34-46 lbs
15-17"
United States
There is not a lot of data about the new hybrid Boston Cattle dog so we must look to the parent dogs for their joint characteristics. Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Boston Terrier have a solid muscular build, so the Boston Cattle Dog will have an athletic but muscular build. These dogs are playful, energetic and very affectionate. They inherit their intelligence and excellent ability to train well from their parent breeds. The Boston Cattle Dog responds well to a firm strong leader, who is consistent and fair at all times- never harsh (they inherit a dash of sensitivity from the Boston Terrier). They have a strong urge to dominate (from the Australian parent) but it is tempered by the Boston Terrier influence. Their inclination to herd comes from the Australian Cattle Dog side, so don’t allow them to nip peoples heels in an attempt to ‘herd’ them to where they think they should go. This dog needs exercise and plenty of mental stimulation (games and tasks to solve) to keep them happy and well behaved. Loyal to their family, they make lively loving family pets who are good with children and devoted to their humans.
The Boston Cattle Dog is a perfect balance between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Boston Terrier. Although it is a rare breed, the Boston Cattle Dog has become quite popular in the last decade. Their intelligence, loyalty, and affection combined with attractive looks and lively personality drive their success. While their history is vague, if we look at the parent dog history it can provide a sense of what the Boston Cattle Dog has gained from its lineage. The Australian Cattle Dog ancestors were brought to Australian with the early settlers but were unable to handle the long distances and inhospitable climate of the new continent. The pioneer settlers developed the Australian Cattle Dog (during 1800s) by crossing the Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians as well as black and tan Kelpies. There is a rumour that the Bull Terrier breed may have been added as well. The result was a dog that excelled working on the large ranches herding cattle. The dry dusty hot conditions didn’t affect them, and they had amazing stamina. In 1893 Robert Kaleski wrote the standard for the breed which was approved in 1903. It was in 1980 that the breed was recognized by the AKC. The Australian Cattle Dog is respected for its herding, guarding, retrieving, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. The Boston Terrier was bred down in size from the pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types. These stylish little dogs originated in Boston, Massachusetts making it one of the few breeds developed in the USA. The original Boston Terrier was a cross between the English Bulldog and the now extinct English white Terrier. By 1889 the Boston Terrier had become popular, and the American Bull Terrier Club was formed, but the name was not well liked by Bull Terrier owners. It was finally renamed the Boston Terrier after its birthplace. The Boston Terrier has mellowed a lot from his history as a pit fighting dog and now is a loveable popular dog. With all this history, it explains the Boston Cattle Dogs growing popularity.
The Boston Cattle Dog is a well-muscled athletic looking dog, that is agile and powerful. The length of the body varied due to parentage genetic percentage but is generally slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is narrow, held moderately low and has a slight curve. The front legs are strong and straight, with round feet. The skull is broad and slightly squarish, with a wide set dark oval eyes. The ears are wideset and moderate in size, held up and alert. However, these characteristics can vary depending on the percentage of the Australian Cattle Dog to the Boston Terrier. The muzzle is pointed with the teeth meeting in a scissor type bite. The coat is smooth, short haired, and weather resistant (often with a dense undercoat) and it tends to shed its coat once or twice per year depending on the region.
The Boston Cattle Dog requires a good brushing once or twice per week to manage any shedding. They don’t require bathing that often, only if dirty or if they get smelly. When you bath them use a special dog shampoo so that it will not irritate their skin. Make sure any folds of skin are dried properly to prevent inflammation or infection. A damp rag rubdown between baths will be all that’s needed and your dog will love all the attention! While you are grooming your dog, check vital areas such as in the ear, the eyes, and brush their teeth. Also check their nails while you are at it. If you get your Boston Cattle Dog used to the grooming routine when young, it will be easier when they mature. These dogs are good with regular exercise (daily) and consistent training.
The Boston Cattle Dog is a loyal, brave and intelligent dog that likes to be actively involved in the family activities. It is alert, easy to train, and makes an excellent guard dog, warning of approaching strangers on the property. While they can have a high dominance level, they respond well to a strong leader who shows consistent management. the Boston Cattle Dog responds exceptionally well to training, with obedience and agility their strongest point. Obedience training can be obtained to a very high level. These dogs have absolute loyalty to their master, and happily fit in with family. They have a wonderful ability to clown around with children, accept and mingle with other animals and pets as long as they are socialised well and trained as puppies. A firm but not harsh hand is best, they respond to praise and treats best. With meek masters, they can become a handful, with their dominance and aggression coming into play. Train them well, exercise them often, make them part of your family and be a strong leader, and these dogs will be your best behaved and loving dog.
The Boston Cattle Dog is a dog that requires daily exercise. They love to run or walk, and enjoy the challenge of hide and seek games or fetch the ball. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and that is when they get into mischief. They also respond well to training and obedience activities and excel in the ring at competitions. While they enjoy activity, and like to part of what you are doing, they also love to curl up and cuddle on the couch. Socialising them by taking them to dog parks or beaches is an ideal way for them to learn to mix with other dogs and people. It also allows them to burn off some energy.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 10/23/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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