Hanging tree dog as a pet – Temperament, Life Span and Origin!

Yes, you can keep a Hanging Tree dog (officially the Hangin’ Tree Cowdog) as a pet, as long as you can meet its needs. This medium-sized cattle-herding breed is affectionate and loyal with its family, but it has a lot of energy and drive, so it does best with an active owner who can give it daily exercise and a job to do.

The Hanging tree dog or the hanging tree cattle dog is so-called because it was initially bred to help to herd animals and livestock, primarily cattle. The name comes from its breeders who owned a ranch called the Hanging Tree Ranch.

Why is it called the hanging tree cattle dog?

The hanging tree dog is also called the hanging tree cattle dog because they were bred to help farmers in herding and guiding livestock, especially cattle. You will also hear many people calling them hanging tree cow dogs because they are famous for their herding instincts.

Hanging Tree dogs were bred to help cowboys in their daily work, so they are very tough dogs who can withstand harsh weather conditions and take on multiple tasks. Their Border Collie ancestors are similarly hardy, as we explore in do Border Collies like snow.

They are known for their persistence, assertiveness with cattle, and intelligence when it comes to getting their jobs done. Otherwise, outside of their jobs, they are actually very affectionate dogs who can adjust well to family life. These dogs are often regarded as the most fearless dogs because of their capabilities to handle cattle or livestock of any size with precision. Another breed known for its courage is the Rottweiler, which we profile in Rottweiler temperament.

What is a hanging tree dog breed?

The hanging tree dog is a very robust breed, courageous when they have to be, with a lot of energy. They are bred for long days of work on the ranch, so their stamina runs higher than that of many other dog breeds. They are also brilliant and eager to work with their owners.

Although their primary purpose of breeding was to be herding dogs for cattle and other livestock, they were also great human companions. They are famously known as the “Ultimate Cowboy’s Dog” because they are very loyal.

They are a breed that needs a lot of attention and exercise because they are high on energy and have an unlimited supply of stamina.

What is the hanging tree dog’s origin?

The origin of the hanging tree dog can be dated back to the 1980s when father and son breeder duo Gary Ericsson and Choc developed the Hanging Tree Dog breed. They owned a ranch called the Hanging Tree Ranch and wanted to create a breed of dog that could withstand the cold weather and take care of their livestock.

Hence, the Hanging Tree Dog was named after their ranch. It’s still a fairly rare working breed: it isn’t recognized by the AKC, and pedigrees are kept by the Hangin Tree Cowdog Association. If you want one, you’ll usually need to find a ranch or registered breeder.

They combined the genes of 4 of the best herding breeds to produce the hanging tree dog. If you break apart the origin of the Hanging Tree Dog, you will find that they are:

• 1/8 Catahoula (they are known to be really good at tracking cattle and are a very tough breed. They also have a slick coat of hair which was ideal for the breeders)
• 3/8 Border Collie (They are the most intelligent herding dog breed with impeccable instincts)
• 1/4 Australian Shepherd (Also one of the best herding breeds and known for their courageous spirit)
• 1/4 Kelpie (Known for their short hair and natural instinct for herding)

How long is a hanging tree dog’s lifespan?

Most sources put the Hanging Tree dog’s lifespan at around 12 to 15 years, which is typical for a medium-sized, athletic herding breed. Their mixed working background generally makes them hardy dogs, but no breed is free of health problems. Like their parent breeds, they can be affected by issues such as hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions, so choose a breeder who health-tests their dogs and keep up with regular vet check-ups.

What is the hanging tree dog size?

The Hanging Tree Dog is a medium-sized dog that has powerful muscles to make up for its incredible stamina. When fully grown, they typically weigh around 40 to 60 pounds, with a sturdy bone structure that helps them work tirelessly even in cold weather.

They have a very distinguished and headstrong look which corresponds to their character and personality. As with most breeds, males tend to be somewhat larger than females.

What is the hanging tree dog temperament?

Hanging tree dogs are known to be calm and affectionate at home. They can look tough and they’re strong-willed with cattle, but that’s not all there is to them. Even if they look tough, they love to play and are very energetic, so the more activities they do, the better it is for them.

They are very responsive to training and eager to work with their owners. They are extremely intelligent and loyal, but that intelligence and drive mean they need consistent training and plenty to do, so they’re better suited to experienced or very active owners than to a first-time owner looking for a laid-back pet. This is why they are so good at what they do best- herding. Herding breeds also tend to thrive on routine, as we explain in what kind of dog keeps the best time.

One thing to note, if you are planning on keeping a hanging tree dog at home, is that you need to provide them with enough exercise. Or, else the pent-up energy inside them can result in destructive behavior such as chewing on furniture, or herding behavior like nipping at heels (including children’s). Apart from this, they are very loveable and love human companionship. Most get along well with other dogs when they’re socialized early, but always introduce new pets carefully.

Conclusion

Hanging Tree Dogs can make very friendly family dogs and, when socialized well, usually get along with other pets in the house. Although they are working dogs, hanging Tree dogs still love the attention they get from their owners, so they might demand attention sometimes.

Make sure that you always give your dogs enough time to exercise physically and mentally, or else they can develop destructive behavior in the house to vent their excess energy. For ideas, see our picks for the best toys for cattle dogs.