Golden Cattle Dogs are a hybrid breed between an Australian Cattle Dog and Golden Retriever. The breed has existed for just over a decade in the US.
The Golden Cattle Dog is a relatively hearty, healthy breed that has an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. They are a medium sized muscular dog that stands 17 to 20 inches at the withers (shoulders). Their weight range is variant around their general build but on average falls between 30 and 80 pounds. The Golden Cattle Dog comes in two colors: Blue or Red.
Golden Cattle Dogs are born white with whatever face and/or body patches they will have in later life. As GCD pups age, their blue or red coloring gradually emerges. The correct Golden Cattle Dog coat is what is known as a "double coat". The short or sometimes long, straight outer coat is protective in nature, keeping the elements from the GCDs skin while the undercoat is short, kinky and dense. Golden Cattle Dogs are not year-round shedders, instead they "blow" their coat once a year (sometimes twice in the case of intact females) just before the summer months. While the week or two an GCD is blowing his or her coat can lead to hair everywhere, but many people find it preferable to constant shedding. The Golden Cattle Dog's coat is typically softer like a Golden Retriever's coat
It is common to see cattle dogs that have been docked. You will run into heated debate as to weather or not a cattle dog needs its tail to properly work the stock. Regardless of the debate - the fact remains: the breed standard states that the tail remain natural and intact.
The Golden Cattle Dog personality is often reserved with strangers and very protective when they perceive that their property and/or persons are being threatened. The GCD is intelligent, and can often be described as hard-headed or stubborn. Once a GCD has befriended you, they are a friend for life. Golden Cattle Dogs are often referred to by their owners as "Velcro" or "shadow" dogs, because wherever you go, there they are!!
The Golden Cattle Dog is an active breed, with mental stimulation being of paramount importance. A bored Cattle Dog is a destructive Cattle Dog. The Golden Cattle Dog is a social breed that loves to be with "its people". Because the Golden Cattle Dog is an active breed, a firm commitment must be made to exercise. GCDs make excellent running or biking companions. Because of their intelligence, GCDs make great obedience prospects. Golden Cattle Dogs are also known to excel at Dog Sports such as Fly-ball, Agility and Frisbee.
