Australian cattle dog

American  

noun

1. one of an Australian breed of medium-sized herding dogs with a blue, blue-mottled, or red-speckled coat, developed by cross breeding the Australian kelpie, dingo, and collie.

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Australian cattle dog British  

noun

1. a compact strongly-built dog of a breed with pricked ears and a smooth bluish-grey coat, often used for controlling and moving cattle

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Etymology

Origin of Australian cattle dog

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Others responded seriously, saying the picture was an overweight Australian cattle dog, or that “the hog” looked like a larger version of Luciano, a beloved black small pig often seen around Capitol Hill.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

The 3-month-old Australian cattle dog managed to wedge her head inside the hub of a tire in Coachella, hopelessly shackling herself inside the rim.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2020

He and his wife had visited the Bay Area with her emotional support animal, an Australian cattle dog named Sprite.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2019

Blue’s thick fur is speckled with gray, a trademark of his breed — he is an Australian cattle dog — but also a sign of his age.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2012

As the owner of an Australian cattle dog, I know that these animals are indeed fearless and faithful, but definitely not mutts.

From Time Magazine Archive