THE COMPLETE

AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG

By John and Mary Holmes

The Australian Cattle Dog was developed as a breed by stockmen who wanted a tough, working dog who could drive cattle in the Harsh environment of the Australian outback.  A number of different dogs were used to produce the ideal type, and these included the native Dingo, the Collie, imported from Britain, and the Australian Kelpie.

The authors trace the origins of this tough, intelligent working dog from the Australian outback to the first imports to reach North America, Britain and the rest of Europe.

All aspects of caring for the Australian Cattle Dog are covered, such as feeding, exercise, breeding and rearing, and there is a special section on the principles of training and the working role of the Australian Cattle Dog.

Professional dog trainers John and Mary Holmes first came across the Australian Cattle Dog in 1979 when they were on a tour of Australia, giving talks to training classes.  John. who has always had a special interest in farm working dogs, was determined to bring the breed to Britain, and in 1980 they imported Aust. Ch. Landmaster Darling Red.  The following year they took her to Crufts - the first ACD to be seen there - and she was well placed in "Any Variety Not Separately Classified."  In 1986 her son and Daughter won the AVNSC category.

Both John and Mary have worked tirelessly to get Australian Cattle dog established outside its native home, and the newsletter, which Mary edited for eight years has done much to promote the breed.  They were founder members of the ACD Society in Britain; John was the first Chairman and is now President of the Society.  Judging appointments for the breed include the Jackpot Classes at the ACDACA Specialty in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Crufts Centenary show.

John and Mary are well known for their film and television work, training a variety of different animals.  John is also a best-selling author with two of his books, The Family Dog and The Farmer's Dog, both in their twelfth editions.

This is a 160 page, hard back with black and white photos.