| The Australian Cattle Dog was 'born' in the late | | | | breeders. If you have decided to buy a puppy, |
| 1800's. Like most of the breeds we know today, | | | | you have to decide what kind and who to buy it |
| this dog was refined through specific breeding | | | | from. Whether or not you have chosen a type, |
| efforts. These efforts were made by a variety | | | | make sure the dog you choose fits in with your |
| of people: the Bagust brothers, Brennan, Davis, | | | | family. The American Kennel Club (AKC) web site |
| Hall, and Rose. | | | | will give you a lot of detail about different breeds |
| Although we know that these breeders had a lot | | | | and their temperaments. |
| to do with interbreeding various dogs to achieve | | | | If is important that the dog fit with your lifestyle |
| certain qualities, there is no written history from | | | | and immediate family members. Once you have |
| these gentlemen. Until Kaleski came along and | | | | chosen the appropriate breed of dog, you need |
| wrote what he deemed as the truth in the | | | | to look into reputable breeders. |
| breeding, no one had made a detailed recording of | | | | A reputable breeder is someone who usually |
| the supposed trials, errors, and successes from | | | | breeds as a hobby. These people may or may |
| the breeding processes of the Australian Cattle | | | | not show dogs, but they obviously love them. |
| Dog. Due to this, we have some idea as to the | | | | There really is not profit in breeding if the dogs |
| breed history of the Australian Cattle Dog. | | | | are well cared for both during gestation and after |
| Settlers brought their own stock and dogs to | | | | birth. No profit unless the breeder pushes the |
| Australia. When these dogs were moved into | | | | bitch (proper term for a female dog) hard, |
| these warmer climates, it was found that they | | | | over-breeding her and keeping her in less than |
| were not suited to the conditions. Most of these | | | | humane conditions. Puppies not purchased from |
| dogs were a mixed breed that had long hair. This | | | | reputable breeders generally do not have long life |
| is why the refining process began. | | | | spans. |
| Around 1850, Highland Collies (Welsh Heelers) | | | | Things to consider as you check into breeders |
| were imported by Hall, these dogs were also | | | | include: |
| ill-suited to the climate. These dogs were | | | | 1. The conditions should be humane. |
| cross-bred with a native Australian dog, the Dingo. | | | | 2. The puppy should remain with its mother and |
| The new breed was known as Hall's Heelers, Blue | | | | siblings at least until 8 weeks of age, this helps |
| Heelers, or Merlins. Eventually, Dalmatians were | | | | socialization skills. Puppies that are not with the |
| crossed with the new breed because of the | | | | mother are not a good bet. |
| Dalmatian's because of their good nature with | | | | 3. Does the breeder have thorough knowledge of |
| horses. Herding ability was lost with this cross | | | | the breed? You may know more than the |
| which made it necessary to cross with still | | | | breeder if they are less than reputable and you |
| another breed, Black and Tan Kelpies. | | | | did your research in choosing your breed. Ask |
| There have been reports that the Bull Terrier | | | | questions and watch for inappropriate answers. |
| was also entered into the mix somewhere along | | | | Reputable breeders won't just tell you what you |
| the way but there are also a multitude of | | | | want to hear to make the sale. |
| arguments against this. Another dog that may | | | | 4. Do they have pedigree information right there |
| have been part of the refining is the Barb, but it | | | | for you to see? Proof of kennel club registration |
| was unsuccessful. | | | | is a must. This registration should have the |
| Through the efforts of these breeders we have | | | | breeder's name on it, if it doesn't, don't buy! |
| an excellent breed of dog which is known by a | | | | 5. Most reputable breeders also provide a health |
| number of names: Blueys, Queenslands, | | | | guarantee. |
| Queensland Blues, Queensland Blue Heelers, | | | | 6. Reputable breeders will stay with one or two |
| Queensland Heelers, and, of course, the Australian | | | | breeds, any more types of dog and you are |
| Cattle Dog. | | | | looking at someone less than reputable as a |
| Regardless of what sort of dog you are looking | | | | general rule. |
| for, it is important you only deal with reputable | | | | |