Cattle Dogs

I want to do a little blog on cattle dogs. I live on a working ranch so having working dogs is very important. I'd like to say right up front that I'm no expert. Also, I have all of my opinions for a reason, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm right. First I'll go through some terms that are used to describe the working style of cattle dogs. Cattle dogs are usually described as strong-eyed or loose-eyed. This just describes what type of gaze they keep on the animals they are herding. A strong-eyed dog will keep an almost constant gaze on the herd in order to control them. A strong-eyed dog tends to crouch because it helps them keep better eye contact. This type of dog will be easy to teach cues and works well under the influence of its handler. This type of dog is also usually very active, but not so aggressive as other cattle dogs. This style of working is usually associated a border collie and sometimes a Kelpie. On the other hand, a loose-eyed dog tends to stay off the ground while working, which is referred to as upright. A loose-eyed dog will occasionally keep eye contact with the herd but doesn't need to. They may also use bark and grip to control the herd. Grip means they could nip at the feet, known as heeling, or the head. These dogs are generally more independent and work well in small areas, like corrals and chutes. A loose-eyed dog covers a large number of breeds including Australian Shepherds, Blue Heelers, and others. These dogs can be aggressive, because they use the grip and bark methods. A dog like a Blue Heeler is usually more aggressive than the Australian Shepherd. The most common cattle dogs that are used in the area of Montana that I live in are Australian Shepherds, or Aussies, Border Collies, Blue Heelers, also called Australian Cattle Dogs, and a mixed breed called Hanging Tree. The Hanging Tree mix is a very interesting concept that I want to go over. Hanging Tree dogs have Aussie, Kelpie, Catahoula Leopard, and Border Collie. They were bred for maximum working skill and are growing in popularity for all-around working dogs. On our ranch we have 2 older working dogs and one puppy who was born in December. Our first cattle dog was Duke, a long haired Aussie. He’s the sweetest dog for sure. He is the dog I prefer to work with because he has a good sense of where to be and where to move the cattle. My brother has a dog, Wiley, who is half Heeler and half Hanging Tree. She definitely has the Blue Heeler aggressive streak but it works well because Duke isn't so aggressive. Our puppy was one of five in a litter from Duke and Wiley. His name is DJ and I think he will make a great cattle dog.


1. An  Aussie who looks a lot like Duke. 2. A Border Collie in the most popular black and white coloring. 3. A Blue Heeler- notice the how the tail isn't docked. 4. A hanging tree dog heading a cow.