Herding

Is the Australian cattle dog a good herding dog?

Yes, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is considered one of the best herding dogs in the world, especially when it comes to difficult and independent work with cattle in difficult conditions, such as the Australian outback.



Why the Australian Cattle Dog is Excellent for Herding?
  1. Working Instinct
  • Bred specifically to herd cattle across vast, rugged land.
  • Natural drive to control and move livestock, even without constant direction.
  • Uses nipping at the heels to drive cattle—hence the nickname “Heeler”.
  1. Intelligence
  • Among the top 10 smartest dog breeds (according to canine intelligence rankings).
  • Learns commands quickly and responds well to training.
  • Can work independently or under direction.
  1. Stamina & Toughness
  • Built for long days in hot, dusty, rough terrain.
  • Highly energetic and tireless—thrives with physical work.
  1. Loyalty and Focus
  • Extremely loyal to handlers.
  • Strong focus and determination—doesn’t easily give up on a task.
  1. Weather Resistance
  • Double coat resists heat, rain, and cold.
  • Ideal for outdoor farm work year-round.
Things to Know
  • ACDs are not casual pets—they need a job to do.
  • Without regular physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored, destructive, or aggressive.
  • They may try to herd children, bikes, or cars if not properly managed.
In Summary:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a world-class herding breed, known for grit, intelligence, and endurance. If you’re a farmer, rancher, or dog sport competitor looking for a serious working partner, the ACD is hard to beat.

Natural Herding Aptitude Test (NHAT)

It is an introductory herding instinct test designed to evaluate a dog’s natural ability and interest in working livestock (typically sheep or ducks). It’s often the first step for dogs and handlers interested in pursuing herding as a sport or working discipline.

What Happens in the NHAT?
  • The dog is introduced to livestock in a controlled environment (usually on-leash or long line at first).

  • Judges assess the dog’s instinctual behaviors, such as:

    • Approaching the stock with interest

    • Circling, gathering, or balancing the herd

    • Responsiveness to the handler

    • Not displaying fear or inappropriate aggression

Who Offers It?

The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and some national kennel clubs in Europe promote the NHAT as a standardized first step toward herding trials. 

We are incredibly proud of our dogs who took part in the Natural Herding Aptitude Test (NHAT) — and even prouder to say that all of them passed with excellent results!

Since this test is not available in our country, we dedicated a lot of time and effort to travel all the way to Lithuania to give our dogs this opportunity. It was absolutely worth it — seeing their natural herding instincts shine was truly special.

A big thank you to everyone who made this possible, and congratulations to our amazing dogs!

Our dogs that passed the test:
Banana Bender Lechuguilla Kit Fox aka Sono, Blue Birdy (Bradley x Sono), Buzzing Bee (Bradley x Sono), Cash Walk the line aka Cash (Bradley x Nia).

 

There are also official herding events in USA (by AKC) which may differ from that offered by FCI. 

  • Instinct Testing - this is practically the same as NHAT
  • Herding Test (HT) - Very basic skills must be demonstrated by moving stock between two cones in a smaller pen. You move them back and forth around the cones each direction to show that your dog has a basic understanding of how to move stock.
  • Pre-Trial Test (PT) - This is an abbreviated course and a step above HT as you have obstacles you need to go through. Your dog needs to have a pretty solid understanding of most of the commands in order to keep control of the stock.
For the actual Trials, there are different courses (A, B, C and D) which all have different layouts and require different skills and also different levels for each course (Started, Intermediate and Advanced). The main difference between the levels is where the handler is allowed to go. For example, in Started, after you send your dog to collect the stock the handler can walk anywhere on the course. Once you get to Intermediate and Advanced, the handler is restricted on their movements and the dog must complete the course more on their own and guided by your direction only. You can enter in classes that have Ducks, Sheep or Cattle. All Trials are timed and you are also judged by how well you complete each obstacle. Losing too many points on one obstacle will get you disqualified.
 

🐾 Meet Toretto – Our Little Legend Across the Ocean

CLAPTON Wonderful Tonight OZI Home, or simply Toretto, was born on February 24th, 2024 – a special boy from a very special pairing: our beloved Bradley and Nia.

From the very beginning, Toretto stood out with his bold spirit, sharp mind, and striking presence. It was clear he was destined for more than the ordinary – and life agreed.

Today, Toretto is living his best life in the United States, as part of the respected Little Trouble ACD Kennel. Not only is he thriving in his new home, he’s also breaking ground as the only Australian Cattle Dog from Latvia currently doing herding in the USA.

True to his name, Toretto is fast, focused, and fearless – with a heart full of drive and loyalty.

Toretto has been very eager to learn how to work livestock, including sheep, goats and cattle and he has handled the pressure of training very easily. He has a very natural ability to read the stock and is not too pushy or aggressive. He is still very young and has a lot to learn, but he has a lot of power and he already uses it to gain the respect of the stock he is working.

We’re incredibly proud to see a puppy born under our roof now working with livestock across the ocean, representing OZI Home and Latvia with such grace and determination.

Go, Toretto – we’re cheering for you all the way from OZI home!