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Provide the dog with a plethora of toys. They may have a strong prey drive which wont work well with farm animals.
They also can be.
Do cattle dogs make good house pets. If you have other pets in the house it is very important that any new dog be able to fit in and live peaceably. This is another major requirement of a good family pet. Getting along well with other pets adds to making an Australian Cattle Dog a good family dog.
Almost any dog can have a tendency to bark or bite at other animals. Depends on your priorities and circumstances as for any working dogs which have been bred to certain characteristics and natures. Cattle dogs in work will nip cattle heels not to damage but to encourage movement etc so some dont like that a cattle dog will try to round things up which could be the ducks or the children and possibly nip their heels.
You definitely think theyre cool but arent sure if theyd make a good house dog. Farm dogs are bred specifically for the purpose of working on a farm or ranch as either a herding or guard dog. Herding dogs like border collies Australian cattle dogs or Welsh corgis herd livestock.
Border collies are smart hardworking dogs bred to do a job. Australian Cattle Dogs were never intended to be simply household pets. Their working behaviors chasing nipping barking territorial instincts toward other animals are inappropriate in a normal household setting.
Trying to suppress these hardwired behaviors without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level is unfair to the dog. She is social a charmer and good indoor pet. She is fairly quiet unless she has something to say then she bellows.
She is very polite and even a bit of a silly clown at times. We had beagles before and while they are smaller and a bit cuter the coon hound is easier to handle and deserves a better rep than they get. We have a tall fence and she enjoys laying outside when it is nice.
Cattle Dogs are not for first time owners hell they arent even for many lifetime dog owners. They are tough clever and wiley. They have a very high need for exercise.
As in only get one if there is a couple in the picture and one of you only works part time. This breed is one of the slower to mellow. Three years if youre lucky.
Four years for the rest. With my Red hes a rescue and had many behavior troubles to. So a cattle dog is not for everyone.
But they can make great pets. They need exercise and a lot of it especially when theyre young. I have seen my wife Jodi play ball with her dog Tren in our living room when were watching TV.
Her dog is so amazing because she can throw her ball 10 feet and that dog will get it time and time again without breaking anything and be the happiest dog alive. Now that Tren has. Cattle dogs will get along with other dogs and pets in the household if they have been raised with them since they were puppies.
However they might think of cats and small animals as prey. If they dont recognize them as members of their households they are like to chase catch and kill them. Miniature American Shepherd The Miniature American Shepherd is a popular medium-sized dog in the herding family.
They are good house dogs. Sometimes known as a Blue Heeler or Australian Heeler the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog with serious endurance. Originally made up of several breeds including the Collie Dingo Bull Terrier Dalmatian and Black and Tan Kelpie he has a reputation for being stubborn and having energy to spare not to mention a truly adventurous spirit and belief in his own invincibility that will leave.
However a muscular build and naturally protective nature made them an excellent guard dog for property as well as people. Though this breed can make a good family pet when properly socialized and trained the Malinois is a working dog through and through. Not all Australian Cattle Dogs are good in all types of home situations.
As a general categorization this is one breed of dog that should not be considered if you live in an apartment or a small living space even if you have a moderate sized yard. The high energy levels and the lack of appropriate exercise space in these types of living conditions is horrible for the breed and results in. The cattle industry absorbs only a small proportion of the Cattle Dogs registered each year.
Of the remainder some will be used for breeding or showing. Most however will go to a variety of homes far from the rural industry. With their friendly demeanour they are generally considered to make a solid family pet.
However professional training is recommended so your dog understands boundaries. They may not be an ideal first dog. Not only do these dogs make excellent herding dogs in farm life but theyre often great at dog sports and some also excel as guard dogs for family members.
Owning a herding dog is an adventure full of love loyalty companionship and so much more. Remember though that these high-energy dogs require plenty of exercise and daily exercise and with a high herding drive they dont. Provide the dog with a plethora of toys.
Cattle dogs are highly intelligent and get bored quickly and different toys will hold his interest and keep him calm. For extra stimulation give the dog a puzzle toy stuffed with his favorite treats. Purple Collar Pet Photography Getty Images.
If you have livestock that need to be driven over long distances you wont find a more hardy or determined candidate for the job than the Australian cattle dog. Also known as heelers they got this name because they guide cattle by nipping at their feet. Cattle dogs are intensely loyal intelligent and eager to please.
They also can be. Many dogs that are great outside breeds do not make good farm dogs. They may have a strong prey drive which wont work well with farm animals.
Size temperament and training ability are a few criteria that go into choosing one of the best farm dogs. Its not unusual to have confusion about livestock guardian dogs and farm dogs. While both categories are among the working dogs livestock.
Like all pets miniature cattle as pets are a commitment. They need your care regularly - if you want to keep them as pets. These cattle are naturally docile and very very hardy.
If you just want to keep them as paddock ornaments they will survive perfectly well if left to their own devices. They have survived unassisted for at least 800 years that we know of so they are tough. But why would you.