Pet Insurance and your Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, is a highly energetic working dog with a trademark patch around one or both eyes. As an adventurous dog, taking out pet insurance for your Australian Cattle Dog can help towards unexpected vet visits and help keep them happy and healthy. Let’s discover the unique traits of an Australian Cattle Dog.
Australian Cattle Dog Background
True to its name, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred in Australia to help drovers move cattle over long distances of rough terrain.
In the mid-1800s, Thomas Hall, a son of a pioneer in the Hawkesbury region, imported a blue-speckled Highland Collie from the UK. This dog breed was bred with selected dingoes and labelled ‘Halls Heelers’. The result was a robust, hard-working dog that could withstand the weather conditions and provide hours of herding work.
In the 1880s and 1890s, two Sydney brothers (Jack and Harry Bagust) bred these dogs with other breeds (trial and error) to produce the first dogs officially known as Australian Cattle Dogs.
This breed is still widely used as a farm dog, herding sheep and cattle, but it has also become a popular household pet, providing families with love, loyalty, and protection.
To help protect your Australian Cattle Dog against illness or injury, pet insurance could be a helpful option to keep them happy and healthy. Depending on your level of cover, pet insurance can provide financial assistance towards unexpected vet bills.
Why Choose PIA for the Dog Insurance of Your Australian Cattle Dog?
Pet Insurance Australia offers coverage for up to 80% or 90% of eligible vet bills#, a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and two months free on any new pet insurance plan.*
*Depending on your level of cover.
Australian Cattle Dog Characteristics
As a breed of dog originally bred to help move cattle across rough terrains, it’s no surprise that the Australian Cattle Dog is still a hugely popular working farm dog. Their high intelligence levels make them easy to train, and their tenacious sense of duty and alertness make them excellent herding dogs.
As an extremely loyal dog to its owner, the Australian Cattle Dog is weary of strangers. Its instinct is to protect its owners as it would its herd. As its natural herding ability has it nipping at the heels of cattle to bring them into line and chasing anything that moves, care should be taken around young children and smaller animals.
Early socialisation and training are vital for an Australian Cattle Dog to help them adjust to your lifestyle, whether you’re keeping them a family pet or a working dog on a farm. As a highly active dog, they enjoy rural homes with lots of room to run and explore or homes that can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 43 – 48cm
Male: 46 – 51cm
Average Weight
15 – 22 kg
Temperament
Alert, intelligent, energetic, trustworthy, loyal, courageous, protective and can be nippy
Lifespan
13 – 15 years
Known Genetic Issues
Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA), Deafness, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and Patella Luxation
Country of Origin
Australia
Exercise Requirements
This active breed needs over 2 hours of exercise per day, including hiking, walking, running or agility training.
Coat
A short, double-layered coat with a dense, fine layer undercoat and a straight, rain-resistant topcoat
Coat Colours
Distinctive red speckle or blue with mottling or speckling and a patch around one or both eyes
Specific Care Requirements
A high degree of exercise is needed to keep this breed physically and mentally stimulated, so they’re not suited for apartment living or small backyard spaces.
Australian Cattle Dog Common Health Problems
Australian Cattle Dogs may develop Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition in which the femur (thigh) bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint correctly. Over time, the bones wear, causing lameness, pain, and arthritis. Responsible breeding can help prevent this condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a common inherited condition often seen in the Australian Cattle Dog breed. In this condition, the retina slowly deteriorates, leading to night blindness, reduced day vision, and eventual blindness. Although PRA has no cure, your vet can advise you on giving your Australian Cattle Dog a normal life.
Unfortunately for this breed, Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to congenital hereditary deafness, which may affect one or both ears. It is more common in dogs with clear, mask-free faces and lacks pigmented body patches. Your vet can help you determine the level of deafness your dog is experiencing and advise you on handling this condition.
Elbow Dysplasia is a genetic condition that can occur in an Australian Cattle Dog. With this condition, the elbow bone and cartilage grow abnormally, causing lameness, limping, decreased movement and pain. Your vet can diagnose this condition and will prescribe joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medication to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Due to their high activity levels and agility, Patella Luxation is a common ailment for the Australian Cattle Dog. Patella Luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its position or dislocates entirely. While many dogs will kick their leg instinctively to move the kneecap back into place, a vet visit for surgical advice may be needed for repeat occurrences.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for Your Australian Cattle Dog Today
As a highly active, almost non-stop dog, there may be times when unexpected accidents occur or conditions pop up. By choosing pet insurance for your Australian Cattle Dog through Pet Insurance Australia, you will enjoy a range of coverage options to help keep your loyal companion happy and healthy. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about pet insurance for your beloved Australian Cattle Dog.
Insurance disclaimer
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.
