Stumpy Tail Cattle dogs are a natural bobtail breed. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is not an Australian Cattle Dog with a docked tail. It originated in Australia. their are major structural differences in breed type between the two breeds of cattle dogs.
These are medium sized dogs. The Stumpy is a relatively healthy breed and can live up to 15 years. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog are alert, trainable, and comical.
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog History
During the 1840s, two stockmen in separate states of Australia began crossing local working dogs with imported drover dogs that may have carried the natural tailless-ness. People believe this was the first breed developed in Australia.
Where did the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Come From?
It originated in Australia as the name suggests. The Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog were developed from the same ancestors of early Halls Heelers and Timmons Biters that the Australian Cattle Dog came from. Breeders created this dog with working ability and stamina in mind. Breeders exhibited this dog as both long-tailed and stumpy-tailed varieties by the 1890s. By 1917 the stumpy-tailed Cattle dogs made up 50% of the Cattle Dog entrants in some shows.
What Were They Bred For?
It’s is the original Australian working dog. Breeders created this dog to be a working dog to herd and protect cattle. This dog has also become a good companion dog. Some Stumpy Tail puppies are born with long tails and should not be discarded from a breeding program if they are of structural quality, but rather bred back to quality natural bob tails.
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs at a Glance
[table “AustralianSTCDog” not found /]Physical Traits
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a distinctive dog because of his lack of tail. His tail is naturally short and is never docked. It has an amazing natural ability to herd cattle. It’s,careful to keep control of the herd as he moves them from place to place.
This dog can also be a very loyal, courageous, and rugged dog that is suspicious of strangers coming near it’s home or herd.
This dog is closely related to the Australian Cattle Dog but the Stumpy has a lighter build and longer legs. Early socialization and training will ensure you have a competent, hard working companion to work your cattle. Coat length is 1 to 1.5 inches with slight feathering on outer thighs. The coat should lay flat and close to the body.
Breed Standard
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Size
- Males: 18-20 inches
- Females: 17-19 inches
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades.
Weight
- Males: 38-45 pounds
- Females: 32-35 pounds
Grooming
This dog has relatively short hair and weekly brushing is all that’s required. Furthormore they may need more brushing during the shedding seasons. Only batch when needed to remove dirt or debris. Do not trim the tail hairs. Make sure to trim their nails as needed and
Do They Drool?
No
Best Climate for the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
This dog does well in moderate to warm climates. Breeders created this dog to tolerate the high heat of Australia.
Temperament
These dogs are alert and responsive. Temperament ranges from people friendly to a bit wary of strangers. They are great with people they know. They can be a bit of a watchdog and alert owners to strangers nearing their property.
How Easy are They to Train?
Owners can train these dogs using reward based methods. These dogs are intelligient and are problem solving and comical in nature. Because their ancestors were dingos these dogs have a stubborn streak. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, frisbee and herding events. Herding instincts and train-ability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
They tolerate other pets like cats or other dogs when raised together. They are used to other pets in general because of their breed but when introducing new pets it should be done under supervision.
Are They Good for Families?
These dogs can be good family dogs. This kind of dog is a kid-friendly dog. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle dogs are average friendly towards to cats or other dog in the house but they can if they are raised together. These are good working dogs and love wide open spaces. They would be good for families that are very active with their dog.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle dogs have an average prey drive. They do have high instinct for chasing and catching small animals like cats or squirrel but training takes care of this problem.
Are They Social With Other People?
They are dogs antisocial dogs. This dog doesn’t like being around people all the time. They can stand being left alone.
Is The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Good for New Owners?
This dog can be good for new owners. They are easy to train and great with their owners.
Health
These dogs are relatively healthy breed and can live 12 to 15 years but some health issues may occur. They are very energetic and as long as they get regular active exercise and stay trim they can live a long life.
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Health Issues
Test this dog with BEAR hearing testing as this breed carries the gene for deafness. Breeders should test all breeding pairs for Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Primary Lens luxation. Here are the recommended health tests; RA-RCD 4, BAER Hearing Testing, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation and Hyperuricosuria DNA.
Exercise
They have a high energy level. This dog needs a daily exercise, a safety place to run or play and interesting work. Because they have a high level of stamina, they can work entire day in adverse condition for which it was developed. Hiking, backpacking, and obedience training is essential for healthy body and mind for the lifetime of the dog.
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Rescues
None
