of hair on the inside.

The eyes are oval and dark, with an alert, keen expression.

The neck and shoulders are strong and muscular; the forelegs are straight and parallel; and the feet round and arched, with small, sturdy toes and nails.

The breed standard emphasizes the importance of well-conditioned muscles, even for companion or show dogs, to maintain the necessary agility and endurance.

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Australian Cattle Dogs are relatively small dogs, with females measuring around 17-19 inches tall.

Males stand slightly taller, ranging from 18 to 20 inches in height.

The ideal body shape of an Australian Cattle Dog is one where the length of the body exceeds the height, with a ratio of 10 to 9.

Females typically weigh between 30 to 50 pounds, while males also fall within the same weight range.

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The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely active dog who needs constant mental and physical activity. If he's bored or lonely, he can be destructive.

He's apt to chew and tear up items he shouldn't, so keeping him busy is key to preventing trouble. If he's tired, he's less likely to get into mischief.

The Australian Cattle Dog is protective of what he considers his territory, and he'll defend it. He's also reserved with strangers, but devoted to his owner and family.

He's smart, but can be willful and stubborn at times, making consistent, positive training essential to controlling his independent streak.

The Australian Cattle Dog's tail is a distinctive feature of the breed.

In the breed standards of the Australian, American, and Canadian kennel clubs, the tail should be natural, long, and un-docked, with a solid color spot at the base and a white tip.

The tail should be set moderately low, following the slope of the back, and hang in a slight curve at rest.

An excited dog may carry its tail higher, but a good level of brush is still desirable.

In the United States, tails are sometimes docked on working stock, although this is generally not the case.

The Australian Cattle Dog has high energy levels and an active mind, making it a breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

This intelligent dog ranks 10th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs and needs a job to do, so a non-working dog might participate in dog sports or learn tricks to keep it engaged.

The breed is reserved with people it doesn't know and naturally cautious in new situations, making it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task.

However, with proper socialization, it can become accustomed to a variety of people and be a loving and playful pet at home.

The Australian Cattle Dog is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal.

By the time puppies are weaned, they should have learned that the company of people is pleasurable and that responding to cues from a person is rewarding.

The bond between the Australian Cattle Dog and its owner is strong, and the dog will often stay close to its owner's side, even when not on a leash.

However, if treated harshly, the Australian Cattle Dog will bite, just like its original purpose of moving reluctant cattle by biting.

While the breed generally works silently, it will bark in alarm or to attract attention, which can be a sign of boredom or frustration.

The Australian Cattle Dog's coat is weather-resistant, but it does shed heavily once or twice a year.

Brush your cow dog periodically, about four times a month, to distribute oils and remove dirt. Brush more frequently when he sheds to remove dead hair.

His teeth need regular brushing to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Brush them at least two or three times a week, or daily if you want to prevent bad breath.

The Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming, making it a low-maintenance pet. It's often referred to as a "wash and wear" dog.

They don't shed year-round, but instead blow their coat once or twice a year. This can be a bit messy, but it's a natural process.

Brushing your Australian Cattle Dog periodically will help distribute oils and remove dirt. Aim for four times a month to keep them clean and healthy.

When they shed, brush frequently to remove the dead hair. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

Bathe your Australian Cattle Dog as needed, which is usually when they get really dirty or smell bad.

Trimming their nails is essential to keep their feet in good condition. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim.

Brushing your Australian Cattle Dog's teeth regularly is crucial to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Aim for at least two or three times a week, or daily if possible.

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Feeding your Australian Cattle Dog is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Measure their food carefully to ensure they're getting the right amount, as they can vary greatly in size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

A good rule of thumb is to feed them 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

You should be able to see a visible waist on your dog, and when you place your hands on their back, you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

If you can't feel their ribs, they likely need less food and more exercise.

Australian Cattle Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues if you're considering bringing one home.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that can cause a dog to lose their sight. Early on, affected dogs become night-blind, and as the disease progresses, they may lose their sight during the day as well.

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that affects the thighbone's fit in the hip joint. X-ray screening is the most reliable way to diagnose the problem, and it's crucial to test the parents for this condition if you're buying a puppy.

Deafness is an inherited condition in Australian Cattle Dogs, and it's linked to genes that cause white hair or a roaning pattern in the coat. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing can help determine hearing problems, but it's not a cure.

If you're considering breeding your Australian Cattle Dog, make sure to test for hip dysplasia and deafness, as these conditions can be passed on to the next generation.

If you're considering getting an Australian Cattle Dog, it's essential to teach your child how to approach and touch dogs safely.

Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling.

You should also teach your child never to approach any dog while it's eating or sleeping, or to try to take the dog's food away.

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Australian Cattle Dogs can be jealous of other dogs in the household if they're not raised together from puppyhood.

If you have other pets, such as cats or small animals, it's crucial to raise the Australian Cattle Dog with them from a young age to prevent chasing and killing.

By socializing your Australian Cattle Dog puppy to children and other pets, you can prevent many potential problems and create a harmonious household.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly intelligent breed that responds well to training.

With a structured and varied training program, you can bring out the best in your cow dog. Consistency and variety are key to keeping them engaged and motivated.

The breed is biddable, meaning they're eager to please and quick to learn, but repetitive and boring training can lead to unwanted outcomes.

Early socialization is crucial to ensure your Australian Cattle Dog grows up to be a well-rounded dog. They can become timid if they're not properly socialized when young.

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A well-trained Australian Cattle Dog can be a joy to work with, and with the right training, they'll do the rest. Pick a Red or Blue one, and with a smile on their face, they'll move cattle and sheep by nipping at their heels.

If you're considering an Australian Cattle Dog, make sure you can provide a proper outlet for their natural energy and bright mind. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred by 19th-century Australian settlers to herd cattle on large ranches. This breed was instrumental in helping ranchers expand the Australian beef industry.

The Australian Cattle Dog was developed from the native Dingo and was bred to be hardy and able to handle the harsh climate and working conditions in Australia. Countless breedings by many different ranchers finally resulted in what's believed to be the ancestors of the present-day Australian Cattle Dog.

The Hangin' Tree Cowdog is a hybrid breed that comprises 3⁄8 Border Collie, 1⁄4 Australian Shepherd, 1⁄4 Kelpie, and 1⁄8 Cur. These dogs are very versatile and can work cattle in open pastures, woods, and pens.

The Australian Cattle Dog has a rich history that spans centuries. It was bred by 19th-century Australian settlers to herd cattle on large ranches.

These early dogs were instrumental in helping ranchers expand the Australian beef industry. They were able to quietly but aggressively herd the sometimes uncontrollable, almost wild cattle with nips and bites.

To create a hardy dog that could handle the harsh climate and working conditions in Australia, ranchers bred dogs to the native Dingo. This breeding led to the development of the Blue Heeler, a blue-colored dog that proved to be the most popular among ranch owners and drovers.

The Blue Heeler was especially popular in cattle runs in Queensland, where they were given the name Queensland Heelers or Queensland Blue Heelers. This breed was later developed into what we now know as the Australian Cattle Dog.

Robert Kaleski took up breeding Blue Heelers in 1893 and started showing them in 1897. He drew up a standard for the breed, basing it on the Dingo, believing that this was the type naturally suited to the Australian outback.

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The Kennel Club of New South Wales approved this standard in 1903, and the breed was first known as the Australian Heeler. It wasn't until later that it became known as the Australian Cattle Dog, which is the name now accepted as official throughout Australia and elsewhere.

The breed was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in May 1980 and became eligible for show in the Working Group as of September 1980.

The Australian Shepherd is a breed that has been developed from the Pyrenean Shepherd in Europe, and then through crosses to Collies and Border Collies. They're known for their strong herding instinct, intelligence, and trainability.

Originally developed by ranchers in the American West, the Australian Shepherd is a versatile breed that can thrive in a variety of settings. Their height ranges from 20-23 inches for males and 18-21 inches for females.

One of the key traits of the Australian Shepherd is their ability to attend to their owners and work with them to achieve a common goal. They're also highly trainable, which makes them a popular choice for working stock.

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The Australian Shepherd's strong herding instinct is one of its most defining characteristics. They're naturally inclined to herd livestock, and can be quite effective at it with proper training.

Here's a comparison of the Australian Shepherd with some other breeds:

The Australian Shepherd's ability to thrive in a variety of settings makes it a popular choice for working stock. With proper training and care, they can be a valuable asset to any ranch or farm.

Border Collies are known for their energetic and intelligent nature, making them a popular choice for working stock dogs. They typically weigh between 30-55 pounds and stand between 19-22 inches tall.

Australian Kelpies are another breed often used in cattle handling, and they're known for their ability to adapt to different environments. They're also used in mixed breeding, such as in Kelpie Border Collie crosses.

Working stock dogs, including Border Collies and Kelpies, are growing in popularity and can sell for thousands of dollars. A top stock dog can sell for $10,000 or more, with two Border Collies selling for a record $30,000 each last year.

Here are some key characteristics of specific breeds:

Black-Mouth Curs are known for their rugged and good-natured nature, making them well-suited for herding cattle and guarding property.

The Kelpie is a highly versatile breed, originally developed in Australia to herd sheep in large, open areas. They're known for their energetic and active nature.

They come in a variety of colors, including black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue. Their height ranges from 17-20 inches, and their weight is typically between 30-40 pounds.

Kelpies are highly intelligent and alert dogs, making them well-suited for herding and working in challenging environments. They have a strong work ethic and can adapt to different situations, as mentioned by cowboy Howard, who relies on them to handle wild cattle in the desert.

One of the key characteristics of Kelpies is their high energy and drive, which can make them a bit high-strung at times. This trait, however, also makes them highly effective at their job.

Here are some key traits of the Kelpie breed:

Overall, the Kelpie is a remarkable breed that excels in herding and working in challenging environments.

The Bearded Collie is a boisterous and charismatic droving dog from Scotland.

These shaggy-coated dogs are known for their energetic and playful personalities, making them a great fit for active families.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, so be prepared for a daily brushing routine.

Bearded Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.

Their droving instincts make them naturally herding dogs, but with proper socialization, they can adapt to a variety of living situations.

A daily exercise routine that includes physical and mental stimulation is essential to keep your Bearded Collie happy and healthy.

Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great addition to many families, but they do require regular attention and interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Pembrook Welsh Corgi is short and stout, but can move with surprising agility.

They are lovers of cattle and sheep, and will be telling you when it is time to get up!

Their strong work ethic is an amazing attribute, and their affection for the family is overwhelming.

A great working family pet indeed.

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The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy breed that never seems to take a rest. They're a great fit for ranching lifestyles.

These dogs work hard and play hard, but are surprisingly sweet and loving. They have a short coat that makes them a low-maintenance breed.

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-tall dog with a short coat, making them a wash-and-go breed. They're a beauty to boot.

They'll work cattle confidently, making them a great addition to a ranching family.

The Rough Collie is a beautiful breed that's as smart as they come. They're known for being very intelligent and protective of their livestock, making them excellent herders.

Their larger size makes them sturdy enough to work all day with little rest.

The Border Collie is a popular breed for stock work, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. They are often used to herd cattle, and their ability to adapt to different environments is impressive.

Border Collies typically stand between 19-22 inches tall for males and 18-21 inches tall for females, with a weight range of 30-55 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including black and white and red and white.

Their intelligence and focus make them well-suited for herding cattle, and they are often praised for their "eye appeal" and ability to work cattle without needing to bite them. In fact, one breeder notes that their Border Collies have a "lot of presence" that allows them to command the attention of the cattle.

Here are some key traits of the Border Collie breed:

Their popularity is growing, with top stock dogs selling for $10,000 or more, and an increasing number of cattlemen open to using dogs in their herds. As one breeder notes, there has been a major change in the mindset of ranchers about dogs in the last 10 years, with many now recognizing the value of herding dogs like Border Collies.

The Black-Mouth Cur is a rugged and good-natured breed that originated in the southeastern United States to herd cattle and guard property.

They typically range in height from 16 to 24 inches and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.

Their color can vary from yellow, reddish-brown, to brindle.

This breed is believed to have descended from European herding and hunting breeds.

Their short haircoat makes them well-suited for hot climates.

You don't want a Black-Mouth Cur that's too rough, as they might nip at calves if they get a chance.

Their good-natured personality makes them a great choice for working on a ranch.

Cow dogs are used on ranches and farms in the American West, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma.

The breed originated in the southern United States, where it was developed to herd cattle and other livestock.

A good cow dog should be able to work well in hot weather, as it often does in these regions.

The breed is known for its high energy level and strong work ethic, making it well-suited for the demands of ranch work.

Some cow dogs are trained to work with horses, while others are trained to work on foot.

In terms of physical characteristics, cow dogs tend to be medium-sized with short coats that require minimal grooming.

They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to teach and work with.