Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

Although thought to be the oldest breed of domesticated dog native to Australia, the origin and history of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog remains widely disputed. What can definitely be confirmed is that they were crossbred by British colonists in the 1830s and that the crossbreeding process involved wild dingoes and British herd dogs.

This cross-breeding process was undertaken after it was realised that British herd dogs could not survive the harsh climate of Australia. The intent was to create a dog that could still herd as well as the British sheepdogs, with the added benefit of the dingoes genes and heat-protective coat.

What remains unclear, though, is what type of British herding dog was used. Some claim it to have been the Smithfield, given that this British dog breed comes naturally bob-tailed. However, others claim the dog to be of Dalmation, German Collie, Halls Heeler, and even Australian Kelpie descent.

Either way, the dog continued to be bred for herding purposes in the preceding years. The threat of it going extinct in the 20th century saw the Australian National Kennel Council formed. The breed was officially recognised by the United Kennel Club in the 21st century.

Who are Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog dogs best for?

If you're seeking an exercise partner in canine form, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is your best bet! One of the most active dog breeds around, this Cattle Dog loves sports and is bursting with energy- they require owners that can match them in terms of stamina.

On top of 2 hours of walking per day, they also require lots of exercise - both physically and mentally. Because of the amount of energy they have to burn, they live best in homes with gardens big enough to run around in. Unless you can dedicate yourself to extra-long daily walks, they aren't recommended as apartment dogs.

They're best for families who don't already have pets. In some cases, an Australian Stumpy can be raised to get along with other pets, but, generally, they like to be the only dog of the house. This is usually because of their herding instincts, and they will most likely take to herding other dogs up whenever they get the chance.

This dog breed is not appropriate for families with small children, and should never be left alone with young kids. Therefore, they're best for families with mature children who can commit to plenty of dog sports daily!

How much grooming does a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog need?

Boasting a double coat - both of which being soft and dense - Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are big-time shedders. You can expect two major sheds per year, which will see the dog's hair falling out in clumps - much like a Collie dog. Due to the amount of shedding they do, Australian Stumpies are not recommended for allergy sufferers.

When the shedding process begins, in order to minimize mess and speed up the process, you can bathe an Australian Stumpy to loosen the hairs.

You can very easily groom an Australian Stumpy yourself. All you need is a firm bristle brush to comb their hairs out regularly and bathe whenever necessary. Their coats are weather-resistant, so don't require as much grooming as other dogs.

Do Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog bark much?

This working dog will only bark when it's provoked or has an otherwise good reason for making a racket. They're generally described as low-barkers, and will easily grow out of a barking habit or can be trained not to do it.

Reasons for an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog to bark include whenever an unexpected dog or animal enters their territory, when lonely or bored, or when suffering from separation anxiety. They may also give a friendly bark whenever they meet a dog or human they're familiar with.

Do Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog bite?

As we've mentioned, an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a lot of energy to burn daily. If the dog is not having his exercise needs met, it will look for ways of releasing the rest of its energy. Unfortunately, this could result in lightly biting its owners.

This biting habit may only be apparent in their younger years, but if it persists, make sure you're giving the dog sufficient daily exercise. If the dog is tired after attaining enough exercise for the day, it simply won't have the energy to bite anyone.

What is the temperament & personality of a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

These are high-energy dogs and are always looking for something to do. Given that they were specifically bred to herd livestock, it's no surprise that this bob-tailed breed needs constant mental stimulation, and is always in 'go!' mode. This hard-working attitude, mixed in with their loyalty and obedience, still sees them used as working dogs.

These herding instincts will also see them treating strangers with caution and displaying a stand-offish attitude towards other dogs.

Still, despite their outward protective and hard-working personality, on the inside, they're deeply affectionate and will show this to their owners by cuddling up on their lap post-dog sports.

What is the weight & size of a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

An Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog will weigh, on average, between 16 and 24 kilograms. This weight is mostly down to its strong, muscular build. In terms of size, this dog is normally around 45cm in overall height.

How much training does a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog need?

Training a Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog never stops - owning one of these dogs is a long-term commitment to daily training sessions. From 8 weeks on, you should be giving them roughly 3-5 short training sessions daily.

These sessions should cover obedience training so that your Stumpy Dog obey your commands in older age. This includes commanding them to sit and wait for you and staying off furniture when in the house. They also need plenty of mental stimulation in the form of puzzles and finding games.

As they get older, training sessions should become increasingly physical, and can be done during long jogs you embark upon with your Cattle Dog in tow.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

Australian Stumpies are considered generally healthy, but there are some common health concerns you need to be aware of. The main one is weight gain, which only occurs if they don't get the daily exercise they need. Other common health issues include Collie Eye Anomaly (and other eye issues), deafness, and hip dysplasia.

What is the lifespan of a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

A healthy Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog will live at least 12 years, but this breed can exceed 15 years.

How much should you feed a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog?

Given their susceptibility to weight gain, an Australian Stumpy Tail needs to be fed a steady diet of raw dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. As an adult, this dog requires 320-460g per day, spread over 2 meals.

What is the price of a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in Australia?

Due to the rarity of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs, it is difficult to calculate an estimated selling price for these purebred dogs in Australia. Generally, you should be expecting to pay upwards of $600.