Texas Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, symmetrically built, and powerfully muscled breed designed for demanding physical work. Males typically stand eighteen to twenty inches at the withers and weigh thirty-five to fifty pounds, while females measure seventeen to nineteen inches and weigh thirty to forty-five pounds. The breed presents a strong, athletic silhouette with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is broad and slightly curved between the ears, tapering gradually to a medium-length muzzle with powerful jaws. Dark, oval-shaped eyes display an alert and intelligent expression, while the moderately sized ears are pricked and set wide apart on the skull. The muscular neck flows into well-laid shoulders that enable efficient, ground-covering movement. The Australian Cattle Dog sports a distinctive weather-resistant double coat consisting of a short, dense undercoat covered by a close, straight outer coat of moderate length. The coat is typically one to one and a half inches long on the body, with slightly shorter hair on the head, front of legs, and feet. Two primary color patterns are recognized: blue and red speckle. Blue dogs may appear blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled, often with black, blue, or tan markings on the head and body. Red speckle dogs display an even red speckling throughout, sometimes with darker red markings. Interestingly, all puppies are born white and develop their color as they mature, a trait inherited from their Dalmatian ancestry. The breed's overall structure emphasizes functionality and endurance rather than exaggerated features. The deep, moderately broad chest extends to the elbows with well-sprung ribs that provide ample heart and lung capacity for sustained exertion. The topline is level with strong loins and a slightly sloping croup. The hindquarters are broad, muscular, and powerful, providing the drive necessary for quick direction changes and sustained activity. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes and hard, deep pads suited for rough terrain. The tail is set moderately low, reaching approximately to the hock, and hangs in a slight curve at rest while being raised during movement. The Australian Cattle Dog moves with agility and quick, powerful strides.

The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, athletic dog of medium size and substance that combines strength, stamina, and agility. Males typically stand twenty to twenty-three inches at the withers and weigh fifty to sixty-five pounds, while females measure eighteen to twenty-one inches and weigh forty to fifty-five pounds. The breed presents a body that is slightly longer than it is tall, measuring from breastbone to point of rump, creating a balanced silhouette suited for sustained physical activity. The head is clean-cut and proportionate to the body, with a muzzle equal in length or slightly shorter than the back skull. The eyes are particularly striking and may be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof, including heterochromia where each eye is a different color. Triangular ears of moderate size are set high on the head and break forward or to the side. The Australian Shepherd's medium-length double coat is weather-resistant and adapts to various climates. The outer coat is straight to slightly wavy with a texture that is neither harsh nor silky. The undercoat varies in density according to climate, providing insulation while the outer coat repels moisture. Males typically display a more abundant mane and frill than females. Moderate feathering appears on the backs of the forelegs and the breeches. Four primary coat colors are recognized: black, blue merle, red, and red merle, all with or without white markings and copper points. The merle pattern creates a marbled effect with darker patches on a lighter background of the same pigment family. The breed's structure reflects its heritage as a versatile working dog capable of quick, agile movement. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbow, with well-sprung ribs that allow for efficient cardiovascular function. The topline is firm and level with a moderately sloping croup. The shoulders are well-laid-back and the hindquarters are muscular with moderate angulation that provides good drive without excessive reach. The feet are oval and compact with well-arched toes and thick pads. An identifying characteristic of the breed is its natural or docked bobtail, though some dogs are born with full-length tails. Movement is smooth, free, and easy with good reach and drive, demonstrating agility and the ability to change direction instantly.