Some of the most popular herding dog breeds are from Australia, a country that has the world's largest cattle stations and sheep stations. In Australia, a cattle station, called a "ranch" in the United States, is a large farm. The main activity of this farm is the rearing of cattle. A cattle station owner in Australia is called a grazier. Anna Creek Station, the world's largest working cattle station, is found in the Australian state of South Australia. The station covers an area of 23,677 square kilometers. A sheep station is a large property in Australia, the main activity of which is the rearing of sheep for their wool and/or meat. The owner of a sheep station in Australia is called a pastoralist or grazier.
Sheep stations and husbandry debuted in the country in 1788 at Sydney Cove, when the British colonizers started raising sheep. In Australia, herding dogs, irrespective of their breeding, are known as working dogs. Some Australian herding dog breeds work well with any kind of animal. Conversely, others have been bred to work with specific kinds of animals. In this article, I've compiled a list of 5 herding dog breeds that help graziers or pastoralists in Australia.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is the most popular and common herding dog in Australia. A sturdy, hard-muscled herder of strength and agility, the ACD is known for its ability to drove cattle over long distances across rough terrain. This herding breed, aka blue or red heeler, is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that responds well to structured training. It was originally bred to herd by nipping at the heels of cattle, hence the nickname. Overall, the Australian Cattle Dog is one of the canine kingdom's most agile, balanced, and durable citizens.
2. Australian Kelpie
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The Australian Kelpie, or simply Kelpie, is an Australian herding breed of dog capable of untiring work. It's described as very smart, alert, and eager with unlimited energy. This medium-sized herder comes in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, black & tan, chocolate, cream, brown, and blue. The Kelpie is capable of mustering and droving with little or no guidance and is used to muster livestock, primarily sheep, cattle, and goats.
3. Australian Koolie
The Australian Koolie, or simply Koolie, is an Australian herding dog breed. It was bred in Australia in the early 19th century from imported British working dogs. The Koolie is known for its ability to circle widely around livestock and bring them back to their owner. It's known as a silent, upright, working dog and is primarily used for herding sheep. To preserve and promote the Koolie breed, the Koolie Club of Australia was founded in 2000. The breed was recognized by the Australian Sporting Registrar in 2004 and was accepted by the American Herding Breed Association in 2006.
4. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, commonly referred to as the Stumpy, is a naturally bobtailed herding dog from Australia. The Stumpy is related to the Australian Cattle Dog and was first recognized as a breed in its own right in 1963. In 2003, the Stumpy was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. In terms of temperament, the breed is described as alert and watchful. They are responsive to their owner and reserved around strangers.
5. Smithfield
The Smithfield, aka the Smithfield Sheepdog, is a breed of herding dog from Tasmania, Australia. This herder is characterized by floppy ears and shaggy hair on the body, face, and legs. It was used for droving cattle in the Smithfield Market of London and was first introduced to Australia during colonial times. While the Smithfield was thriving in Australia, it became extinct in the United Kingdom. How the Smithfield dog went from London meat markets to a working dog in Australia is documented in this
ABC article.
The Smithfield is not a recognized pure breed in the Australian National Kennel Council, although it is shown at the Campbell Town Show in Tasmania. Many Australian farmers still own the breed, about which very little has been documented.
