Australian Cattle Dog Appearance Height 17 to 20 inches 43 to 51 centimeters Weight 30 to 45 pounds 14 to 20 kilograms Australian Cattle Dogs have a short double coat It comes in either blue-gray or brown-red Some dogs have dark fur around one or both eyes This marking makes it look like the dog is wearing a mask Personality Australian Cattle Dogs make loving and loyal pets When they work as cattle herders Australian Cattle Dogs are determined and courageous Breed Background The breed was developed by crossing a type of Collie and a Dalmatian Country of Origin Australia Recognized by AKC 1980 Training Notes Australian Cattle Dogs are smart and highly trainable They respond especially well to rewards Some owners train Australian Cattle Dogs for performance events such as herding or agility competitions Care Notes Australian Cattle Dogs can make great pets for the right people Owners should be prepared to provide plenty of activity though The breed needs two to three hours of exercise each day Fun Fact The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as the Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler
Australian Shepherd Appearance Height 18 to 23 inches 46 to 58 cm Weight 40 to 65 pounds 18 to 29 kg The Australian Shepherd has medium-length fur Many Aussies are merles which means that the coat has a mixture of dark patches and lighter markings Personality Aussies have strong personalities Bred to herd sheep they can be pushy pets Some have even been known to try to herd children Country of Origin United States Recognized by AKC 1991 Training Notes Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners Positive training methods such as treats and lots of praise work best with this breed Care Notes Although the Aussie’s coat is long this breed doesn’t need a lot of grooming Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually enough to keep this dog clean and comfortable Fun Fact After World War II 1939 1945 the Aussie’s popularity skyrocketed when these dogs were shown in many movies on television and in rodeos and horse shows Famous Dogs The main character of the children’s book Henry the Dog with No Tail is an Australian Shepherd Aussies do have tails They are just naturally short
Bearded Collie Appearance Height 20 to 22 inches 51 to 56 cm Weight 45 to 55 pounds 20 to 25 kg The Bearded Collie is a strong working dog They have a shaggy waterproof double coat Bearded Collie puppies are born with a mixture of dark and white fur As they move into adulthood the darker color lightens Beardies short for Bearded Collies are often confused with Old English Sheepdogs A Bearded Collie has a much longer tail however Personality Owners describe the Bearded Collie’s personality as humorous This lively breed enjoys bouncing around and playing Known for its bounce the Beardie has a high level of energy Beardies also love kids but they can be a bit too rough for small children Breed Background The Bearded Collie is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest dog breeds The breed was developed in the 1500s when a Polish sea captain made a trade with a Scottish shepherd The shepherd then bred the Beardie with other herding and flock dogs such as the Old English Sheepdog Country of Origin Scotland Recognized by AKC 1976 Training Notes Beardies are strong-willed dogs They need early training with socialization Obedience training is recommended for Beardies because they are natural herders Care Notes This long-haired breed needs a fair amount of grooming Weekly brushing
keeps tangles from forming The Bearded Collie needs extra attention when it is shedding The breed also needs a bath every six to eight weeks Fun Facts The Beardie is also known as the Mountain Collie Highland Collie or the Hairy Mou’ed Collie The name Bearded comes from the long hairs that grow on the dog’s chin Famous Dogs The title role in the 2006 movie The Shaggy Dog was played by a Bearded Collie
