Breeding Philosophy

THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD ACD

(According to Zoe)

All of the following traits are features which I look at critically when evaluating a dog. Many of these traits are interconnected. This is what’s important to me:

Working Ability

“As the name implies the dog’s prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and movement of cattle in both wide-open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal dog“

The ability to work should never be assumed, it should be proven. Our dogs can be proven for this work both in the field and to a lesser degree at trial. One difference between the ACD and other breeds is its tenacity and persistence when at work - it must be bred to be able to fulfill the need for which it was designed and that often times would involve getting kicked and bashed by cattle and having the grit, athleticism, and good reflexes and stock sense to get right back up and get control of the situation. I prefer a dog that finds it’s reward in the work whatever the work may be.

Temperament

“The Australian cattle dog must be even tempered, well balanced with strong nerves, self assured, confident, alert, as well as attentive and easy to train. He should be aloof to strangers but not fearful or belligerent. A faint air of suspicion is appropriate. His devotion to his master should be singular and his eagerness to please should override all other inclinations. He must possess courage, tenacity and toughness in order to be suitable as a companion, guard, and stock dog”

Without good temperament, you will have a dog that is unfit for work and unfit as a pet.  Temperament is tested CGC, ATT, and the Obedience venue, but the true test of good temperament comes from the breeder’s knowledge of their dogs and the breed. Good training can cover up a lot. For my needs, I prefer the correct aloof cattle dog temperment over the overly excited boisterous type. I see a lot more of lately. The aloof dog is far easier to train and maintain focus on their handler in trial situations with little to no groundwork necessary.

Health

Common health issues in ACDs are hip & elbow dysplasia, cataracts, PRA, Issues of the spine, and deafness

As a dog owner, I want nothing more than for my dogs to live long, healthy, active lives. I do a LOT of heavy physical activity with them and rely on them to help me with the farm, so health and soundness are of huge importance to me. I breed for myself and I want to ensure that I will be investing my time on a puppy that has the best possible chance of being successful in the many venues I am involved in, for as long as possible. We do all the necessary health testing to ensure the dogs we produce are free from genetic abnormalities. By careful selection, we strive for the best possible outcome for hip, elbow, spine, and other health concerns which do not have definitive genetic testing.

Biddability

A biddable dog is one who readily accepts direction from it’s master. They want to please the handler and are accepting of most anything the handler needs for them to do. They do not resist or challenge. An ACD should be highly biddable.

Engagement

This is the dog’s natural inclination to want to be involved with it’s owner, I.e. you or me! In a young puppy, you may see him leaving his littermates to come tug on your shirt, or shoving toys at you. It may also be a puppy that shows a natural retrieve (they think already the best fun comes from you) or a dog that gives a lot of eye contact and finds a lot of reward in initiating work/play with his handler. Innate engagement and focus are very important to me and ultimately make training for most sports much easier. These dogs have a very high social/pack drive.

Drive

There are many different types of drives (Food, Prey, Fight, Pack, Hunt etc..) and these are what ‘drive’ a dog to work.  Australian Cattle Dogs are not meant to have over the top, out-of-control drive in any of these areas, but to have good solid drive in all of them. These drives are bred into dogs, developed in training and tested in trialing / work.

Tenacity

AKA Persistence. There is a certain level of gritty tenacity that is necessary for a cattle bred dog. Cattle are lumbering, challenging, and as my dogs will tell you, “Cattle HURT.” A dog has to have a great deal of tenacity to be bashed and get up and continue on. This is a very sought after trait because it allows the handler to make mistakes and learn without losing the work in my dog. A persistent and forgiving dog is an excellent working partner.

Conformation

…it has to look like an ACD! Proper structure allows the dog to perform the work she is bred to do without injury or fatigue. We also want good looking dogs! It is on the bottom of my list but still an important feature! Pretty is as pretty does ~~