Working Dog

Commemorating history on Bridge Street in Muswellbrook stands a bronze statue of the Blue Heeler, created by sculptor Tanya Bartlett. In the 1840s, Thomas Hall of Dartbrook property, located 12km north of Muswellbrook, faced challenges managing large herds of cattle across vast unfenced stations that only received annual roundups. To address this problem, Hall deliberately crossbred dingoes with Northumberland Blue Merle Drovers' dogs. While this is the most commonly accepted origin of the breed, some historical accounts differ on the exact breeding program and whether Hall exclusively used these specific breeds or incorporated others. The resulting Australian Cattle Dog developed traits well-suited for the Australian climate and cattle handling: heat tolerance, endurance, and the ability to quietly control cattle without barking excessively. These characteristics made them particularly effective with the semi-wild cattle of the Australian bush. Today, the Australian Cattle Dog has gained international recognition beyond the Upper Hunter region. They are valued not only as working dogs but also as companions, known for their intelligence and loyalty. The Muswellbrook statue serves as a tribute to this Australian breed that has made significant contributions to the pastoral industry. Australian sculptor Tanya Bartlett, born in Gunnedah NSW, creates realistic works inspired by rural Australia. After exploring careers as a jillaroo and teacher, she discovered her passion for sculpting.