What makes the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Unique?
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are high-energy, intelligent and active. Not content with sitting around the house for hours on end, these dogs will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work. Being herders, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs can be one-person dogs, cautious and wary of strangers—qualities that make them excellent watchdogs.
Breed Groups
Page Contents
Is the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Right For You?
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are very independent and do not require much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and resolute, they will definitely appreciate praise and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts come into play at home. They may “herd” family members or nip lightly at heels if they want something. Not particularly loud, they are still very protective of the home.
It possesses a great working ability to control cattle. It loves to work and is very attentive to its owners’ commands. It is an intelligent cattle dog that can become easily bored, leading to serious behavior problems. It is not the type to sit around the house or be tied up in the backyard all day doing nothing. It needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader, who will give it rules to follow and limits as to what it is and is not allowed to do. This highly intelligent working dog needs to be part of the action and will thrive if you give it a job to do. Some tend to nip at people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. Will be good with kids if you make him clearly see humans are his pack leader.
In 5 Words
- Devoted
- Alert
- Obedient
- Loyal
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Description
The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a normally proportioned, rugged dog with pricked (standing up) ears and long legs. The breed’s most distinctive feature, for which the breed is named, is the frequent lack of a tail. When there is a tail, it is quite short, no longer than 10 cm (4 ins), and never docked. The coat is medium length to short, straight, dense and harsh. The coat color is a speckled red or speckled blue. Size is 46-51 cms (18-20 ins) at the withers for dogs, with females slightly smaller. The Australian Cattle Dog is a related breed (with a long tail) that is similar in appearance to the Stumpy, but the Australian Cattle Dog is proportionally heavier and less leggy. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog also does not have the tan color seen in the Australian Cattle Dog. See the article Dog terminology for an explanation of terms.
The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog breed began evolving in the early 1830s because of the need for a dog that could work cattle in Australia’s very harsh environment. The breed that we see today is the result of many years of careful thought and selective breeding by dedicated people. Three breeds of dog went into the making of the “Stumpy”. First there was the crossing of the Dingo with an English breed of dog called the Smithfield (these dogs were naturally bob-tailed) which is where the gene comes from that is still present in the Stumpy today. Then the progeny from these matings were crossed with the smooth coated blue merle Collie (commonly referred to today as the German Coolie) and so a breed of dog was born that cattlemen, then and today, swear is the best working dog in the world.
Temperament
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is very alert, watchful and obedient, affectionate and responsive to its owner, but reserved towards strangers.
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is one of the most driven and energetic of all working dogs, along with being extremely heat tolerant. This breed has been bred almost exclusively as a working dog for almost two hundred years, and is still primarily kept for this purpose. This dog is extremely devoted to its own family, with whom it forms very close attachments. While this breed prefers to be in the presence of its family, it is an independent dog that would probably rather be in the same room as its owners than on their laps. Although rarely fawningly affectionate, this breed will show affectionate to those it knows best.
Caring for Your Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
General Health
While there are some hereditary disease in the ‘Stumpy” there are DNA tests for prcd-PRA and testing for hearing ( BAER) and hip and elbows. Overall the breed is an extremely hardy , active and healthy breed. A good balanced diet includes fresh meat, chicken, dry food, vegetables, rice and pasta, and readily available fresh water. See your vet for more information.
Grooming & Bathing
As mentioned, the Stumpy requires little grooming but loves a bath or swim. The Stumpy can cope well in small backyard as long as it gets plenty of physical and mental exercise, affection and stimulation. The Stumpy’s intelligence and willingness to follow orders also makes obedience training a wise and fun idea.
Stumpy Tails are one of the easiest dogs to maintain, they have a weather proof coat that will wash the rain right off of them since being an outdoor dog for many years. They only need to be washed every two months and groomed once a week at best.
Exercise & Training
These animals have incredible stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can give them. Exercise is of paramount importance—without enough they can become bored and destructive. They need to be taken on long daily walks.
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Picture Gallery
