The Complete Australian Cattle Dog [Hardcover]

John Holmes (Author), Mary Holmes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1993

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

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.

About the Author

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 the 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 bestselling author with two of his books, The Family Dog and The Farmer's Dog, both in their twelfth editions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (October 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876050143
• ISBN-13: 978-0876050149
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #502,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Australian Cattle Dog, December 31, 1999

By 

Randy Goode - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Australian Cattle Dog (Hardcover)

This book has the best breed specific information I have found. It is one of the few books that covers training techniques for "heelers" working with cattle.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What I thought of The Complete Australian Cattle Dog, April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Australian Cattle Dog (Hardcover)

Is a great book for anybody who is thinking of buying an ACD or is looking for a little bit of help on raising and training one. Also helps in training them to work cattle and sheep, since other herding dog books usually don't deal with "heelers" or working cattle.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely THE BEST ACD book, September 7, 2002

By 

"[e-mail]" (Summit, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Australian Cattle Dog (Hardcover)

I have owned and raised ACD's for years and this is by far the best book on the breed I have found. I have really enjoyed the reading and the photographs of famous Cattle Dogs. This is not another "puppy care" book - it is really about ACD's. It is a must for any serious Cattle Dog owner or fan.