Читать книгу Australian Cattle Dog - Charlotte Schwartz - Страница 8

In every breed of dog, there are certain characteristics that set that breed apart, separating it from all other breeds of dog. These characteristics form the defining signature that stamps the dog as a specific breed, even though the individual dog is also a member of the canine species. Breedspecific characteristics are a breed’s mark of distinction. These comprise how the dog looks, the way he acts and the subtle little (and sometimes big!) mannerisms that he exhibits in daily life.

Frequently, such habits as high-pitched, excited barking are genetically engineered into the dog for a reason. Shetland Sheepdogs, for example, bark in this manner when they’re herding. Dachshunds often bark when they go to ground in their hunt for vermin. Once underground and out of the owner’s sight, the yipping of the Dachshund helps the owner keep track of his dog’s whereabouts.

In the case of the Australian Cattle Dog, there are a number of important physical and behavioral characteristics that set the dog apart from all others. First, the AuCaDo is extremely intelligent, capable of making decisions regarding himself, his owner and family, his job and his home territory. This ability is a result of a combination of his instincts, experiences, intellect and innate desire to function effectively within his own pack.

Probably the best way to get to learn about a particular breed of dog is to talk with those who own members of the breed. In the case of the Australian Cattle Dog, characteristic traits are never kept secret. Owners are eager to share what they know about their dogs and even more anxious to have you understand that the AuCaDo is not the right breed for everyone.

Owners will tell you that the Australian Cattle Dog is courageous, alert, curious and capable of long hours of hard work in rugged conditions. He’s athletic, quiet, versatile and aloof. His protective instincts are strong; his loyalty to his master and family and his home and property are without question.

The AuCaDo is strong-willed, selective in making friends, suspicious of strangers and aggressive when he, his family or his home is threatened. On the other hand, he loves children, is playful and eager to please and requires a firm but gentle type of discipline in management and training. Most of all, he is not a couch potato and will never be content to live a sedentary life with just a short walk around the block every day.

This high-energy dog wants to work, needs to work and works superbly at whatever task he is taught to perform. He has tireless energy that must be channeled into productive behavior every day of his life. A hike in the park on Sundays will not satisfy this working dog. He must live a full, active life with a master he loves and respects.

Unlike some breeds of dog whose characteristics are spelled out in one paragraph of the breed standard, the AuCaDo’s characteristics are listed in detail and at great length. For example, included in the characteristics of the breed, emphasis is placed on the fact that AuCaDo puppies should be placed in their new homes before they reach adolescence. This way, they will develop strong bonds with their masters, with whom they will permanently live (and possibly work). Adult AuCaDos do not do well in cases in which they must change homes and masters once they reach maturity. Their bond is for life, and they do not adjust easily to new owners once they become adult dogs.

Furthermore, it is so important that AuCaDo puppies begin their lives in appropriate homes that the details of the dogs’ needs are given high importance in the breed standard. If placed inappropriately in homes where they will not be given jobs to do, the dogs will likely end up being shifted from home to home because they develop undesirable behavior problems. Sometimes these problems become so severe that the dogs are turned over to animal shelters and cannot be rehomed.

WHAT’S THAT “SOUND”?

Did you know that the word “soundness” used in describing a breed of dog refers not only to the physical makeup of that breed but also to a sound temperament, thus making the dog’s personality characteristics predictable.

Who, then, makes an ideal AuCaDo owner? Obviously, it’s a person who has the time and need for a working dog. Since the dog is an active one, a large property such as a farm or ranch makes for a perfect home where the dog can perform daily tasks to help his master around the property. Again, it must be emphasized that Australian Cattle Dogs do not make good house pets that will “hang out” around the home and do nothing most of the time. They need to have a meaningful purpose in life to be well-adjusted companions. If his requirements are met, the AuCaDo will make a lifelong friend, devoted to his master and family.

Living on a farm is not a prerequisite to AuCaDo ownership, but the ideal owner will provide outlets for her dog’s energy. Training for and participating in various areas of the dog sport are great ways to keep the breed mentally and physically challenged.

Physically, the Australian Cattle Dog must be first and foremost a sound dog. He is a compact, muscular dog with great strength. Correct physical structure allows the dog to be supple, quick, athletic and capable of tireless effort for prolonged durations. In short, the AuCaDo is an athlete in the truest sense of the word. Without these attributes, he will not be able to perform his job, thus making him useless as a working companion. And let it be understood that a good, well-trained Australian Cattle Dog can often do the work of several ranch hands without even breaking a sweat.

I recall the time I spent on a large property in Tasmania, Australia. One day, I was watching an AuCaDo working with some cattle, when a cantankerous bull kicked him in the side and sent the dog flying many feet away. When he hit the ground, the dog rolled over, stood up, shook his head and came back with a vengeance to bite the hock of the bull. As his teeth made contact with the bovine’s hind leg, the nolonger-stubborn bull turned and jogged away just as the dog had originally indicated for him to do. Suddenly that 1500-pound bull became a docile critter at the mercy of a determined dog!

Once you witness an Australian Cattle Dog at work, you gain a surprising respect for the breed. It’s amazing to witness such an intelligent animal, doing what he’s bred to do and doing it so well. It’s then that you realize that this dog would be absolutely miserable in any other type of lifestyle. He needs to do what he loves most to do—work.

The Australian Cattle Dog loves children and the feeling is mutual; but, at the same time, the breed is strong-willed and may attempt to herd toddlers.

HEART HEALTHY

The Australian Medical Journal in 1992 found that having pets is hearthealthy. Pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower levels of triglycerides than those who didn’t have pets. It has also been found that senior citizens who own pets are more active and less likely to experience depression than those without pets.

Owner Mary Ann Mullen, who lives in Virginia, loves to tell people about her Australian Cattle Dog, Cassie. The dog’s registered American Kennel Club name is R-Bar’s Roshara Mama Cass, UDX, NA, HIC. She has earned the coveted Utility Dog Excellent title in obedience competition, plus a Novice Agility title, and she’s Herding Instinct Certified. At six years of age, Cassie keeps busy despite the fact that Ms. Mullen does not live on a large property. Cassie does not herd livestock, but her many other activities replace the usual farm work and provide that necessary feeling of fulfillment.

“Cattle Dogs have extremely strong chase instincts and movement of any kind serves as a trigger,” says Ms. Mullen. “As much as they love children and will guard them as their own, I don’t recommend getting an Australian Cattle Dog for a family with little children. The dogs frequently nip at the flying feet of the children in an attempt to herd the kids and keep them all together. Older children do well with the dogs and strong bonds of affection, minus the nipping, develop easily.”

Ms. Mullen contributes another important recommendation: “Australian Cattle Dogs are not for the first-time dog owner. They must be trained in basic manners and control and an experienced dog owner is better equipped to accomplish this. The dogs can be stubborn and need firm guidance from an owner who realizes they are not little people in fur coats.”

Cattle Dogs are not for everyone. They’re stoic and need to be understood and respected by owners who have some knowledge of basic dog behavior. Once you understand them, you’ll admire their serious nature and devotion to home and family. In the correct environment, Australian Cattle Dogs make superb companions for life.