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Australian Cattle Dog History
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Robert Kaleski, a native Australian, is credited with the development of the Australian Cattle Dog. Early Australian settlers needed a dog that could survive in the harsh outback conditions, and much experimentation was conducted before the Australian Cattle Dog as we know it emerged. The Australian Cattle Dog originated from dogs that were brought from London, known as Smithfields. Smithfields were good enough herders, but not equipped for the difficult conditions of the Australian outback.
A breeder by the name of George Elliot attempted to create the ideal outback dog by breeding a Smithfield with an Australian Dingo. Unfortunately, these dogs could not be trusted as it was discovered that they would kill calves when they were not under the supervision of their handlers. In 1840, Thomas Hall imported a couple of Blue Smooth Highland Collies, whose offspring were bred with the Dingo. These dogs were known as Hall's Heelers, but were still not considered the ideal Australian shepherd dog. In the early 1870s, these Heelers were bred with dogs like the Bull Terrier and Dalmatian. Years and years of experimentation as well as a lot of trial and error finally created the Australian Cattle Dog of today. Having followed a long and winding path as a breed, the Australian Cattle Dog was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980.
