THE BLUE HEELER

Blue Heeler Country

THE "BLUE HEELER"

The Australian Cattle Dog (the Blue Heeler) was bred at "Dartbrook" some 12kms north of Muswellbrook.

Thomas Hall of "Dartbrook" saw the need for a special type of dog to assist in the management of stock, particularly cattle on the huge pastoral holdings throughout the Upper Hunter region, where stock roamed wild and free on the large, unfenced stations being mustered only once or twice a year.

In the 1840's Thomas Hall established the line of "Heelers" by crossing the native Dingo with the Northumberland Blue Merle Drover's dog. The aim was to produce an ideal dog able to withstand heat, and long treks, to be quiet worker and effective in the roundup of wild bush cattle.

Ultimately the "Blue Heeler" has become the International cattleman's best friend. The breed has all the qualities Hall looked for, especially the talent for nipping at the Heels of cattle and thus moving them forward in a controlled manner as required by the drover.

The Australian Cattle Dog is now a registered breed and has taken top honours in some of the most prestigious international competitions.

The Blue Heeler, known and loved world-wide, not only as a hard and intelligent worker and a highly successful show dog, but also as a loyal and gentle "mate".

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