What is a Hangin Tree Cowdog, and where did it come from? One of the many lesser-known dog breeds is the Hangin Tree Cowdog.
The Hangin Tree Cowdog is a combination of a total of 4 breeds: Border Collie, Catahoula, Kelpie, and Australian Shepherd. This dog was first developed by Gary Ericsson of Hangin Tree Ranch, who wanted to create the perfect cattle dog. Today, the Hangin Tree Cowdog Association is working to preserve this breed and its lineage.
Because of its unusual name, sometimes the Hangin Tree Cowdog is referred to with alternative names such as Hanging Tree Cattle Dog, and other similar variations. Keep reading below for other important facts about this breed.
Before scrolling down this list of facts about Hangin Tree Cowdog, check out: Names for Blue and Merle Dogs and Best Australian Shepherd Rescues.
Top 9 Facts About Hangin Tree Cowdogs
Following are some important facts about the Hanging Tree Cowdog.
1. Hangin Tree Cowdog Origin and History
Gary Ericsson and his son Choc were the first people to breed a Hangin Tree Dog. In the 1980s, they set out to produce the ideal breed of cattle dog. The Hanging Tree Ranch, which belonged to Ericsson, provided the inspiration for the name of this dog.
The dog was developed to endure long periods of time outside in severe climates. The Ericssons required dogs that were up to the task of protecting their livestock and working through the harsh Swedish winter.
The Hangin Tree Dog is a specific hybrid of four different breeds:
- 3/8 Border Collie (since they’re smart and good at herding).
- 1/8 Catahoula (bred for its glossy coat and knack for herding cattle).
- 1/4 Kelpie (for stamina and a shorter coat)
- 1/4 Australian Shepherd (respected for bravery and competence with all types of cattle).
The Hanging Tree Dog is a breed of cattle dog that has quickly risen in popularity. The Hanging Tree Cowdog Association (HTC) is committed to the survival of the breed despite the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) refusal to recognize it as a separate breed.
2. Registered vs. Unregistered Hangin Tree Dogs
The term “Hangin Tree Dog” does not apply to every dog that possesses the same breed combination. Gary Ericsson’s dog is the progenitor of the Hangin Tree Dog breed, and all subsequent generations of the breed should be linked back to him.
To prove their lineage back to Ericsson’s original Hangin Tree Dogs, owners must submit their dogs to DNA testing through the Hanging Tree Cowdog Association. The dog will not be eligible for registration if the results of the test indicate that they are not related.
Hanging Tree Dogs must be registered in order to prove their ability to herd cattle. The ability to easily dominate cattle is essential for Hanging Tree Dogs. They need to pay attention to their masters and learn to restrain themselves from biting the livestock.
A Hanging Tree Dog, in addition to passing a DNA test, must also finish an evaluation course while following your instructions. Your dog’s job will be to retrieve calves and lead them through an obstacle course.
After passing the test, a Hangin Tree Dog gains the status of Supreme Qualified Hangin Tree Dog. In order to ensure that future generations of Hanging Tree Dogs exhibit the desired cattle-herding instincts, the HTC suggests breeding only Supreme Qualified dogs.
The official herding obstacle course is only passed by registered Hangin Tree Dogs, who are also guaranteed to be direct descendants of Gary Ericsson’s original dogs. Unregistered Hanging Tree Dogs, on the other hand, are not descended from Ericsson’s founding dogs and have not passed a formal herding test.
3. Personality
The Hangin Tree Dog breed is renowned for its bravery and perseverance. These brave canines are capable of herding cows that are twice their size with ease. They make excellent pets because of their intelligence and trainability.
These dogs were specifically selected for their high levels of activity, making them very active companions. The fact that they can run for long periods of time every day makes them ideal for the ranch work they were bred to do. Your Hanging Tree Dog will likely inherit some of its ancestor’s herding and hunting instincts.
The Hangin Tree Dog, sometimes called the “Ultimate Cowboy’s Dog,” is extremely devoted. They’re obedient pets that won’t leave your side. People who lead active lives would benefit from having one as a pet.
Some folks who are used to gentler pets may find the Hanging Tree Dog’s personality overpowering. Because of their hectic routine, they can come across as pushy. Since these dogs are so hyper, they sometimes act in damaging ways.
If there was a continuum between sedentary and hyperactive canines, Hanging Tree Dogs would be way out on the hyperactive end.
4. Family Pets
Hangin Tree Dogs are fantastic pets, regardless of their tough demeanor. While they are bold and strong around livestock, they soften with affection towards humans.
Additionally, Hanging Tree Dogs get along splendidly with other canine companions. Your Hanging Tree Dog will be a great pet even if you don’t plan on using it to herd cattle.
Hanging Tree Dogs love attention and pets, but they rarely initiate it themselves. You may be concerned that your Hanging Tree Dog won’t be happy just lounging around the house, but rest assured that this is an unfounded fear.
Hanging Tree Dogs are fantastic pets despite their herding dog heritage. They are friendly to both adults and kids of all ages.
The only thing you need to think about is whether or not you will have enough time to train your Hanging Tree Dog. You should provide adequate exercise for your Hanging Tree Dog if you plan to keep it as a pet animal.
It will need to find other methods to exercise its body and mind if it won’t be working as a cow dog.
Families with plenty of room and a yard are great for Hanging Tree Dogs. These dogs have a herding instinct and require a large yard. In some cases, a Hanging Tree Dog may even try to herd humans or other pets.
5. Size and Appearance
The Hanging Tree Dog is a muscular and stoutly built medium-sized dog. Their heads are shaped like domes, which enables them to readily trace odors and locate any cattle that have become separated from the herd. They have thick, robust necks that make them look powerful and authoritative.
A Hanging Tree Dog is a well-proportioned dog, being slightly taller than it is long. Adult Hanging Tree Dogs often range in weight from 40 to 60 lbs. When comparing male and female Hanging Tree Dogs, the former is typically larger.
The huge paws of these hardy dogs allow them to sprint quickly and move with ease over any surface. Their short, smooth coats allow them to thrive in the sweltering heat of summer. Their huge, pointed ears are either left natural or docked. Tail docking is a standard practice for all Hanging Tree Dogs.
6. Grooming
Hanging Tree Dogs are a breeze to groom. Their short, silky coats require little in the way of maintenance. Once every two weeks is all that’s needed to get rid of dandruff and dead fur from a Hanging Tree Dog.
While the Hanging Tree Dog does not require frequent brushing, it may require more frequent bathing than other breeds. The Hanging Tree Dog is a dog who enjoys the outdoors and is perfectly content lying down in the dirt.
It is recommended that you give your Hanging Tree Dog a bath once a week in order to maintain cleanliness. They should be bathed anytime they become too dirty. Since Hanging Tree Dogs spend so much time outside, it’s important to make sure their coats and skin stay healthy and supple.
In order to maintain the health of your Hanging Tree Dog’s skin, you should bathe them using a shampoo that is designed for use on dogs and provides itching relief.
7. Health
You can take comfort in the fact that Hanging Tree Dogs enjoy excellent health. They are free of hereditary or congenital diseases because they are a combination of different breeds. The average lifespan of a Hanging Tree dog is estimated to be an impressive 20 to 30 years.
The lack of health issues in the Hanging Tree Dog breed is a major selling point for prospective owners. Your only real cause for concern is the possibility of physical harm coming from their work or harsh play.
8. Feeding
Your Hanging Tree Dog will require approximately 10 to 15 ounces of puppy kibble on a daily basis while it is still in the puppy stage. An adult Hanging Tree Dog requires roughly 20 to 22 ounces of dog kibble each day.
The daily ration for a Hanging Tree Dog puppy should be broken up into three to four smaller meals. In contrast, adult Hanging Tree Dogs need to have their food split into two meals per day.
To promote good health across their lifespan, choose high-quality dog food for the Hangin Tree Dog. Look for foods with quality proteins and fewer fillers.
9. Exercise
Because of their boundless activity, Hangin Tree Dogs require daily walks or runs. Daily exercise for Hangin Tree Dogs should last no less than an hour. Being involved in herding calves is an adequate amount of exercise for a Hangin Tree Dog, but a home pet will need to find other ways to stay active.
Be ready to commit time and energy to your Hangin Tree Dog if you would like to keep one. The Hangin Tree Dog is an ideal running or trekking companion. This dog responds well to positive reinforcement, so you might also try training it to fetch.
Maintaining the health of your Hanging Tree Dog could be as simple as playing fetch with him or her on a daily basis. You must satisfy your dog’s demand to play in order to satisfy its need to work.
Other Facts About a Hangin Tree Dog
Keep in mind that this is a unique breed that won’t do well in the majority of households with other pets. If you’re thinking about adopting a Hanging Tree Cattle Dog, you should know the following.
Early Training
Although Hanging Tree Cattle Dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they still need constant training and early socialization.
The secret to raising a contented and well-mannered Hanging Tree Cattle Dog lies in consistent positive reinforcement training, vigorous physical activity, and socializing.
Activity
The best way to make a Hanging Tree Cattle Dog happy is to give it something to do. Obedience, herding, and agility are all areas in which these dogs shine. Therefore, it is crucial that they be given opportunities to put their talents to use.
Socialization
It’s important to socialize your Hanging Tree Cattle Dog, as these dogs might be distrustful of outsiders and protective of their loved ones and territory. To raise happy, secure dogs, it’s important to socialize them from an early age, introducing them to a wide variety of people, places, and creatures.
FAQs
4 breeds make a Hangin Tree Cowdog:
3/8 Border Collie
1/8 Catahoula Leopard Dog, 1/4 Kelpie
1/4 Australian Shepherd
Each breed has attributes that brought the breed toward the goal of being a hardworking dog with good cattle instincts, high intelligence, a strong build, and the ability to withstand harsh climates.
The Hangin Tree Cowdog is a working breed created by Gary Ericsson and his son Choc Ericsson. Every true Hangin Tree Cowdog can be traced back to Ericsson’s original line.
Hangin Tree Cattledogs are not currently recognized by kennel clubs as a breed. However, there is an organization called Hangin Tree Cowdog Association, which was created by Hangin Tree Cowdog enthusiasts to offer formal registration and create breed standards. They even have a Supreme Cowdog certificate, which is gained through a herding trial that showcases superior herding skills.
Conclusion For “What Is a Hangin Tree Cowdog? Top Facts”
To answer the question “What is a Hangin Tree Cowdog?” they are a designer dog breed created to not only be a working breed but to work hard and withstand harsh weather. They were created in the 1980s on Hangin Tree Ranch through selective breeding.
The Hangin Tree Cowdog is very healthy due to its breed diversity. It has a long lifespan and endless energy.
In short, a Hanging Tree Cattle Dog would thrive in a home that provides ample space, plenty of activities, continuous training, regular physical activity, socializing, and a task to complete in a large, securely enclosed yard or access to open fields.
It’s important for their owners to work with them constantly and shower them with lots of affection.
If you find this list of facts about the Hangin Tree Cowdog, check out these other guides from our team at We Love Doodles:
- Popular Border Collie Mixed Breeds
- Cattle Doodle Breed Guide
- Best Australian Cattle Dog Breeders in the US
If you find the Hangin Tree Cowdog an interesting dog breed, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Hangin Tree Cowdog – TOP 10 Interesting Facts” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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