Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a summary of short answers from our web pages, for frequently asked questions about Cobberdogs. Email us if you don’t find the answer you are looking for, and we will respond as soon as we can.
.
What is an Australian Cobber Dog?
The Australian Cobberdog is a gentle, friendly low-shedding allergy-free dog. It was carefully and purposely bred to have potential for people with special needs when trained accordingly.
This selective breeding has preserved traits that support the original vision for the Cobberdog, an excellent /low-allergy/allergy-free, companion dog. People with allergies were previously unable to have dogs, but now may do well with a Cobberdog.
Cobberdogs have an intuitive ability to sense the emotions of those close to them. They sense the presence of sickness, sadness and joy, and respond by cuddling up, playing or just staying close. Cobberdogs actually make eye contact to connect with you, and will even respond to your expressions and body language. Together these qualities make the Australian Cobberdog a very special companion.
Do Cobberdogs shed their coats?
Cobberdog coats are low-shedding, and therefore very allergy friendly.
Do Cobberdogs smell ‘doggy’?
Cobberdog coats have no ‘doggy smell’ and are less- or non-allergenic. This is because they have little or low shedding or dander; read on to see how that works… Shedding is where hair falls from the coat loosening dead flaking skin cells called dander, which create that unpleasant doggy smell.
What is the Cobberdog coat fibre?
Cobberdog coats are not hair texture. Instead, the coat comprises natural fibre that has greater moisture content and light reflection or lustre. This means that it feels silky and soft to touch, and has a shiny, fine, silky appearance. The coat fibres gather and hang in groups that are called staples. When the coat has been clipped back to the skin the fibres becomes coarser.
Most coat colours are light reflective and free of doggy odour.
What types of coats do Cobberdogs have?
The Australian Cobberdog coat description and characteristics were derived from the Angora goat!
We at Ridgy Didge being one of the earlier breeders, are now breeding fleece coats in the Australian Cobberdog, which can be straight or wavy. These different coat types have slightly different appearances in texture, the difference being mostly only discernible by experienced breeders.
All coats are low-shedding, and allergy friendly. All coats need brushing to be kept free from tangling and matting, and for all we recommend regular clipping.
What size are Australian Cobberdogs?
There are four sizes of Cobberdogs. Measurement is taken from the ground next to the paw to top of the shoulder blades (wither), with the dog standing straight on a level surface. There is no ‘toy’ size in Cobberdogs. Read more about size and growth here.
The Miniature 35-41 cms and 7-10 kg / 13-16 inches and 15-22lbs
The Small Medium 41-47 cms and 10-16 kg / 16-18 inches and 22-35lbs
The Medium 47-56 cms and 14-22 kg / 18-22 inches and 35-48lbs
The Standard over 56 cms and 22-40 kg / over 22 inches and 48-88lbs
What temperament do Cobberdogs have?
Cobberdogs should be totally non-aggressive, extremely intuitive, sociable, comical, joyful and energetic when free to be and when raised and socialised as recommended. The Cobberdog is a ‘medium prey drive dog’ which makes them easy to train. They possess an ability to sense the physical and emotional state of the people they are close to. This ability to sense is what has made the Australian Cobberdog an excellent animal for people with special needs. They are purpose-bred and have the potential to be therapy dogs, assistance dogs, hearing and seizure alert dogs. Robyn is a Therapy Dogs Australia educated breeder which means training to recognise the attributes required in puppies for potential therapy, assistance and school dogs.
Are Cobberdogs good Assistance Dogs?
As seen above in temperament, the Cobberdog has the ability to sense the emotional and physical state of people who are important to them. We have had many dogs go into roles as assistance dogs, therapy dogs, school dogs and seizure alert dogs when they as pups showed potential for these roles. We have maintained these important bloodlines which have proven themselves over many generations. Not every pup is suited to these roles and it is only through temperament testing and experience that we can determine the potential a pup may have. It is then up to you as the puppy parent to seek out qualified face to face trainers who can help you train your pup to reach their potential.
What colours do Cobberdogs have?
There are two color groups in the Cobberdog breed, the solid and the shaded.
The solid colour group are an even colour all over. They are raven, chocolate, red, caramel, chalk and caramel ice.
The shaded colour group have a blend of tones. They are black, blue, blue merle, silver, gold, apricot cream, caramel cream, cafe, lavender, parchment and chocolate merle.
It is normal that all coats may show sun bleaching which can lighten the color.
Do Cobberdogs come with a Pedigree?
All true Australian Cobberdogs have full pedigree registered with the MDBA.
Ridgy Didge Cobberdogs follows the MDBA‘s pedigree registration requirements. We keep accurate DNA records and all Ridgy Didge breeding dogs are thoroughly health tested, including Penn Hip Xrays of hips and elbows. Any pups planned for breeding, who’s genetic and health screening results don’t meet our standard, do not proceed to our breeding program. Every Ridgy Didge breeding dog has a profile page on our website where you can see their genetic and health screening results. Ultimately, you can be confident that we do as much as possible to give you a healthy pup with a lovely temperament.
What is included in the cost of a Ridgy Didge Cobberdog puppy?
Our breeding program ensures that our puppies are the very highest standard of health, characteristics and behavioural traits. They are bred with love, attention and the very best care. We do extensive DNA testing of breeding dogs, and hip and elbow scores, to ensure our pups will have the best chance of being free from problems. We do not discount our puppies, so our prices are firm. The purchase price for a Ridgy Didge Cobberdog that is picked up between 8 and 9 weeks includes all of the following:
- comprehensive vet check
- vaccination appropriate for age
- microchipping
- worming program as advised by veterinarian
- MDBA registration certificate
For more details of current puppy prices and the process of applying for adoption, contact us at Ridgy Didge and we will send you an application package.
Do Cobberdogs shed their coats?
Cobberdog coats are low-shedding, and therefore very allergy friendly.
Do Cobberdogs smell ‘doggy’?
Cobberdog coats have no ‘doggy smell’ and are less- or non-allergenic. This is because they have little or low shedding or dander; read on to see how that works… Shedding is where hair falls from the coat loosening dead flaking skin cells called dander, which create that unpleasant doggy smell.
What is the Cobberdog coat fibre?
Cobberdog coats are not hair texture. Instead, the coat comprises natural fibre that has greater moisture content and light reflection than hair. This means that it feels silky and soft to touch, and has a shiny, fine, silky appearance. The coat fibres gather and hang in groups that are called staples.
Most coat colours are light reflective and free of doggy odour.