In a nutshell: Australia's first working dog - once almost extinct as a breed, still rare in Australia and almost unknown elsewhere, but making a comeback.

Description: A medium sized short coated dog, similar in appearance to its descendant the Australian Cattle Dog. Comes in red or blue, but without the tan markings seen on ACDs, and generally longer-legged and leaner in body type. Born with a naturally stumpy tail (<4 inches) and famous for its endurance, tolerance of harsh conditions, and silent but hard biting working style. Also a chance of congenital spinal abnormalities.

Temperament: Intelligent, active dogs. Loyal, cautious with strangers. Can have problems with other dogs but generally stable, solid. Reputed to be a bit more 'high-drive' than ACDs, and usually faster. Still essentially bred to work- they need a job.

Advantages as an agility dog:

• Easy to work with

• Takes direction well

• Loves to work

• Fast and flexible- competitive against any breed

• Adaptable- it will try its hand at anything

Disadvantages as an agility dog:-

• Some say the absence of a tail impedes tight turns.

• Can be nippy, like most reactive herding breeds, if not trained right.

Rating out of 10: An honest 7/10 - all-round great dogs.

Examples of dogs that have done well in agility: Very few around. I think there are a couple competing in the Eastern States of Australia, and there's Samantha Weaver's boy Jack CDX ADX JD, who's beaten BCs etc in Agility and Jumping and cruised through Novice/Open obedience. Deserve to be more popular!

What's it like to live with as a pet: Fantastic! Stable and settled in the house, despite endless outdoor energy. Great with kids, copes with cats, not barky, and a great couch buddy in winter.

Source: Samantha Weaver