In 1999, I was approached by Bill Weaver of the Calgary Humane Society. The stats for 1998 said that my beloved ACD was the top 7th surrendered breed at 69 individuals. So began the ACD Profiles.
This is an attempt to educate people about the Australian Cattle Dog...certainly not eveyone's breed. The blue/red Heelers were being surrendered for displaying pretty much breed specific behaviour; for things such as nipping, high energy, chasing cats, or just too smart! Cattle Dogs tend to cause people trouble if left alone for long time periods with nothing to do. These dogs required some sort of mental and physical stimulus to remain content.
In 1999, AFTER we began distributing the ACD Profile articles, the number dropped to 39 ACD's making them top 9th...a success of sorts! But the work never stops...for all it takes is a moment's lapse and my breed could be right back up there in seventh postion...or worse...higher!
