Medium-sized, with an interesting color and the grace of a Tasmanian devil, Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) definitely catch the eye. There aren't many of them in Poland, and they're just starting to make their mark in sports. For a long time, there was a notion that they were tough, stubborn, and aggressive. But what are they like on a daily basis and during training?
Cattle dogs are not a simple breed, but you probably already know that. Be prepared for a lot of work. They require consistent leadership, setting boundaries, and enforcing them. If they find a loophole in the rules, they will certainly exploit it and see what else they can get away with. They learn well with rewards, although one must remember that there may be a need for significant pressure (mostly psychological). Nonetheless, they are very attuned to their owner's emotions. Excessive demands and improperly applied pressure can easily extinguish their spirit. They are picky and primarily care about their own business. They are intelligent, like to scheme, yet they take life as it is. They don't look for a hidden agenda.
They enjoy movement and are long-distance runners. They are resilient to pain, so one must think for them. Broken claws, soft tissue injuries, wounds, and abrasions often go unnoticed, and only later does it become apparent that the dog has a serious injury. They run, they jump, and only later do they consider (or not) whether it was a good idea. They are strong for their size. Long hikes, running alongside a horse, or cycling don't faze them (mine can easily maintain about 35 km/h for several kilometers). They are also agile and nimble. You have to teach them from a young age when it's time for exercise, work, play, and when it's time to rest (a kennel cage comes in handy). If they aren't taught to rest, they will demand attention and play. They quickly destroy toys (mine love tearing apart plush toys).
They can be dominant and aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs. They know they are the best ;) They like to "accidentally" run past a dog, knock them over, and nip at their backside. From my experience, the females are worse. They shouldn't have problems with dogs from their own pack, especially those they have known since they were young. They like to be the right-hand of the boss and maintain peace on their terms (ordnung muss sein!).
It is said that they don't bark for no reason, but they will always find a reason. In high emotions or when demanding attention, they use a bark that suspends the brain. It's like running a wire through the spinal cord. They shed twice a year for about 6 months. Twice a year. You can drink "dog-coffee" during those times. Most cattle dogs don't handle heat well. They tire out much more quickly.
In short, they are straightforward, independent, self-assured dogs. You have to befriend them, accept them, and treat them as partners. They certainly aren't a people-pleasing shepherd. They are closer to primitive breeds. They work for their humans, not just for the work itself. They enjoy challenges and don't like a lot of repetitions. Why practice something they already know and can do? That's when their own variations of the task emerge, which can be difficult to work through later.
There are several diseases and conditions in the breed that one must remember.
hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED)
spinal degeneration (DISH and spondylosis)
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): progressive rod-cone degeneration - prcd PRA and rcd4 PRA
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL and adult onset NCL)
Cystynuria
deafness (BAER test)
The BAER test can be performed on puppies. It should be done before releasing the puppy to a new home.
DM, PLL, prcd PRA, rcd4 PRA, Cystynuria, NCL, and adult onset NCL - these diseases can be ruled out through genetic testing. There can be three results: affected (should be excluded from breeding), carrier (can be used in breeding with a healthy animal), healthy.
Eyes should be regularly examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist to exclude other diseases. Definitely before using the dog in breeding.
The condition of joints and spine is checked by X-ray examination. Elbows should be checked routinely up to 5 months of age. X-rays with a pedigree entry can be done after 12 months. The spine should be examined with the first X-ray of hips and elbows. Subsequent spine X-rays should be done after 4 years of age. Hips and elbows should also be checked after a few years.