Description When Australian stockmen required a herding dog to help control the half-wild cattle and sheep, the set out to breed one. The process began in the 1830s when a stockman named Timmins crossed a Smithfield, a tough but noisy working breed, with a Dingo. The resulting Timmins Biter had the Dingo's silent ways but proved difficult to manage. A further cross with Collies enhanced tractability, but barking became a problem once more. Again, to improve temperament, Dalmation stock was introduced. TO further develop working ability, the Australian Kelpie was interbred. This final cross produced just the versatile canine the stockmen were searching for. Their creation, the Queensland Heeler, later renamed Australian Cattle Dog, possessed stamina, reliability, and uncanny intelligence.

• Australian Cattle Dog