Herding Dogs: Australian Cattle Dog and Bearded Collie

Here are two herding dog breeds: one from Australia and the other from Scotland.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog breed was developed by Australian stockmen approximately in the mid 19th century as a dog having enough stamina to drive wild cattle over long distances. Ancestors were blue-merle Collie, Dalmatian, Dingo, and Australian Kelpie stock. Here is an energetic, compact, and sturdy dog with a strong back, brawny shoulders, deep chest, strong and straight forelegs, and wide and muscular hindquarters. The head is broad of jaw, cheeks muscular but not coarse, slightly tapering to a deep and powerful muzzle. The dark brown eyes express vigilance and intelligence.

WEIGHT: 30-50 pounds
HEIGHT: males 18-20 inches; females 17-19 inches
COLOR: blue, blue-mottled, red speckle, with or without markings.

Bearded Collie

This shaggy-haired herder, among Britain's oldest breeds, perhaps descends from the Magyar Komondorok of Central Europe. He was popular in Scotland as both a working and a show dog throughout the late Victorian era. The Bearded Collie is an attractive medium-size dog with a moderately long coat that falls naturally flat to either side of the body. His body is lean, a bit longer than it is high, with deep chest, level back, and well-sprung ribs. His huge eyes are soft and expressive, and his medium-size drop ears wrapped up with long hair. His coat grows in length from his cheeks, lower lips, and under the chin towards the chest to forge the typical beard.

WEIGHT: 40-50 pounds
HEIGHT: males 21-22 inches; females 20-21 inches
COLOR: black, gray, blue, brown, or fawn, with or without markings.