100px|A blue Australian Cattle Dog with black mask
The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of herding dog originally
developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across
rough terrain. Crossbred in the 19th century from Australian dingoes
and dogs from Northumberland, the Australian Cattle Dog is a
medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms:
with either brown or black hair distributed through a white coat,
termed a "red" or a "blue" dog. It has been nicknamed a "Red
Heeler" or
"Blue Heeler" on the basis of this colouring and its practice of moving
reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. As with dogs from other
working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of energy, a
quick intelligence, and an independent streak. A robust breed, it has a
lifespan of 12 to 14 years. It responds well to structured training and
forms a strong attachment with its owners. Australian Cattle Dogs now
participate in a range of activities beyond the herding they were bred
to do, including competing with their owners in dog sporting events and
working as assistance dogs. (more...)
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<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1841:
Commodore Sir James Bremer raised the Union Jack at Possession Point
and formally claimed Hong Kong as a colony for the British Empire.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hong_Kong_%281800s%E2%80%931930s%29>
1907:
The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III, the second oldest military rifle
still in official use, was introduced into British military service.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee-Enfield>
1950:
Indian independence movement: India officially became a republic under
a new constitution, with Rajendra Prasad as its first president.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Prasad>
1998:
In a nationally televised press conference, US President Bill Clinton
denied having "sexual relations" with intern Monica Lewinsky.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewinsky_scandal>
2009:
Rioting broke out in Antananarivo, Madagascar, sparking a political
crisis that led to deposing of President Marc Ravalomanana.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Malagasy_political_crisis>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
heterogeneous (adj):
Diverse in kind or nature; composed of diverse parts
<http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/heterogeneous>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
Yes, we hope to seed a new, rich earth.
We hope to breed a race of men whose power
Dwells in hearts as open
as all Space
Itself, who ask for nothing but the light
That rinses the heart of
hate so that the stars
Above will be below when man has Love.
--Philip José Farmer
<http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Philip_Jos%C3%A9_Farmer>