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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_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

heterogeneous (adj): Diverse in kind or nature; composed of diverse parts http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/heterogeneous

___________________________ 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