Early settlers in Australia found the dogs they had brought with them from England where not suited for herding in Australia. Various types of collies, dingo (Australian Wild Dog), Dalamatian, Australian Kelpie and 50 or 60 years of breeding produced a dog who could work in the harsh Australian conditions. In 1903 the breed standard was written by Robert Kaleski.
The ACD herds by circling around the back of the herd, and by nipping the lower hind leg of any cow that doesn't cooperate. A load of courage, speed, agility and their ability to flatten on the groud under flying hooves, makes the ACD a great herding dog.
Coat: Dense, double coat. Blue (speckled or mottled), with or without black patches and tan marking or red speckle.
Weight: 5-7kg
Height: Average around 45-50cm at the shoulder.
This dog needs loads and loads of exercise and activities. It's a working breed, it's best suited in that environment. Strong willed, it can be aggressivly protective and territorial so it will require a good amount of discipline and training if you want it to fit into an urban environment.
For more ACD info check out: Barking Buddies Working Dogs
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These dogs have a wolf-like appearance. They were bred by Eskimos over thousands of years in Alaska to be sled dogs. Malamutes love to work, and have great endurance and strength.
Coat: Thick hard outer coat which sheds snow easily. Dense, soft, oily weather-resistant undercoat. Face and underbody are white; body markings are of various colours.
Weight: 45-50 kg.
Height: 65 cm.
The Alaskan Malamute loves people,but loves pulling a sled as part of a team even more. A hot climate does not really suit this breed. It needs lots of strenuous exercise and space, but doesn't need much food for its size. It makes a great family dog, but is not much of a watchdog because it has been bred for its working instincts rather than protective instincts. It is not particularly fond of other dogs, so take care when taking it for a walk.
Afghan
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The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed, it's to be seen in 4000 year old cave paintings, it is native to Sinai and was prohibited to be exported, which helped keep its breed pure. It finally reached Europe at the beginning of this century by illegal means. The Afghan is a sighthound and was used as a herder, hunter and watchdog. It is a fast and agile runner, being used for hunting many types of game.
Coat: Long, silky coat is most often sandy color with a darker face and ear fringes, also other colors, but white is discouraged in the breed.
Weight: 25 - 35 kg.
Height: Around 65 - 75 cm.
Once known for for being untrustworthy, through the passage of time and careful breeding the Afghan has become more easily trained and handled. High spirited, touchy with young children, it should be carefully trained with kindness. Some can be highly strung and timid. The long coat requires a very high level of maintenance. They require a fair bit of your attention or they will pine, a large space is neccesary, as they require a good amount of exercise.
The Amercian Bulldog is taller, stronger dog than the English version. They are used for hunting, tracking and protecting stock. They were established 25 years ago from Bulldogs being used for herding in Alabama.
Coat: short coat, white, brindle, red, brown or tan.
Weight: 30 - 55 kg.
Height: Around 55 - 70 cm.
Powerful, determined and strong protective instincts means this breed should be well-socialized and obedience trained. They are very devoted to their owner and will try to protect them from any danger. While this dog is not a hostile dog, you might have to be careful around other dogs and strangers. A good amount of exercise is needed. If properly trained the American Bulldog will fit into family life, it is usually good with children. A bit slobbery. :)
American Pitbull
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The name Pitbull comes from the ugly "sport" of pit fighting. It's reputation as a ferocious attacker of children and people reflects the personalities of the ugly people who train them to fight, and a world wide media beat up. Still, they are unmatched in the canine world in terms of strength and tenacity, and are fiercely protective of their owners and property, so they require special people to own and control them effectivly.
Coat: short coat.
Weight: 15 - 35 kg.
Height: Around 45 - 55 cm.
As stated above, this dog is for special people only. They will require a good deal of training from an early age to dissuade any agressive behaviour. Intelligent, protective and willful, they should be leashed in public and do not allow strangers to approach your dog. They are likely to attack other dogs because of a high dominance level. Because of all this, they require a lot of attention, training and exercise. In the right hands, they are a loyal, good natured, affectionate dog, but think carefully and get a lot more information than is presented here before deciding on an American Pitbull as a pet.
Your dog is a member of the family, so protect him like you would your human family with veterinary pet insurance. There are many types of insurance available, so be sure to compare pet insurance before you choose a plan. Pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for your furry family member!
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