Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Overview

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a descendent of wild dingoes and tamed herding dogs from the late 1800s, known for its unique short or non-existent tail.

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is slimmer, tailless, and more attentive when it comes to strangers and unfamiliar circumstances than the popular Australian Cattle Dog.

Stumpy, Stumpy Tails, and Heelers are some of the nicknames for this bob-tailed breed.

Despite the fact that these are purebred dogs, they can still be found at shelters and rescues. Keep in mind to adopt! If this is the breed for you, don’t go shopping.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Highlights

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  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog coat is often blue, red, and brown, with speckles or merle patterns.
  • The ordinary Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a lot of energy and mental stamina, and they demand numerous physical and mental stimulation to stay fit and avoid boredom-induced destructive habits. They are not suitable for small residences without yards.
  • Stumpy sheds are not a good choice for allergy patients.
  • This breed can be the best companion for children, although they are best suited for older children and teens.
  • The Stumpy’s herding instincts may come in, and they may try to herd any other animal in the house. These tendencies can be reduced with consistent training and plenty of exercises.
  • While the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a loyal breed, it is not a particularly affectionate breed. They may not want to snuggle, but they demonstrate their affection by being extremely protective of their humans.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:         4 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                  5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:    5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     5 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                               5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                           5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:           5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                              5 Star
VOCALITY                                             5 Star

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Characteristics:

  • Dog Breed Group:  Herding Dogs
  • Height:  17 to 20 inches 
  • Weight:  35 to 51 pounds
  • Life Span: 13 to 15 years
  • Type: Purebred 
  • AREA OF ORIGIN:  Australia 
  • DATE OF ORIGIN: 
  • OTHER NAMES:  Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Stumpy, Stumpy Tail, Heeler
  • Temperament: Alert, Courageous, Devoted, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Obedient, Watchful
  • Activities: Hiking and Obedience
  • Color: Blue, Red and Brown
  • Litter Size: 4-6 puppies
  • Puppy Prices: Typically, $500 – $1000 USD is spent.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Health:

The Stumpy is a relatively robust breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Because this breed has the deafness gene, all puppies should have their hearing tested.

To make good breeding selections, all breeding pairs should be DNA checked for Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Primary Lens Luxation.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

  • PRA-RCD 4
  • BAER Hearing Testing 
  • Hips & Elbows
  • Hyperuricosuria DNA

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Grooming:

Australian Stumpy Cattle Dog encompasses a double coat. The outside, protective coat of the herding breed is short, dense, and coarse, and the undercoat is soft, dense, and short.

This implies that the Stumpy sheds, which makes them an unsuitable choice for allergy patients.

A good brushing once a week suffices typically, though you may need to increase it to a few times a week if their coat blows.

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog coat is often blue, red, and brown, with speckles or merle patterns.

Specific markings, such as if a blue or red Stumpy has any tan markings, disqualify Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs from shows, but that doesn’t make them any less of a great dog!

The coat of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog protects them from adverse weather conditions.

However, it would be best if you never left your Stumpy unsupervised in harsh weather conditions, whether hot or cold.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Exercise:

The “Stumpy” has a high energy level, hence, he needs daily exercises, a safe area to run, and mentally challenging employment.

This breed has a high level of stamina and can work stock all day in the difficult conditions for which it was bred.

Hiking, backpacking, and obedience training are all necessary for a dog’s wellness, both physically and mentally, throughout his or her life.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Training:

This breed is simple to train using reward-based strategies. Comical and problem-solving in nature. The temperament spans from people-friendly to suspicious of strangers. Excellent with well-known people.

Can act as a watchdog, alerting owners to strangers approaching their property. Acceptable for judging tests in show rings

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Food and  Nutrition:

A good Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog diet should be designed for a medium breed with a lot of energy.

Without regular exercise, this Heeler is prone to gaining weight. Instead of leaving meals out all the time, keep your Stumpy in good form by measuring their food and giving them a meal twice a day.

Also, keep goodies to a minimum. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog’s dietary needs will alter from puppyhood to adulthood and will constantly change into their senior years, as with all dogs.

You should consult with your veterinarian regarding your Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog’s food because there is much too much variance among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to offer a piece of specific advice.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Temperament and Personality:

Fans describe the rare Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog as diligent and passionately loyal. The Stumpy is a canine who flourishes when they please their owner.

Modern Australian Stumpy Cattle Dogs are not typically used for herding or farm work.

This means that the normal Stumpy has a lot of energy and mental stamina, and they need essential physical and mental activity to stay fit and avoid developing destructive habits due to boredom.

They thrive in surroundings with plenty of open areas to run around in; thus even the most active city or apartment inhabitant may find themselves with a disobedient Stumpy.

While the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a loyal breed, it is not a particularly affectionate breed.

The Stumpy may like napping in the living room while you watch TV, but they are not the kind to leap up and kiss you. Instead, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog demonstrates their concern for outsiders through their attentiveness and wariness.

The breed is not prone to violence, but they will defend you if they perceive a threat. Early and continuous socializing can assist in preventing your Stumpy from being overly protective.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Care/Upkeep:

Keep up with the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog’s routine veterinary exams, just like you would with any other dog, to spot any health issues early.

Your veterinarian can assist you in developing a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs have a high energy level and are prone to weight gain.

Ensure that your pets get at least two half-hours to hour-long walks per day, with some energetic play and shorter walks thrown in for good measure.

If the weather permits, you may also let your Stumpy run around in the backyard to burn off some energy.

Check their ears for debris and bugs daily and clean them as directed by your veterinarian.

Cut your dog’s nails carefully before they become too long, which should be done once or twice a month. They shouldn’t be slamming against the floor. Your groomer can assist you with this.

Maintain the dental health of your Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. You should brush their teeth on a regular basis. The veterinarian of your dog can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth properly.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Your Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog can be an excellent companion for children, although they are best suited for older children and teens.

Make sure to teach your children how to appropriately interact with your Stumpy, and never leave a child alone with your dog.

If the situation calls for it, the Stumpy may try to herd the kids and administer small nips at the heel!

Other animals can coexist with the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog as long as they are introduced carefully and calmly.

The dog’s herding instincts may kick in, and they could try to herd any other animal in the house, regardless of size. These tendencies can be reduced with consistent training and plenty of exercises.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Names 

ankBoy NamesGirl Names
01MaxMolly
02JackBella
03RockyEmma
04LouieLuna
05BearCoco
06SamEllie
07OliverAnnie
08LuckyBelle
09BaileyKona
10JaxMissie

All About Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle

The Stumpy Tail Cattle Canine is a large, rugged dog with pricked (standing up) ears and lengthy legs.

The breed’s most significant distinguishing trait, for which it is named, is that the dog has no tail. When the tail is explicit,  it is usually short, a little more than 10 cm (4 ins) in length, and undocked.

The coat is medium to short in size, straight, dense, and rough. The coat is speckled red or speckled blue.

Females are slightly smaller than males, measuring 46–51 cm (18–20 in) at the withers. The Australian Cattle Dog is a kindred breed (with a long tail) that looks similar to the Stumpy, but the Australian Cattle is bulkier and less lanky in proportion.

The “Stumpy” has a natural ability for working and controlling cattle, as well as a loyal, courageous, and devoted personality.

It is always attentive, watchful, and obedient, while it is wary of strangers. It must be handleable in the show ring at all times.

Any variation from the standard is regarded as a fault, and the degree of divergence is penalized.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle  History:

Although the origins of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog are unknown, it is said to be the oldest domesticated breed unique to Australia.

Researchers believe that during the 18th century, British colonists crossed their herding dogs with wild dingoes. 

Because the sheepdogs imported by the British could not withstand the intense heat, breeders tried to develop a breed that combined the dingo’s protective coat with the sheepdogs’ herding abilities.

These forefathers gave rise to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Selective breeding resulted in several breeds, and the Stumpy nearly went extinct in the twentieth century.

The Australian National Kennel Council was founded in 1988 to protect the breed.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Stumpy in 2005, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed simply as the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in 2010.

The breed is now included in the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, which is a step toward full breed recognition.

Where to Adopt Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle:

Rescues specifically for Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs might be hard to come by.

However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs.

You can take a look at the following:

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

When selecting a dog breed, be careful to conduct your research. Consult with other Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle owners, reputable breeders, and rescue organizations to gain additional knowledge about this breed and its care.

There are numerous dog breeds, and with a little research, you may be certain that you’ll select the perfect dog for your family.

If you’re interested in learning about different coonhound breeds, consider the following:

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Fun Facts:

  • The Stumpy is a shedder, which doesn’t make them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog can be a good companion to children; although, they’re better suited for older kids and teens.
  • Typically, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog’s coat is blue, red, and tan, often with speckles or merle patterns.
  • The Stumpy’s herding instincts might kick in, and they could attempt to herd any other animal in the house. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog prone to shedding?

As per Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog specialists, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs have a shedding level of out of 5. Brushing on a constant basis will help with moderate shedding. Prepare to vacuum frequently!

What is the appearance of an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog?

The undercoats of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are short, dense, and soft, whereas the outer coats are short, straight, and dense with a rough feel. The coat is longer and thicker around their necks, making a little ruff, and shorter on their heads, legs, and feet. The breed is available in two colors: blue and red speckle.

What distinguishes an Australian cattle dog from a blue heeler?

Contrary to popular beliefs established, there is no difference in disposition between blue and red Australian Cattle Dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog was formerly known as the Australian Heeler, but it is now also known as the Blue or Queensland Heeler.

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