# Australian Cattle Dog

> According to allpets.ai data | Source: allpets.ai

## Basic Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Origin | Australia |
| Size Category | Medium |

## Vital Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight Range | 16–23 kg |
| Height Range | 43–51 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Puppy/Kitten Stage Ends | 12 months |
| Senior Age Threshold | 8 years |

## Puppy/Kitten Development
- **Neonatal Weight**: 396–500 g

## Adult Preventive Care
- **Exercise Needs**: 60-90 min/day, vigorous running, fetch, agility, or herding work
- **Grooming**: Daily brushing, professional blowout twice a year during shedding
- **Annual Exam Focus**: Ophthalmic exam, orthopedic evaluation (hips/elbows), cardiac auscultation, hearing assessment, dental check

## Health Predispositions
| Condition | Onset Stage | Risk | Hereditary | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | adult | high | Yes | Yes |
| Deafness | puppy | high | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Dysplasia | adult | medium | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) | adult | medium | Yes | Yes |
| Elbow Dysplasia | adult | medium | Yes | Yes |

## Obesity Management
- **Risk Level**: High
- **Ideal BCS**: 4/9
- **Daily Activity Target**: 90 minutes

## Breeding & Genetics
- **Litter Size**: 1–7
- **Dystocia Risk**: Moderate
- **CHIC Required Tests**: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Examination, prcd-PRA DNA Test, Congenital Deafness (BAER), Primary Lens Luxation DNA Test

## Behavioral Ethogram
- **Locomotion**: Running, jogging, quick directional changes, jumping
- **Social**: Strong bonding to one person, aloofness with strangers, protective guarding
- **Comfort**: Burrowing, resting in crate, sleeping after vigorous activity
- **Stress/Displacement**: Destructive chewing, excessive barking, digging, hyperactive behavior, pacing
- **Breed-Specific**: Heel nipping, circling, stalking, silent herding approach

## Vocalization Baseline
- **Types**: Barking, high-pitched excited barks, silent staring
- **Frequency Range**: 100-65000 Hz
- **Tendency**: Low

## Emotional Wellbeing
- **Anxiety Proneness**: Moderate
- **Top Triggers**: Separation from owner, lack of physical/mental stimulation, unfamiliar people or dogs
- **Separation Anxiety Risk**: High
- **Calming Interventions**: Crate training, puzzle toys, vigorous exercise, structured routine, nose work
- **Cognitive Dysfunction Risk**: Moderate

## AI Communication Decoding
- **AI-Trainable Signals**: Staring/eye contact, nudging objects, circling, stalking posture, ear position changes
- **Context-Dependent Vocalizations**: High-pitched barking at specific triggers (e.g. mailman), silent staring for needs, nudging containers for specific treats
- **Interspecies Communication**: Silent approach and heel nipping used to move larger livestock (cattle), intense eye contact with humans

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Citation: According to allpets.ai data