G
Ge
en
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all A
Ap
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nc
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The general appearance is that of a strong compact, symmetrically built working
dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however
arduous. Its combination of substance, power, balance and hard muscular
condition must convey the impression of great agility, strength and
endurance. Any tendency to grossness or weediness is a serious fault.
C
Ch
ha
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ra
ac
ctte
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sttiic
cs
s
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.
T
Te
em
mp
pe
er
ra
am
me
en
ntt
The Cattle Dog's loyalty and protective instincts make it a self-appointed guardian to the
Stockman, his herd and his property. Whilst naturally suspicious of strangers, must be
amenable to handling, particularly in the Show ring. Any feature of temperament or structure
foreign to a working dog must be regarded as a serious fault.
H
He
ea
ad
d a
an
nd
d S
Sk
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The head is strong and must be in balance with other proportions of the dog and in keeping
with its general conformation. The broad skull is slightly curved between the ears, flattening to
a slight but definite stop. The cheeks muscular, neither coarse nor prominent with the underjaw
strong, deep and well developed. The foreface is broad and well filled in under the eyes,
tapering gradually to form a medium length, deep, powerful muzzle with the skull and muzzle
on parallel planes. The lips are tight and clean. Nose black.
Eyes -- The eyes should be of oval shape and medium size, neither prominent nor sunken
and must express alertness and intelligence. A warning or suspicious glint is characteristic
when approached by strangers. Eye color, dark brown.
Ears -- The ears should be of moderate size, preferably small rather than large, broad at the
base, muscular, pricked and moderately pointed neither spoon nor bat eared. The ears are set
wide apart on the skull, inclining outwards, sensitive in their use and pricked when alert, the
leather should be thick in texture and the inside of the ear fairly well furnished with hair.
Mouth -- The teeth, sound, strong and evenly spaced, gripping with a scissor-bite, the lower
incisors close behind and just touching the upper. As the dog is required to move difficult cattle
by heeling or biting, teeth which are sound and strong are very important.
N
Ne
ec
ck
k
The neck is extremely strong, muscular, and of medium length broadening to blend into
the body and free from throatiness.
Attention
Juniors!!!
HOW DOES YOUR DOG
MEASURE UP?
A good way to learn about
handling and showing your
ACD is to read & understand
the Breed Standard. Please
take a moment to
read this and
learn about
your dog.