THE CATTLE DOG

Northern Advocate, 16 February 1926, Page 6

THE CATTLE DOG

A USEFUL POSSESSION.'

One hears a good deal, and justly so, about the usefulness of the kelpie (writes “Brindle,” in “The Australasian”) but very little publicity is given to that good all round stockowner’s companion, the Queensland blue cattle dog, a product of Australia that should hold a high position in the canine world for its ability and intelligence.' The blue is a mediumsized alert animal remarkably quick in his movements, capable of great endurance, and of good courage. The main duties assigned him are those of heeling cattle, a task a trained dog carries out with great proficiency. The clever way in which they will .bring back an erring bullock is worth seeing. The quickness of their movements is almost incredible. They will rush in, nip the bullock’s heels, dodge all kicks, avoid many pokes from his homes, and keep on worrying the steer till he is back with the mob. They are also largely used in the dairying districts of New South Wales and Queensland, where they do all the mustering work, the farmer serving them off on their own to bring up the cows. They soon learn to do the job with great care, never hurrying nor frightening theanimals. The great soldier and sportsman, Wienholt, who spends most of his spare time shooting lions in Central Africa, took with him recently a team of these dogs. All those used by him before'for this purpose were of. the large terrier variety containing Airedale and bull terrier blood, but fatalities were- too frequent, these dogs being often tempted to "mix it” with the big cats, a grievous error on the dog’s part. Mr. Wieffholt argued that the cattle, dogs had enough ginger in them to go in and worry the lion, but would always keep behind them, and so avoid being mauled, and from accounts received his experiment was successful. These dogs are not very widely bred in Victoria, but Queensland and New South Wales contain numbers of good specimens, especially in the dairying centres.