Hi,

re your question on the lineage of your puppies:

The one in the foreground appears to me to be a cross of Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Tick Coat) also known as Blue Heeler and Labrador Retriever Mix. Australian Cattle dogs are herding dogs used for herding livestock. Heelers are not bird dogs. They are great at herding and driving cattle by either barking at the cattle and intimidating them or nipping at the heels of the cattle. Because they work at the cattle's heels and will duck down quick to avoid being kicked by the cattle, they are referred to as HEELERS. ACDs usually have extremely pointy ears that are carried in an upright position; but, your pup in the front of the photo looks like he has labrador retriever in him in the face and ears.

The Black and white one looks like he does have pointer/bird dog heritage in his background. Like English Springer Spaniel or English Setter or something.

The third tan and black pup looks to me like he is a boxer mix. Maybe some hound dog lineage or He could also have some germ shepherd lineage in his genetics.

The one in the background looks like mostly chocolate labrador retriever with a slight amount of Australian Cattle Dog Blue Heeler to his lineage.

All four of them are certainly adorable!

If you want to learn more about Australian Cattle Dogs, you can find plenty of breed information on them on the web:

This is an internet link to the AKC website showing pictures and breed information on the Australian Cattle Dog: http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/auscat.cfm

This is an internet link to an excellent website with information on the Australian Cattle Dog: http://www.cattledog.com

One of my dogs is a purebred black and tan Australian Cattle Dog and he is a wonderful pet. Very smart and very motivated. Loves a huge backyard and plenty of exercise or he gets bored. My ACD's name is Happy.

Best regards,
Anna Lisa