The TV series Bluey debuted in 2018. The popular show follows the adventures of an adorable puppy named Bluey alongside her family. Bingo, Bluey’s little sister, is an Australian Cattle Dog. Depending on the animal’s coat color, people also know this pup as the Red or Blue Heeler. However, there is a lot more to know about this little cartoon dog. Let’s get into it.
Physical Characteristics of the Breed
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized breed with a height range of 17 to 20 inches and weighing 35 to 50 pounds. The breed brings balance and power in a compact body. Bingo resembles this description. Accepted color variations of the Blue Heeler are solid blue and mottled or speckled with tan or black markings.
The dog’s ears are pointed and noticeable. Their muscular form extends from their relatively large skull to their muscular neck and deep chest. The Australian Cattle Dog is well-adapted to the challenging environment of Australia and is tolerant of extreme cold or hot conditions. That was one of the goals of selective breeding: to develop a dog that could handle the harsh Australian interior.
The breed also has a smooth, dense double coat that protects the animal from the cold and blistering sunlight. The Australian Cattle Dog is also full of energy, making them well-suited to their job as a herder. They are alert and protective, making them very loyal pets. They are also hard-working animals, focused on their work and charges.
The Breed’s Origin and History
The story of the Australian Cattle Dog begins with British Isle immigrants who came to the continent in the 1800s. One of the founder breeds was the now-extinct Smithfield. While they were herders, the environment of Australia proved too extreme for these pups. The dog had some desirable traits, so enthusiasts selectively bred the Smithfield with other breeds to help the pup handle the challenges.
Queensland resident George Elliott strived to improve the breed with crosses between varied dogs, such as the Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and the native Australian Dingo. Each one brought something unique to the mix, relying on desirable traits for herding. Enthusiasts settled on the name Queensland Heeler for the pup suited to their needs before becoming the Australian Cattle Dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed as part of the Miscellaneous Class before formal recognition in 1980. It was initially put into the Working Group before transferring to the Herding Group as a more accurate categorization of the Australian Cattle Dog. After all, that was the motivation for refining the Smithfield to a dog well-adapted to the environment.
The Temperament of Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a pleasing mix of personality traits. Remember that this dog is a herder, so they have many characteristics often seen in these breeds. They are independent and problem solvers. They have a keen prey driver to protect livestock and the intelligence to identify threats to the herd. They also functioned as livestock guardians, which accounts for their well-timed barking.
Nevertheless, the Australian Cattle Dog makes an excellent family pet that is good with kids yet protective. They are fiercely loyal to the household and its members. They are trainable, but this breed isn’t the best choice for novice pet owners. This dog needs an individual who understands this breed’s unique needs. That means consistent training with positive reinforcement.
The Australian Cattle Dog tolerates being alone but is sensitive to harsh words and punishment. That speaks to the breed’s loyalty. They are eager to please and anxious for their owner’s praise. They have a high wanderlust potential, making leash training essential. That means you should keep this pup in a fenced-in yard.
This dog wants to be active. If you don’t exercise your pet enough, they may gain weight for an otherwise quite healthy canine. The Australian Cattle Dog needs a job or mental stimulation to be happy. Prospective owners must understand the activity and enrichment this pup needs to thrive. While not as prone to separation anxiety, this pooch can be destructive without anything to do.
Final Thoughts
Bingo from Bluey is a human reincarnation of the Australian Cattle Dog. The character and the dog both have memorable personalities, which probably accounts for the former’s popularity with viewers. We’ve provided a detailed overview of the breed, with particular attention to various traits. How much do you agree with the portrayal of the dog in Bingo’s character?
Featured Image Credit: Property of bluey.tv. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
