Australian Cattle Dog
DogMediumWeight 14–23 kgLifespan 12–16 yrs
The hardcore cattle-driving worker — long-lived and tough. Watch inherited eye disease and deafness (merle-related).
Temperament: Extremely smart, boundless energy, devoted to its person
🩺 Common diseases & risks
Common
PRA / deafness
Eye screening + puppy BAER (piebald gene)
Common
Hip/elbow dysplasia
Working-dog screening
Watch
Primary lens luxation
Eye monitoring
Watch
Ear infections
Less common in prick ears
📋 Recommended screening & frequency
- #1Eye screening (annual)
- #2BAER test (puppy)
- #3Hip/elbow X-rays (age 1-2)
🍚 Nutrition
Top-tier activity needs high protein; adjust calories to workload.
🛁 Daily care
Elite-level exercise needs; easy short coat; give a real job or sport.
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