[angiesample]

My dog, Ella is 8 months and she is a wonderful dog... im not really sure what breeds she has in her.. i hear everything from Aussie, to cattle dog, to catahoula.. i really just want to know more for health issues, i know some breeds are more likely to develop certain health conditions and i want to be sure i do my research on breeds she might be. She is very energetic, she loves her agility classes! She is 21.7lbs and hasnt grown in about 3 weeks so i think shes pretty much done. I think she is def. got some kind of herding breed in her bc she tries to herd us and it has taken a lot of time to train her not to do that.. She also loves to dig. She does learn incredibly fast.. she had sit and shake down at 6 weeks and at this point she knows about 30 commands. If u have any other questions let me know

[Yogi]

As dogs generally will grow in 2 types, either spurts or in a continuously gradual manner, it is safe to assume at 8 months that it is not done growing. Most smaller to mid size breeds do not reach their full growth potential til approx age 2. So realistically, she is going to continue growing, how much no one can actually say.
As for breeds, I do see Blue Merle which is common in the Aussie but the short coat indicates Heeler/Cattle dog which can also have the same similar color pattern and are short coated dogs. Aussies ears do not stand by rule and their coats are heavier.
Here is a pic of a Blue Heeler. Similar to your puppy.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Yogi

As dogs generally will grow in 2 types, either spurts or in a continuously gradual manner, it is safe to assume at 8 months that it is not done growing. Most smaller to mid size breeds do not reach their full growth potential til approx age 2. So realistically, she is going to continue growing, how much no one can actually say.
As for breeds, I do see Blue Merle which is common in the Aussie but the short coat indicates Heeler/Cattle dog which can also have the same similar color pattern and are short coated dogs. Aussies ears do not stand by rule and their coats are heavier.
Here is a pic of a Blue Heeler. Similar to your puppy.

Yogi, I know you have some greyhounds yourself. Do you see maybe a little Italian Greyhound in this dog?

[CorkyMax]

I also see Australian Cattle Dog according to pics I have in my breeds book.
And check out this site--many pics and info:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australiancattledog.htm

Your Ella has a unique look to her--love those blue eyes and the very alert look too!
Will quote from my book (and the above site gives some good info too!)
This breed is also known as a Heeler, and has in it's make-up the best characteristics of its several antecedents.
HISTORY: A potent cocktail of blood runs in the veins of the Australian Cattle Dog: blue merle Collie, Dalmation, Old English Sheepdog, Australian Kelpie, the little-known Smithfield and the native Dingo. The results is a working dog with few equals, ready, willing and able to drive cattle across vast distances under harsh, hot, dusty conditions. Both its guarding and herding instincts are very strong and may extend to people and other pets.

TEMPERAMENT: Absolutely loyal and obedient to its master, but it is something of a one-person dog. It may also feel compelled to establish dominance over other dogs.

EXERCISE & FEEDING: hese animals have incredible stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can give them. Exercise is of paramount importance-----without enough they can be bored and destructive. There are no special feeding requirements.

HEALTH PROBLEMS: While this breed is extremely hardy, they may suffer from hereditary deafness and occasional eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy.

PET FACTS:
1. Diligent, courageous, loyal
2. Minimal grooming---The coarse, shorthaired, weather-resistant coat needs little care and is very easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.
3. Regular, vigorous exercise
4. Adapts well to urban living, but needs plenty of exercise
5. Excellent watchdog

BE AWARE:--Check puppies for any signs of deafness before purchasing.

FEMALE: 17-19 inches (shoulder down) and 30-35 lbs---full grown.

[GSDS4Life]

A friend of mine has a catahoula mix, and your Ella looks just like his Dante. The same eyes and colour/markings.

Ella is a cutie patootie.