Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Temperament:

Brave, Obedient, Devoted
Size: Medium
Height: 43-51 cm
Weight: 16-23 kg
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Blue-Black, Blue, Red
FCI Group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is the first dog breed to be bred in Australia specifically for the needs of the country. The breed is robust and has a naturally stumpy tail. It has been provisionally recognized by the FCI.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
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Characteristics

Stumpy males can reach a shoulder height of 51 cm. The breed has a rather light appearance. The black or red spotted coat is short and hard on the surface. Only the undercoat is soft and dense.

The strong body has a square shape, which makes the legs appear longer. The standard stipulates a maximum tail length of 10 cm. The pointed, upright ears are set high and should be well furnished on the inside.

The Stumpy works excellently even under difficult conditions and is very agile. It differs greatly from the Australian Cattle Dog, particularly in its character traits. The Stumpy is very dependent on its handler when working and tends to be reserved or even shy towards strangers.

The breed is also very sensitive to noise, which requires good and sensitive training. Its active and attentive nature makes it the ideal herding and driving dog. Otherwise, dog sports are a suitable alternative occupation.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

Due to its high energy requirements, the Stummel needs a nutrient-rich diet. The quantity and correct ratio of nutrients vary greatly from dog to dog. For example, puppies need different food to older dogs. You should therefore tailor the food to your dog's individual needs. You can give him cooked or raw food. In any case, you should make sure that the food is of high quality.

Health & Care

Grooming this dog is relatively simple. A short brushing of the coat every one to two weeks is sufficient. Even during the shedding period, the dog does not need to be brushed daily.

The claws of this breed tend to grow quickly and should therefore be checked weekly. Your dog can also tolerate a bath from time to time, but not at regular intervals.

Suitable accessories

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is only suitable for experienced dog owners who can offer the dog sufficient exercise and activity. If the dog cannot fulfill its potential as a herding dog with you, you can also keep it busy with other dog sports. Agility, obedience or dog frisbee, for example, are particularly suitable.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog History

Origin & History

For a long time, attempts were made on the Australian continent to breed a breed that could cope with the tough demands of the outback and herd the large herds of cattle. The ancestors of the Stumpy probably include the Smithfield, the Dingo and the Scottish Shorthaired Collie. Originally, no distinction was made between Australian Cattle Dogs with short and long tails.

It was not until 1927 that they were recognized as two different breeds. As the breed was often not kept pure, the breed was initially not recognized and the population of Stumpys declined sharply. An initiative set itself the task of saving the dogs from extinction and was successful. The breed has been officially recognized since 2005.