What kind of dog is Zip? - Last of the Dogmen (1995) Discussion

He is an Australian cattle dog. You can see some nice pictures here - http://www.cattledog.com/misc/dogmen.html

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[–] daughter_of_the_egyptian 18 years ago

Yes Cattle Dogs. Wonderful dog and a loyal one at that. They are just full of energy though!!!

"Atema en-Re. Hallam a'ana t'yon shaknom, assar Atem Re!!"

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[–] silverbullets 16 years ago

The director says in the commentary that he is indeed a Blue Healer. Apparently they were specifically looking for this kind of dog. Here's the most terrible bit of info: can you believe--they found Zip (his real name) in a pound...and he was scheduled to be gassed the next day. Terrible. They rescued him, and trained him specifically for the movie. He now lives with the trainer who worked with him in the film.

Three cheers for pet rescue...

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[–] lexiesnana 13 years ago

I found almost no information in the screen credits and plot summary about this dog. I have found some information here on the boards. I know he was trained to do what he did, but I just found it amazing that he seemed so intuitive in the part. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Being part Native American, I find the whole concept intriguing although I realize that it couldn't happen in this day and time. Did Zip play in any other movies that anyone is aware of?

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[–] ripcity72 18 years ago

Yes, he looks to be an Australian Blue Healer and/or Dingo. I have had two and they are great dogs. Smart and very loving.

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[–] alrightguy1728 18 years ago

Zip is a Ausralian Cattle Dog/ Blue Healer. They are a great breed of dog. They are not dingo's but dingo is in the breed. I used to have several. They are one of the smartest breeds. Great dogs if you live in the country. In the city they get into a lot of trouble. They are for hearding livestock so in the city they are bad about chasing cars, bikes....etc. They are also very protective of their owner.

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[–] mmgoff 18 years ago

I see that your question was answered, but just want to add my 2 cents also. I have two, both rescues. They're not for everyone, and I foolishly got my first one without knowing anything about the breed. I was her third owner, though, and didn't have the heart to return her to the pound, so I hired a wonderful trainer. Who actually trained me! LOL. When it was time to get a second dog, I only wanted a cattle dog, as I had fallen in love with their loyalty, energy, intelligence.

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[–] hollycecilia 18 years ago

I had a red heeler. I raised him from a puppy; he died of old age a few years ago. His name was Wrangler, and he was one of the smartest dogs I have ever had. He literally trained himself to walk by my side in the heel position. For the breed, he was pretty mellow. I'd get another one, but I have a 4 lb Pomeranian now, and I don't like to mix bigger dogs with little ones (because of a tragic experience). Besides, I have quite a small yard--fine for the Pom, not so good for anything bigger.

"My...my...ain't you purty, and just look at them shiny shoes!"

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[–] actionunlimited 17 years ago

Zip was a Queensland Heeler... I had the pleasure of working with him a few years ago... great dog. He was owned by Jungle Exotics.

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[–] InsecureNeuroticControlFreak 17 years ago

lol We have a Blue Heeler/Aussie Cattle Dog. Maybe it's just my dog but, they seem like most manipulative dogs ever. She's also very... quirky lol.

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[–] titojcksn 17 years ago

They are the most awesome dogs in the history of awesome dogs. I have a Red and she is about as good as any dog you can ask for. She hates to play, run, wrestle and catch a frisbe, except for the exact opposite. Beautiful too.

I am all that is man

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[–] geobucks 17 years ago

For those who are interested. The previous kink for pics is 404 (dead), so here is another one:
http://www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures/gallery/dogs/herding-dogs/austra lian-cattle-dogs/

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[–] silverbullets 16 years ago

Clearly they ARE the most awesome of awesomest. I am *NOT* a dog person. Don't hate me, but I dislike many dogs (yes, I love cats...now hate me)...I only love specific dogs I get to know and have a relationship with. But I never really see a dog and immediately fall in love. But this dog has got to be THE cutest dog I've ever seen. And clearly intelligent, with a lot of heart. You know Steve Reevis had no problem being punched in the face for wounding Zip. :)

Those of you who have this mix are fortunate indeed!

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[–] joanna-m-olson 16 years ago

We grew up calling them Blue Tick Heelers, not sure about the name variation. They were great cattle dogs, if they got kicked by a cow they were herding they'd come back at it with even more voracity.

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[–] aucadoteddy 15 years ago

Dogs like Zip can be absolutely wonderful companions and great workers. Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) or HEELERS (Not healers, they don't cure anything =) are intelligent and for myself and my family the perfect breed of dog. We have two spayed females.

One thing I wanted to point out is that Zips tail had been docked (cut short) which unfortunately is wrong for the breed. ACD's are supposed to have a full tail not a nubbin. Some North American ranchers and back yard breeders dock the tails to supposedly keep the tail safe from injury which is pretty much nonsense. The actual incidence of injury does not warrant a painful amputation as a newborn pup. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

They are a HERDING (not hearding, they don't make your hearing better =) breed of dog, therefore they have the intestinal fortitude (attitude) to do the job they were born for so keep that in mind before you get one. Do your research BEFORE you choose ANY breed of dog. You'll do yourself and the dog a HUGE favor.

Spay and neuter people, spay and neuter.

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[–] nowhereman-4 14 years ago

Zip is a good dog. That's what kind of dog Zip is.

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[–] nancyminpins-1 14 years ago

Oh yeah, Zip stole my heart in his first scene. This film really appealed to me as I have a large book collection on George Custer, Crazy Horse and Little Wolf and his dog soldiers. My great-grandfather was in Stuart's cavalry and was wounded and captured by Custer on the third day of Gettysburg. He always spoke well of him because he always treated his prisoners well and made sure they received medical care. Mari Sandoz wrote a good book about the Cheyenne titled Cheyenne Autumn and it was later a John Ford western - the book was better.It was about a group of Cheyenne who excape from their prison camp and travel all the way back to Montana and their original home - their current "rez"

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[–] circlei 12 years ago

I have puppies that will be available next month
I screen folks to make sure they have enough space and/or time for this wonderful breed. You will fall head over heels in love with them. They are like my children...my family. My pup brought me out of the darkest depression a man can have...the loss of a two year old son. i still suffer nightmares but my dogs drown me in loyal love and minute by minute excitement with extreme intelligence, swift lightning like power.

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[–] fidgee 12 years ago

Circlei--I'm so very sorry for your loss. I've found, in the darkest days of my own life, my horses and dogs are the best "therapists" around! I have no human children, so they're my kids. They've gotten me through some awful times, though nothing like what you're enduring. I breed and train paints and quarter horses and labs. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's more concerned with the animal's future than just selling it! Heelers are amazing, intelligent animals that require focus and attention so, working with them is more therapeutic than anything you can get in an office. The love and attention they return is better for you than most people realize. I'm so glad you have each other. No one can ever tell you how much time it takes to overcome a loss, but I do hope your nightmares go away soon and are replaced by dreams filled with good memories of your time with your son. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I hope you find peace and healing. Send a DM if I can ever help.

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