Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs Robynne Metcalfe (Alittletail)

metcalf2@bigpond.com
See Details

History

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is the original Australian working dog, developed before the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Kelpie. Known affectionately as ‘the Stumpy’, it is a descendant from the Smithfield, a black and white rough-coated ‘bobtail’ dog that originally came from the Smithfield Markets in England. The Smithfield was used to herd just about everything from ducks and geese to cattle. Through selective breeding of bobtail dogs, the Stumpy was developed in the mid-19th century.

Temperament

The Stumpy has a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle. It is loyal, courageous and above all devoted to its owner, but may be reserved towards strangers. It is ever alert, watchful and obedient, and must be amenable to handle in the show ring.

Appearance

The Stumpy is a medium-sized, well-proportioned working dog that is rather square in profile. The breed has two colours – blue and red. There can be no tan markings on the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The Stumpy should be clean and tight and has a hard-bitten, rugged appearance. It is never fat but must be well-muscled, so as to endure long periods of arduous work.

Maintenance

In terms of grooming, the maintenance of the Stumpy is low. A weekly brush is all that is needed and a bath when necessary. In terms of exercise however, the Stumpy is high maintenance. It is an incredibly intelligent breed with high energy levels; if an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog gets bored, it will find ways to entertain itself, such as digging holes or pulling washing off the line.

8. Reegan Rollings. Jen Martin Photographytif

Health

In general, the Stumpy is a relatively healthy, robust breed. Prcd-PRA can occur in the breed; this condition causes progressive vision loss, however a DNA test is available. Non-form PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) can only be identified through eye examination, not through a DNA test. Examination of breeding stock by an ophthalmologist is recommended. Deafness can occur, for which a BAER test is available. Hip and elbow scoring should also be carried out to identify any dysplasia.

Suitability

This breed will not tolerate isolation or neglect; it craves family, activity and training. Unless the Stumpy is kept physically and mentally active, it will become destructive and unruly.

The ideal Stumpy owner is a committed, active and experienced dog owner. This is not a part-time breed. Early socialisation with dogs and people is recommended for a well-rounded companion. Training and firm leadership is essential.

As a thinking dog, the Stumpy will compensate for any weakness in leadership by taking the place at the top of the pack. ‘Firm’ does not mean ‘hard’; the Stumpy’s eagerness to please you means that consistency, reinforcement and reward will go much further than punishment.

Words: The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Club of NSW
Image: Ffire Photography

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 02 Jul 2009)

Download PDF

Breed Standard - Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Shall be that of a well proportioned working dog, rather square in profile with a hard-bitten, rugged appearance, and sufficient substance to convey the impression of the ability to endure long periods of arduous work under whatsoever conditions may prevail.

Characteristics

The Stumpy possesses a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle, with a loyal, courageous and devoted disposition

Temperament

The Stumpy is ever alert, watchful and obedient, affectionate and responsive to its owner, but reserved towards strangers. At all times it must be amenable to handling in the Show ring.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	The skull is broad between the ears and flat, narrowing slightly to the eyes with a slight but definite stop. Cheeks are muscular without coarseness. The foreface is of moderate length, well filled up under the eye, the deep powerful jaws tapering to a blunt strong muzzle. Nose black, irrespective of the colour of the dog.
Eyes	The eyes should be almond in shape, of moderate size, neither full nor prominent, with alert and intelligent expression, and of dark brown colour.
Ears	The ears are moderately small, pricked and almost pointed. Set on high yet well apart. Leather moderately thick. Inside the ear should be well furnished with hair.
Mouth	The teeth are strong, sound and regularly spaced. The lower incisors close behind and just touching the upper. Not to be undershot or overshot.
Neck	The neck is arched, sinewy, of exceptional strength, and muscular. Neck of medium length, broadening to blend into the body, free from throatiness.
Forequarters	The shoulders are clean, muscular and sloping with elbows parallel to the body. The forelegs are well boned, muscular and straight when viewed from either the side or front, with very strong flexible pasterns.
Body	The length of the body from the point of the breast-bone to the buttocks should be equal to the height of the withers, ensuring the dog is square in profile. The back is level, broad and strong with deep and muscular loins, the well sprung ribs tapering, to a deep moderately broad chest that flows into a slightly tucked up flank.
Hindquarters	The hindquarters are broad, powerful and muscular, with well developed thighs, stifles moderately turned. Rear pasterns are strong, moderately let down with moderate angle of hock. When viewed from behind the hind legs from hock to feet are straight, and placed neither close not too wide apart.
Feet	The feet should be round, strong, deep in pads with well arched toes, closely knit. Nails strong, short and of dark colour.
Tail	The tail is undocked, of a natural length not exceeding 10 centimetres (four inches), set on high but not carried much above the level of the back.
Gait/Movement	Soundness is of paramount importance. The action is true, free, supple and tireless, the movement of the shoulders and forelegs in unison with the powerful thrust of the hindquarters. Capability of quick and sudden movement is essential.
Coat	The outer coat is moderately short, straight, dense and of medium harsh texture. The undercoat is short, dense and soft. The coat around the neck is longer, forming mild ruff. The hair on the head, legs and feet, is short.
Colour	Blue - The colour should be a good even Blue Mottle or Blue Speckle, with or without black marking on the head and body. Blues should not have a red undercoat or any appearance of red throughout the coat or head.Red - The colour should be a good even Red Mottle or Red Speckle, with or without red markings on head and body. Reds should not have a blue undercoat or any appearance of blue throughout the coat or head.Tan - Irrespective of the colour of the dog, Tan markings are not permissible in either the Blue or Red dogs, under any circumstances.
Size	Height:Dogs 46-51 cms (18-20 ins) at withersBitches 43-48 cms (17-19 ins) at withersDogs or bitches over or under these specified sizes are undesirable.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.Cream or white undercoat.Any colour other than black on nose or toenails.SERIOUS FAULTSTan markings.Tan/red overlay on head and/or body in blue dogs.Blue muzzle and/or blue overlay on head and/or body in red dogs.Stilted movement.Cow or bow hocks.Loaded or slack shoulders or straight shoulder placement.Weakness at elbows, pasterns or feet.