Aussie workers - a dog for the job

Unlike other domesticated animals put to work or used for food production, dogs have a unique position in our lives, as faithful companion and best friend. We usually own them simply because we love them, they need serve no other purpose, however there are dogs who are trained to perform specialised tasks and whose services to man cannot be overlooked.

In Australia the most common working dogs are those that work with livestock. Australia has developed breeds of dogs, the Australian Kelpie and Australian Cattle Dog and the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog to work in our unique climate and conditions. Of sheep dogs, the Kelpie is one of the best in the world. A good Kelpie can do the work of six men. As Australian as a kangaroo, the Australian Kelpie has a natural instinct and aptitude for the working of sheep, both in open country or in yards, and is renowned for the way in which he runs over the sheep’s backs.

A “true blue” Aussie, the Australian Cattle Dog’s prime function is the movement and control of cattle in both confined and wide, open spaces. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful and courageous, this breed is a tribute to the ability of the Australian stockmen who knew what they wanted in a cattle dog and set about producing it.

The rarer Stumpy was bred to do similar work to his better known cousin, the Australian Cattle Dog, and his courage and tenacity are second to none. He has a distinctive appearance that led to his unusual name as he has a gene for a natural bob tail.

Not all Australian breeds were developed to work sheep and cattle. The Australian Terrier evolved from a variety of British terriers that had been brought out to Australia by settlers. Specifically bred for Australian conditions, this hard-bitten tough little terrier was used for everything from guarding the farms and mines to hunting, and killing rats and snakes. Believed to be basically a cross between the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier was bred to fill the need for a small terrier which would be suited to life in a small house or cottage but, at the same time, would be effective in hunting and killing domestic rodents.

It is important to remember that not all working dogs can adjust well to suburban, backyard living. Extremely active dogs such as sheep and cattle dogs often become bored if they have little to occupy them. If you want a working dog as a pet, it is important to consider how well they will adapt to your environment. If you are not sure seek advice from your vet and other people experienced in dog breeds.