If you own a cattle or any type of farm and are interested in getting a dog, then the Hanging Tree Dog is your best pick for you! And because cows can be retrieved, gathered, and herded with the assistance of this breed, it is also known as the Hanging Tree Cowdog.

This dog is known for being strong, active, fearless, smart, and determined. This courageous dog was bred and raised from an early age to be used for working with cattle, but it is more than capable of caring for other kinds of animals as well.

Its breeding was done with four different types of dogs with the intention of developing a Cowdog that is distinct from other cattle dogs not only in look but also in factors pertaining to its working ability. Coming in a variety of colors with an amazing appearance and temperament these dogs are equally liked by families and farmers. I’m going to go over all there is to know about Hanging Tree Dogs in this article.

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The History of the Hanging Tree Dog:

In the 1980s, Gray Ericsson and his son Choc came up with the concept of creating a breed of dog that is specifically bred for handling cattle in chilly environments.

They did a lot of studies and came up with four of the most intelligent, active, and herding breeds to choose from so that they could breed them together and create the most effective working dog possible.

The hanging tree dog is a hybrid of four different puppy breeds, specifically the Border Collie, the Catahoula Leopard, the Australian Kelpie, and the Australian Shepherd.

The following is the percentage breakdown of each parent breed:

The Border collies shared a 3/8 part in the development of the hanging tree and are known for their natural tendencies to herd and high intellect levels. Similarly, the Catahoula dog gave 1/8 genes of itself in making this dog. Because of its sleek coat and ability to locate cattle in the wild. The Australian Kelpie with a strong and short coat and the Australian Shepherd shared a 1/4 portion in the making of hanging tree dogs. The Hanging Tree Dog has gradually risen the ranks to become one of the most desired cow dogs all over the world. Despite the fact that the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not officially recognized it as a separate breed, the Hanging Tree Cowdog Association is a strong advocate for the breed (HTC).

Parent Breeds of the Hanging Tree Dog:

These puppies are the offspring of four bright and persistent dogs who are already quite well known for the wonderful temperaments that they possess. So, before we go on to the next one, let’s quickly go over the previous ones:

Border Collie:

The Border collie is well-known for its lightning-fast reaction time, constant devotion, and lively personality. Because of their intelligent minds, they can quickly adjust to new instructions, which is one reason they are simple to teach. According to multiple studies, Border Collies are the most intelligent dog breed in the world.

Catahoula Leopard:

An amazing fact about the Catahoula Leopard is that, despite its intelligence, it is commonly referred to as the King of Stock dogs. They are incredibly obedient dogs who will always follow any instructions or directives that are given to them by their master. In the same manner, they are also very competent workers.

Australian Kelpie:

The Australian Kelpie is a breed of sheepdog utilized to keep watch on herding animals and encourage them to move. The Kelpie has very short hair and very distinctive skin, which contains natural oils that serve to protect it from harsh conditions. On the other hand, because of its short hair and ability to withstand severe weather, Gray Ericsson was motivated to add it to this blend.

Australian Shepherd:

The Australian Shepherd is one more parent of the hanging tree dog, and it certainly isn’t the least important of the group. It has a great reputation for bravery and demonstrates an impressive capacity to manage any type of cattle. Because a hanging tree dog will inherit most of the characteristics from its ancestors, it is safe to assume that the dog will have these characteristics.

Registered vs Unregistered Hanging Tree Dogs:

Dogs with a similar breed mix do not automatically qualify as Hanging Tree Dogs. All Hanging Tree Dogs are inherited from Gary Ericsson’s first Hanging Tree Dogs and should be traced back to him.

To prove that a Hanging Tree Dog is derived from Ericsson’s Hanging Tree Dogs, the Hanging Tree Cowdog Association demands DNA testing. If the test determines that they are not related, the dog cannot be registered.

Aside from DNA testing, a Hanging Tree Dog must complete a judged course utilizing your orders. Your dog will be engaged with gathering cattle and guiding it through an obstacle course. Once approved, a Hanging Tree Dog becomes a Supreme Qualified Hanging Tree Dog. The HTC advises breeding only Supreme Qualified dogs to create the required cattle herding characteristics.

The difference between unregistered Hanging Tree Pups and registered is that registered Hanging Tree Dogs are descended from Gary Ericsson’s original dogs and have demonstrated competence in a recognized herding obstacle course.

Unregistered Hanging Tree Pups have not met these requirements. Unregistered Hanging Tree Dogs, on the other hand, are not related to Ericsson’s first dogs and have not finished a herding obstacle course that has been certified.

Appendix Registered:

Appendix Registered is yet another phrase that you will come across. You need to provide photographic evidence of your dog biting the head and heels of a cow in order to register it.

But of course, you won’t be able to capture any images of the puppy attacking them! Therefore, for something to be considered “appendix registered,” its parents must first be registered, and it must also be capable of herding before it can get itself registered.

The Hanging Tree Dog’s Personality:

The bravery and perseverance of Hanging Tree Dogs have earned them a well-deserved reputation. These courageous dogs have no problem working with any type of cattle, including cows that are more than twice their size! They are very intelligent and are simple to train, which makes them great pets. Because of their breeding to have a high level of stamina, these dogs are also thought to be energetic dogs. They are easily capable of running for hours each day, which makes them ideally suited for the work for which they were bred. You can anticipate that your Hanging Tree Dog will have biological urges in the areas of herding and hunting. They are good at paying attention to their owners and will never leave your side. People who lead active lives would benefit tremendously from having one of these animals as a pet.

People who are used to living with dogs who are more subdued may find the personality of a Hanging Tree Dog to be overpowering.

The Hanging Tree Dog’s Appearance and Size:

The Hanging Tree Dog has a build comparable to that of a medium-sized dog, with powerful muscles and a dense skeletal framework. Their heads are shaped like spheres, which enables them to readily trace odors and locate any cattle that have become separated from the herd. Their necks are thick and robust, lending them the appearance of being powerful and distinguished. They tend to be a little bit taller than they are wide. When they are completely mature, Hanging Tree Dogs often weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Male Hanging Tree Dogs typically have a bigger body size than their female counterparts. These hardy dogs have huge paws, which let them sprint quickly and move readily over any type of terrain. As their coats are small and smooth, they are able to survive the heat of the summer.

They have huge ears that are usually pointed or docked, giving them a pointed appearance. In addition, the tails of all Hanging Tree Dogs have been docked.

The Hanging Tree Dog Coat Colors:

The coat of a Hanging Tree Dog is maybe the most fascinating aspect of the breed. The coats of Hanging Tree Dogs are short and smooth all over, except for a feathering pattern that appears on the chest and hind legs. Their coats can have a vast variety of colors and patterns, depending on the individual animal. The coat and eye color of a Hanging Tree Dog can pretty much be any color that is possible for a dog to have. The following are some examples of possible coat colors and patterns for Hanging Tree Dogs: 1. Black 2. Black and Tan 3. Black and White 4. Black Tricolor 5. Blue Merle 6. Blue Merle and Tan 7. Blue Merle and White 8. Blue Merle, Tan, and White 9. Brindle 10. Brown/Chocolate 11. Brown/Chocolate and White 12. Lilac 13. Lilac Merle 14. Red and Tan 15. Red and White 16. Red Tricolor 17. Red Merle 18. Red Merle and Tan 19. Red Merle and White 20. Red Merle, Tan, and White 21. Tan Merle 22. Seal 23. Slate 24. Slate Merle As may be seen, the hues that make up the Hanging Tree Dog’s coat are extremely varied. This is due to the fact that its ancestors were Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. In addition to these varied coat colors, the eyes of Hanging Tree Dogs can be a variety of hues as well, including blue, brown, gold, or hazel.

There is also the possibility that certain Hanging Tree Dogs could have heterochromia, which is a condition in which the dog’s eyes are two distinct colors.

Taking Care of a Hanging Tree Dog:

The moment has come to discuss the best ways to take care of your Hanging Tree Dog. The most key point to remember is that these dogs are hyperactive and require a lot of activity. Because of their small and sleek coats, they are simple to groom. I’ll go over the Hanging Tree Dog’s eating, grooming, dental care, and activity requirements in the parts that follow.

1- Feeding:

Your Hanging Tree Dog will require approximately 10 to 15 ounces of puppy food on a daily basis while it is still a young dog. When it reaches adulthood, it will have a daily dietary requirement of approximately 20 to 22 ounces of dog chow. Puppies of the Hanging Tree Dog breed should be given their food in three to four smaller meals per day. On the other hand, adult Hanging Tree Dogs ought to have their food split up into two separate meals per day. You will need to change the amount of food that your pet consumes each day based on the amount of energy that it expends each day.

2- Grooming:

The Hanging Tree Dog is a breed that is very easy to groom. They do not require a significant amount of care when it comes to maintenance because they have short, sleek coats. It is sufficient to brush Hanging Tree Dogs once every one to two weeks in order to remove dandruff and dead fur from their coats. The glove brush and the slicker brush are the two types of brushes that work the best. Even though you won’t have to brush your Hanging Tree Dog very frequently, you should probably bathe it more frequently than you would most other breeds of dog. You will need to give your Hanging Tree Dog a bath at least once each week in order to maintain its cleanliness. The skin of your Hanging Tree Dog can be kept in good condition by bathing it with an itch-relieving shampoo that is safe for dogs.

3- Dental Care:

Due to the fact that Hanging Tree Dogs rely on their teeth for their livelihood, proper dental care is very important for these animals. For proper performance of their duties, these dogs require healthy, well-maintained teeth. When cleaning your pet’s teeth, it is recommended to use a toothbrush kit that is designed for use on animals. The teeth of your Hanging Tree Dog should ideally be brushed once per day, but you should feel comfortable doing it anywhere from twice to three times each week.

4- Exercise:

Because Hanging Tree Dogs are active pets, they require a significant amount of physical activity on a daily basis. Exercise of at least one hour each day is required for Hanging Tree Dogs. Herding cattle is an activity that provides more than enough physical activity for working with Hanging Tree Dogs. Still, owners of Hanging Tree Dogs as pets will need to find other ways to fulfill their pet’s exercise requirements. Your Hanging Tree Dog’s well-being can be ensured if you engage in a few vigorous games of fetch on a daily basis. You will need to satisfy your dog’s desire to work by providing it with a lot of opportunities to play in order to meet its needs.

5- Training:

In order to own a Hanging Tree Dog, you need to have strong leadership qualities and be an involved owner. These dogs enjoy going on runs and trekking, but in order to fulfill their activity criteria, you need to take them outside to engage in these tasks. They pick up new skills quickly and can adjust to any environment or circumstance that you put them in. You need to make sure that you set aside a significant amount of time each day to interact and bond with your furry pet

6- Temperament:

Brave, incredibly intelligent, responsive, faithful, tough, strong, and fearless are some of the defining characteristics of this individual. It is an incredible breed that has retained the majority of the wonderful traits of both of its parent types. It can adapt to any conditions, regardless of the weather or climate, thanks to its clever mind, which lets it learn new things quickly. They have exceptionally great stamina, which enables them to sprint quite quickly; they are able to run without stopping for hours at a time. The Hanging Tree Dog will constantly pay attention to its master and will be close by his side at all times. In addition to this, it possesses a very dominant personality and a very rapid life. It’s interesting to note that he’s always up for a game.

In addition to this, you can anticipate harmful behavior from them due to the enormous quantity of energy that they possess. Therefore, to avoid behavioral issues, make sure they are always working and involved in activities, and exercise them every day for up to two hours.

Hanging Tree Dog Lifespan And Common Health Issues:

You’ll be relieved to learn that Hanging Tree Dogs are extremely healthy dogs. They have no hereditary or congenital health conditions because they are a mix of several breeds. Hanging Tree dogs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years or even sometimes more.

Dog owners appreciate the fact that they do not have to worry about their dogs’ health. The only thing about which you should get worried is any injury from their activity or rough play.

If your dog gets harmed while herding cattle, you should take it to the vet soon away. They are strong and hardy dogs, but they are not invincible. However, if you keep your own Hanging Tree Dog as a family pet, they can still be injured due to their tremendous energy and liveliness. They can sustain injuries by jumping from high places or stumbling while jogging.

The severity of the injury will tell how it is treated. For more serious injuries, your veterinarian may recommend surgery or stitches for your dog. Keep in mind that your dog is still a dog that requires care when it is injured.

The Difficulties of Owning a Hanging Tree Dog:

I’ll go through some of the difficulties of owning a Hanging Tree Dog in the hopes that it will help you determine. Whether or not you should have one. These dogs are excellent companions, but they, like any other dog, have their own set of particular issues.

1- Biting:

Hanging Tree Dogs bite frequently due to their history of being used as herding dogs and cow caretakers.

Because biting is a natural instinct for them, breaking their biting tendencies may be difficult. Hanging Tree Dog puppies are known to bite their owners without notice, most often on the legs or heels.

You should be prepared for your puppy to inflict wounds on you when it is still a pup and even after it has grown older. The problem develops because your Hanging Tree Dog is completely unaware of the extent of the pain produced by its bite. The best option is to train your dog not to bite people or other animals. Doctors advise that the most efficient method for accomplishing this is to punish your dog every time it attacks a person. Tell your dog no in a firm and authoritative tone of voice, and encourage this by rewarding it with food if it does not bite you.

2- Whining:

It is well known that Hanging Tree Dogs whine a lot in order to attract attention. They continuously moan and use loud voices, which may get rather tiresome after a while. It may even irritate those who reside nearby. Hanging Tree Dogs enjoy whining because it is easy to get their owners’ attention and get what they want. As a result, dogs find screams quite pleasurable. If you offer your dog attention or treats while it is whining, it will learn that whining is a pleasant habit and will encourage it to continue. You should use a solid and confident voice while telling your dog “no.” You can also add some positive reinforcement to the training by rewarding your Hanging Tree Dog with a treat every time it follows your command and stops whimpering.

3- Chewing:

You should expect the Hanging Tree Dog to nibble on your things. Chewing on wires, pillows, socks, and furniture is a favorite pastime for them. Some Hanging Tree Dog owners have admitted that their puppies are to blame for the damage to numerous items found around the house.

One excellent technique for achieving this objective is to prevent your dog from accessing any of your valuables. You may also keep your dog out of rooms you don’t want it in by putting baby gates in such places. To the maximum extent feasible, you should store your chargers when not in use, and you should use wire protectors to keep your cords nice and orderly.

Hanging Tree Dog: Key Takeaways:

1. Dogs who are excellent at gathering, retrieving, and herding. 2. Tough, violent animals with the mental toughness to stand their ground and handle cattle of all breeds and types. 3. Dog breeds which are recognized for their intelligence and training ease. 4. Dogs with short or smooth hair that can endure heat and shed rough edges and dirt with little coat maintenance are suitable. 5. Dogs who have a robust skeletal structure that can resist the repetitive damage that a cattle dog goes through, such as being kicked and run over. 6. Dogs with a broad and deep chest, as well as the stamina to stick by your side even when times are bad, and the ability to endure adversity are desirable.

7. Dogs that can find and follow cows.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Tree Dogs:

Despite the fact that Hanging Tree Dogs were developed to do specific tasks, they nonetheless make wonderful additions to families. They are friendly and outgoing with everyone, including adults and children of all ages. They ought to live with families that have a lot of space and, preferably, their very own backyard to play in. Due to the natural tendency of these dogs to herd, they require a large area in which to run free. It is also possible that your Hanging Tree Dog will make an effort to herd other animals or people while they are in your home.

Does a hanging tree dog bite?

Because hanging tree dogs were bred specifically to herd cattle, you should anticipate that they would engage in biting behavior. You will need to start training them at an early age if you want to break them of this tendency.

Can a Hanging Tree Cowdog be trained easily, or does it require a lot of work?

They are typically aggressive and stubborn, making it challenging to instruct them. The majority of breeders offer trained dogs for sale, which means that once you get one, you can immediately put it to work tending to your cattle.

Do dogs who live in hanging trees whine?

Because they crave human attention, Hanging tree dogs are famous for their annoying barking. They have extremely loud voices, which can be a source of annoyance for not just you but also your neighbors.

The most effective way to break this pattern is to ignore the person whenever they make noise. This will let them realize that you do not approve of their voice, which will prevent them from being encouraged to behave in this manner in the future.

Conclusion For Hanging Tree Dog:

The Hanging Tree Dog stands out to me as the breed with the unique name that I’ve come across. I find it remarkable that Gary Ericsson was able to create a breed of dog that is the very best suited for working cattle. These pets are exceptionally bright and talented, and they possess characteristics that the vast majority of other dogs lack. My absolute favorite aspect of the Hanging Tree Dog is how fit and healthy it is. Its lengthy lifetime is undeniably a significant advantage, especially considering the fact that I’m sure you want your dog to live for as long as possible. The Hanging Tree Dog is an excellent choice for anyone who desires a pet that may age gracefully alongside them. Even if it might be a wonderful friend, I do not believe that a Hanging Tree Dog should be considered a good choice for a family pet.

It is abundantly evident that these dogs were designed to be workers, and it would be a terrible waste to own one that is unable to put its natural impulses to good use. The Hanging Tree Dog is an excellent choice for families who own farms and other types of cattle.