BC/ACD mix

[hoku's mum]

There is a BC ACD mix that we were pointed to that is in need of rescue.... we have been thinking of getting another dog, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with this mix? He's around 5 months, and we have not met him yet... afraid to untill we know we can say yes....

 

Thanks!

[powerman]

im not sure about BC mixed with Queen but my family has had nothing but queens for over 50 years and we have been breeding them as well, the guardian instinct in queens is very dominant so they usually end up loving only the family and close freinds, also ther cattle drive is pretty intense as well so you will need to make sure they have a large area to play in, hope that helps

[aljones]

Our best guess is that Johnson is a BC/ACD mix, but he was an owner surrender to the local shelter, so we don't know for sure. He is marked like a BC but shaped like an ACD.

 

He is my first and only experience with ACDs, so I'm sure other more expert folks could give you more reliable information. Are you wondering about personality and temperment, specifically? Compared to the many BCs I've known, he is more bossy and barky and pushy and generally harder-headed when it comes to taking corrections. But he is also every bit as loving as my most affectionate BC and as "velcro" as any BC I've had. He is friendly with strangers and other dogs, but very focused on his people (doesn't run and play at the dog park, for example).

 

He makes me laugh nearly every single day because he's just so goofy (he looks goofy, he acts goofy), and, even though we've only had him a year, I can't imagine life without him.

 

Are there specific things about the mix that are giving you pause? Or, I have to admit, I was a total BC breed snob for my first few decades of life, so I wasn't sure a mix was for me. Of course, then I met Johnson and the rest is history!

[sluj]

That's what I believe this guy is:

 

This part of what Angie said fits him to a T:

Compared to the many BCs I've known, he is more bossy and barky and pushy and generally harder-headed when it comes to taking corrections. But he is also every bit as loving as my most affectionate BC and as "velcro" as any BC I've had. He is friendly with strangers and other dogs, but very focused on his people (doesn't run and play at the dog park, for example).

 

He makes me laugh nearly every single day because he's just so goofy (he looks goofy, he acts goofy)

 

and sadly

Queen

also does.

[2halves]

My Bella is a BC/ACD mix. She happens to be the bestest dog in the world.

 

Apart from the ticking and the fact that she is a bit "heavy chested," she has no typical ACD traits. Doesn't move like one, doesn't act like one. None of the words typically used to describe an ACD, like pushy, hard-headed, etc fit her at all. But, that's what you get with mixes, right? The whole spectrum.

 

Is this little guy a known mix?

[hoku's mum]

Pia - Sound like a nice mix, especially the bestest dog in the world part! Not sure if the mix is known, my friend who is a vet tech met him, and thought of us. The folks who are fostering are being very choosy about where he goes, and she thought of us, since we have been thinking of another dog. Who know, maybe we would not fit the criteria!

 

Sluj and Angie- do your dogs play with other dogs? That is one of our major criteria in a new dog, must like to play (Hoku is a play monster!) If we decide to move forward, we would have the dogs meet and see where that goes.

 

powerman- we have 5 acres, a pond and are active folks (agility for fun, lots of hiking, dog play is a big part of every day) so that seems a good fit.

 

We are not BC snobs at all, we love mixes (Hoku is a shelter rescue and most likely a mix of some sort), so we are just wondering mostly temperament with other dogs and people, prey drive (we live surrounded by livestock, so a dog that is constantly fixated on the neighbors horses or the cattle on the ranch behind us would not be a great fit) size, and coat type (a fluff-butt would be very hard where we live, a nice tight coat is best with all the dry grass here)

 

Really appreciate the feedback, it's so helpful!

[jvw]

My first dog is an ACDxBC. She looks like a stocky BC. She acts all ACD! She was a very tough first dog but taught me a ton. She is very stubborn! But an awesome dog. I can't tell you about activity level for a normal ACDxBC because Tyra is rather deformed. So she isn't a fast mover!

 

ACDs are not easy dogs. But if you raise them with limits and consistency they make some of the most awesome dogs!!

 

My two cents

Jennifer

[silhouettestable]

We don't know for sure because he was a rescue pup, but we suspect that Flash may be BC/ACD. He's an active dog, likes to run and play with the others and wrestle. Likes to chase the cats too, but not to harm them, it's all about the chase. If the cats sit still Flash just lays there watching them and sometimes barks at them. He's good in the chicken coop with the chickens and turkeys, fine with the bunnies (though he does give them good once over now and then and a bit of poking with his nose) He doesn't like the stairs going down to the basement, he just won't do them. No problem with the steps going from that back deck into the back yard though and he'll climb up in the stacked hay with no trouble. He's got excellent house manners, never any chewing or getting into anything he shouldn't. Likes to occasionally sleep on the bed, but only when he's there by himself. If anyone or any of the other dogs get on the bed he gets off, and goes underneath, which is where he spends every night. Although Flash gets along well with the other dogs and everyone he meets, we call him our shy boy because he's suspicious of things. If he ever thinks I might want to "do something" to him (like cut his nails or anything like that), he runs to hide under the bed or in the corner behind the kitchen table. He loves treats but if you try to coax him to take one he thinks something's up and then food will not motivate him. Don't know if these behaviours are just his personality or if it's got anything to do with his rescue background and unknown trauma. He despises traveling in a vehicle, he's rather stay home alone than go anywhere in a car or truck. Overall he's a really nice little dog, if we were to make a list of pros and cons there's a lot of things to add on the pro side. The two cons I can think of are the shedding (he doesn't blow coat a couple of times a year, he's a constant shedder) and his desire to give the horses a little too much interest. The dogs are all out with me at least a couple of times a day doing chores and he will mostly keep out of the horses way, but every now and then he likes to bounce towards them barking, trying to stir them up. When I try to call him off he'll ignore me for a few minutes and then leave them alone. Here are a few pictures of him, I have lots of others in my photobucket album, right from puppyhood on up. You're welcome to browse through if you'd like. The main album has about 6 pages of dog pictures and he's on various pages throughout, then there are sub-albums but I don't think I've got any dog shots in those, they're mostly the horses and other stuff (still welcome to view though if interested). The photobucket address is http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v625/sil...stable/?start=0

 

 

 

[PSmitty]

I don't have an experience with ACDs, but there is a litter of them that come in to our training club, and Alex luvs 'em! I hope this works out, Kristin, I bet Hoku will love a rough and tumble buddy.

[aljones]

I wouldn't want to generalize too much based on Johnson since he was owner-surrendered at age 8-10 and had evidently been an outdoor dog with no real socialization or health care his whole life. But he's not into playing with other dogs at all. He mostly just wants to be where his people are, sitting at or on their feet if possible.

 

The alleged reason he was surrendered to the shelter was because his owner had died and the owner's wife couldn't keep him out of the neighbors' chickens (I think she said he was killing them). But, again, I would probably chalk that behavior up to nurture (or lack thereof) rather than nature. I would expect a 5-month-old pup to be both playful and trainable. Your idea to let the dogs meet and see how they interact sounds excellent.

 

As for size, Johnson is shorter and stockier than Kate (a known full BC who is pretty average-sized). He was quite chubby when we got him, nearly 60# , but is now 51# and could stand to lose a couple more. His coat is very manageable, short and slick without the fluffy undercoat I expected. A quick once-over with the FURminator and he's good to go!

 

Now I really want to see pics of this pup you're considering--I'll be he's CUTE. And I love the other pics people are posting to this thread, too--what gorgeous dogs!

[berocca]

Cody was a BC/ACD mix; he was definitely more like a typical BC though. For the most part he herded like a BC although occassionally the cattle dog "Charge!!!" mentality crept in when working the sheep, almost like a brain snap lol. As for everyday behaviours Delta reminds me of him alot and she is a very typical BC. I think the fact that they are very similar breeds means you cant really pinpoint what behaviour is from which breed. Cody had a few dog aggression issues which I was told by many people is a cattle dog trait, but that was the only standout ACD trait I ever saw. Unless you count his ability to interpret commands in the most embarrassing way possible for me. Cattle dogs can be real clowns when they want to. 9 times out of 10 he would drop (lie down) perfectly. That other time he would decide that drop meant suddenly throw your front legs out in front of you and flop onto the ground with a huge grin on your face. Or he would decide that the best way over the jump was all 4 legs at the same time with a 90 degree turn in midair. Or better yet, avoid the jump completely, but still time it perfectly so that he was making the motions of jumping over just doing it alongside the jump so that I didnt even realise he was doing it the first few times. Wasnt until someone was walking behind it one time and noticed that he hadnt actually jumped between the wings.

 

What were you looking at doing with him? For things like agility it could be a very good mix. Because Cody was built more like a BC he had the agility and speed you would expect from a BC, but he had the ACD toughness that made him really take on a course. He wasnt quite as "la di da" as a BC if you know what I mean They just tend to float around a course, dancing their way through while dogs like Aussies and ACDs really attack each obstacle.

 

The best way to tell though is going to be meeting him and speaking with the people who have been looking after him. He is only 5 months old so there is still time to socialise him and he should adjust fairly easily. Get the dogs to meet, see how they go with that. I don't know of any ACDs that don't live well with other dogs. The aggression I mentioned seems to be more of an on-leash thing. There are many ACDs at my club and they all play nicely together, however, they are a bit funny on lead sometimes. In saying that though, Charlie is ACD/Kelpie and shows no aggression in any situation. It will just depend on the dog. However, Cody's aggression didnt actually show until he was almost 12 months old so it may not be something that can be assessed now. Until then he was fine with other dogs, played on lead with other dogs while waiting for training to start. He had been well socialised as a puppy and neutered at 5 months. Then one day for no real reason he started snapping at other dogs and I had to keep him away from others at training. Yet, he would play with them all off leash at the end of training without issue. Once he knew a dog though he was fine.

 

Im not too sure about the drive to chase neighbours stock though. Cody would spend all day chasing birds and when I was looking after my aunts property for a few weeks he chased the horse every opportunity he got (she encouraged them, she would walk up to the dogs, whinny, then take off across the field so they would chase her). Yet I could call him off her if I needed to so you may just need to teach him right from the start that chasing livestock without permission is a big no-no. A border collie would be the same though I imagine.

 

 

And this is Alcho, my Aunts BC/ACD.

Meeting Maddi (my sisters BC/Boxer) and Cody in the background (I muzzled him for the initial meeting just to be sure)

[hoku's mum]

Hey, thanks all for the thoughtful replies, I've been out of town for 4 days, and only now able to respond.

First off, all of your dogs are just to darn cute, I *love* them all! Thanks for posting the pics, and the descriptions of your dogs.

We are on the fence about a third dog, and this boy just popped up which got the gears going. Have not met him, we need to be sure that we are ready for another one before we see him. I know us... we would take him home, ready or not!

 

You know that if we get another dog, ya'll will be the fist to know!

[MaggieDog]

Coming in late - darn internet was down - but my Maggie is a suspected BC/ACD (aka Texas Heeler fyi). She's a great dog, can do pretty much anything really, but she has had her moments where the cattledog personality covers up the BC personality completely and you cans ee how ACDs are known for their hardheadedness and tenacity.

 

Keep in mind that dog-aggression is relatively common in the ACD - I was at a recent ACD club gathering and it was considered a minor miracle that there were no dog fights over the course of the day given the 15 or so ACDs in attendance; snarking was common (generally about perceived space invasions) however. Maggie is very space aware, but she does have a number of dog friends and accepts most fosters with ease after an initial period of controlled interactions. She does tend to snark more when stressed and crowded, so I do watch her at dog events.

[sluj]

Sluj and Angie- do your dogs play with other dogs? That is one of our major criteria in a new dog, must like to play (Hoku is a play monster!) If we decide to move forward, we would have the dogs meet and see where that goes.

 

We are not BC snobs at all, we love mixes (Hoku is a shelter rescue and most likely a mix of some sort), so we are just wondering mostly temperament with other dogs and people, prey drive (we live surrounded by livestock, so a dog that is constantly fixated on the neighbors horses or the cattle on the ranch behind us would not be a great fit) size, and coat type (a fluff-butt would be very hard where we live, a nice tight coat is best with all the dry grass here)

 

Really appreciate the feedback, it's so helpful!

 

Oops, forgot to reply to this! Squire plays well with his brother, though it took several weeks for them to sort themselves out. He also plays with the next-door neighbors' dogs, though he won't let either of them approach my parents. On leash he is pretty snarky with unfamiliar dogs, but we really didn't do enough socialization with him as a pup. He is ok with dogs he knows. He is definitely interested in the neighbors' horses, but can be called off. Coat is super easy to care for, since he enjoys a vacuuming.

 

In any case, good luck with your decision!

[Guest TheRuffMuttGang]

The dog in my avatar, Mojo, is a BC/ACD. He is the most amazingly athletic dog I've ever met but he has a typical cattle dog personality and temperament. Pretty hard headed and can be reactive in some situations. He's definitely top dog here.

[Ruger's Dad]

My son has a dog that I suspect is a BC crossed with ACD. He swore the mom was a Border Collie. I don't have a picture to share. She is solid grey with black spots all over her body. She is a sweet dog and would not be a bad dog with a little work. However, she does not hold a candle to the intelligence of the Border Collies. She isn't as hyper or OCD either. More I think about it, I wonder if he would want to trade.