The Blue Heeler, aka. Australian Cattle Dog (ACD)

FREEZE!

NoobMember0 XPOct-01-2012 7:56 PM[center][IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Hfk4k.jpg[/IMG][/center] [u][b]What type of dog is the dog in Mad Max 2 (Road Warrior)?[/b][/u] It is a Blue Heeler, sometimes also referred to as an Australian Cattle Dog. The breed can be found most commonly in farming areas of rural Australia, and typically not in residential areas.Blue Heelers are also bred and used in the U.S. as cattle dogs, and now are commonly found in cities like most other breeds. After Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior), 'Dog' went to live with Dale and Max Aspin. Max was the stunt coordinator for the film, and his wife Dale was the animal handler and trainer, as well as being a stunt performer herself. It transpired that dog wanted to continue working, and would continually attempt to round up the other animals on their property! Which makes total sense! 'Dog' was eventually handed to the care of another Mad Max 2 stunt man, Gerry Gauslaa, with whom he lived out the rest of his days. [center] R.I.P. Dog! [/center] [center][IMG]http://i.imgur.com/jZz4X.jpg[/IMG][/center] [center][b][u]AKC on the Blue Heeler[/u][/b] [/center] [u]Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1980.[/u] [u]Ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.[/u] [u]Cattle herder, livestock guardian.[/u] Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don't discourage this dog - they just become more determined to get the job done! The breed can be blue or red (can be in mottled or speckled pattern), with or without black, blue or tan markings. [center][b][u]A Look Back[/u][/b][/center] In the 1800s, Australians began crossing Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians and Black and Tan Kelpies. The result was a dog identical in type and build to the Dingo, only with a thicker set and peculiar markings - and also an excellent worker. Known originally as the Blue or Australian Heeler, the ACD has been a huge help to the Australian beef industry, enabling farmers to maintain huge herds. [center][u] [b]Right Breed for You?[/b][/u][/center] Happiest in wide open spaces, ACDs are very high-energy dogs and extremely intelligent, so they need a job - such as herding, obedience or agility - to keep them happy. While wary of strangers, the breed bonds closely to its family, though the owner must establish themselves as the pack leader. Their smooth, short coat requires only occasional baths and brushing. [b]Resources[/b]: [url=http://www.madmaxmovies.com/flub/othertrivia.html]MadMaxMovies.com[/url] [url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_cattle_dog/index.cfm]AKC.com[/url]

FREEZE!

NoobMember0 XPOct-01-2012 8:11 PMI, myself, worked for nine years as a kennel tech and in this time worked with several ACD's, they are a wonderful dog breed and I would love to have one as a companion someday ...if I ever have the space. Anybody else have any real-world experience with ACD's? stories? photos? Please share! (Let me know if you need help linking your photos)

Cardiac_Crocus

NoobMember0 XPOct-02-2012 3:21 PMThat is absolutely not the dog for me! I am lazy, more of a pug and english bulldog person. I have only known someone with an ACD once, the dog was pretty chubby and old so he wasn't the most active so i haven't gotten to experience one in his or her prime. A dingo would be interesting though, as long as it doesn't eat any babies! HA. Never had luck being around herding dogs, had other breeds nip at my heels and i REALLY didn't care for that XD Of course those were collies, which i greatly dislike for many reasons.

belladonna

NoobMember0 XPOct-06-2012 7:35 AMi dont think being around dogs is in your best interest, crocus.

Cypher

NoobMember0 XPOct-08-2012 6:40 AMBlue Heelers are extremely smart and loyal, they are also some of the best natured dogs I've ever come across. And yes, I am Australian, so I've come across a fair few of them in my time ;-) nice work there Freeze ;-)