In a nutshell: Smooth coated, medium-sized,
energetic dog, easy to train with strong working instincts.
Also known as:
Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler
Description:
The pups are born white and change colour over the first few
weeks, although full coat colour may not come through until after the first moulting.
They are smooth coated, blue or red-speckled dogs.
Blue dogs may have some tan markings on face and legs. They can be exceptionally striking
dogs to look at, especially the blues. Dogs 18- 20 inches, bitches 17-19 inches in height. A
stocky, muscular breed, built for stamina, bursts of high speed and agility. The coat is
weather protective against heat and rain, and can be soft or coarse to the touch. Feet are
small and cat-like. Eyes have a wicked glint which reflects their sense of humour.
Temperament:
Highly intelligent, faithful, protective of his own family and home. Needs mental and
physical activities, or he will find them for himself. He can be assertive, independent and
dominant, so not suitable for inexperienced owners. With proper socialisation, he is
outgoing and friendly, mixing well with people and other dogs. Will not usually back down
if confronted by another dog. Enjoys the company of children, and will round them up if
they stray. Generally, when properly reared, the sort of dog you can take anywhere, but
which you would like to have at your side if there was trouble, despite the relatively
small size.
Advantages as an agility dog:
-
Cattle
herding requires speed and agility, with an ability to dodge the flying hooves; these
traits lend themselves to being able to turn sharply and at speed. When up to speed, can
be as fast as many collies.
-
Easy to train, but be explicit in what you want.
-
Tend to remember exactly how you want things done, so
very consistent and reliable - once they have decided you are the boss in the
partnership!
-
They have a tremendous jump, and can 'bounce' over a
hurdle from a standstill with ease if necessary. In the right hands these dogs could make
it to the top - two of the teams which beat us in the World Championships had ACDs in
them.
It's
difficult to explain how they are different from collies - apart from appearance - because
they have many of the same characteristics - intelligence, an obsession with work and
partnership, speed and suppleness, ease of training. But they are different, probably
because they are still relatively natural and uncorrupted from the original herders of the
Australian outback, with their dingo ancestry fairly apparent.
Disadvantages as an agility dog:
- Agility's
not herding, so they have to be encouraged to use their speed.
-
Also, there aren't enough doing agility yet for them
to be seen at their best - i.e. the best dogs with good handlers.
Rating
out of 10 as an agility dog and why: 8/10, because they have
tremendous potential for this sport, but they need a handler who knows what they are doing,
both in the ring and at home.
Examples of dogs that have done well in agility:
There are only a couple doing agility at present, because it is still a Rare Breed in this
country. There are a number at the top in Working Trials though.
What's it like to live with as a pet:
Energetic, lively, dedicated to his family, but always ready to take charge,
this is a dog with a strong character and a wicked sense of humour. It must have proper
training in some form of work, whether it is agility, herding, HTM or whatever. The first
12 months are the worst, when youthful ambition and an exuberant character meet
adolescence. After that they are great to have around. The breed standard says 'inclined to
be vocal' - believe it! They have a full range of voices from yodelling territorial protection
through to enquiring murmuring and sulky mutterings. If possible, they like to have the
last word.
Would you buy another one for agility?
I already have done!
Source: Brenda Tenten
