Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are descendants of wild dingoes and tamed herding dogs from the late 19th century, and are known for their short or non-existent tails. Because of this, it is a distinct breed from the popular Australian Cattle Dog, which is slimmer and more attentive when it encounters new people and surroundings. Stumpy, Stumpy Tails, and Heelers are just a few of the many nicknames for this bob-tailed breed.
Because of their high level of activity and intelligence, this breed necessitates a lot of room to run around. A fenced yard is perfect for the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, which is best suited to adults or houses with older children. For those looking for a dog that is both energetic and patient, this may be the breed for you!
A complete list of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog trainers and facts can be found here!
Highlights
- The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog's coat is often blue, red, and tan, with occasional speckles or merle patterns.
- In order to prevent Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs from succumbing to boredom-induced destructive tendencies, the average dog needs a rigorous amount of physical and mental activity. Not ideal for homes with no yard space to work with.
- If you suffer from allergies, you may want to steer clear of the Stumpy.
- Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs make good family pets, although they're best suited for children in their late teens and early twenties.
- It's possible that the Stumpy will try to herd any other animals in the house, if they have herding habits. These tendencies can be controlled via regular exercise and training.
- This breed is devoted, but it is not known for being overly cuddly. As much as they may not want to snuggle up, they show their devotion by being extremely protective of their human companions.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
As a common misconception holds, only dogs that are small qualify as apartment pets. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to be happy in an apartment building. Being quiet, low-energy, peaceful indoors, and friendly to other neighbours are all ideal characteristics for an apartment dog. To give your dog some privacy in your apartment, you can get a crate from this site.
Sensitivity Level
While some dogs are unfazed by a firm rebuke, others take offence at even the slightest hint of filth. It's easier for dogs with low sensitivity to handle a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more demanding owner, as well as an inconsistent or varied routine. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Go with a dog that is less sensitive.
Intensity
As long as you don't instruct them not to strain on the leash, you'll find that vigorous dogs conduct all of their activities with tremendous vigour: they eat and drink with large mouthfuls, and even strain on the leash (unless you teach them not to). A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a low-vigor dog has a more muted attitude toward life.
Potential for Playfulness
Some dogs never grow out of their puppy stage, asking to be played with, while other dogs are more reserved and reserved. Consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as the dog's playmates, even if a playful pup seems adorable to you.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
If a dog's job requires decision-making, intelligence and focus, such as herding livestock, it needs to exercise its mind, just like a dog's body needs to exercise its muscles. As a result, if you don't give them enough mental stimulation, they will create their own work, usually with activities you find objectionable, like digging and chewing. A dog's brain can be exercised through obedience training and interactive dog toys, as well as dog sports and occupations like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Dogs with a high level of energy are always ready for action. These dogs have the stamina to put in a long day's work since they were developed to do a specific duty, such retrieving game for hunters or herding animals. As a result, they're more inclined to engage in activities such as jumping, playing, and exploring new sights and smells.
If you've ever wondered what a couch potato is like, this is your dog. You should take into account your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a dog breed. You should also think about whether you find a playful, energetic dog exhilarating or irritating.
Easy To Train
It is easier for dogs that are easy to teach to build associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward (like a treat) than it is for dogs who are more difficult to train. Other dogs require more time, patience, and repetition to learn.
You'll need to praise and play with your dog in order to get him or her to desire to follow your commands if he or she is a "What's in it for me?" kind of dog.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Even if they've been nurtured by the same person since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others bond strongly with one person and are indifferent to others; and yet others shower the entire family with love. Adoration levels aren't just determined by the dog's breed; canines who were reared in a home with people around tend to be more at ease with humans.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. A look at the names on the list may surprise you. Fierce-looking Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are believed to be good with children (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, aren't always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Friendship with dogs and friendship with people are two distinct concepts. Even though they're good with people, some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; some would prefer play than fight; and yet others will turn tail and flee. It's not only a matter of genetics. At six to eight weeks of age, puppies who spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother are more likely to have high canine social skills.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Your clothes and your home will likely get soiled by dog hair if you bring a pet into the mix. However, the amount of hair that is shed varies substantially between breeds. There are some dogs that shed all year round, some that "blow" (shedding) seasonally, and still others that shed very little. Choose a breed that doesn't shed much if you're a tidy freak, or lower your expectations. Using a good de-shedding tool can make your home a lot cleaner.
Drooling Potential
Whenever a dog with a tendency to drool comes over to say hi, be prepared for slobbery armbands and dripping wet clothes. Dogs that are less likely to drool are better for those who prefer a clean environment.
Easy To Groom
Some dogs may be brushed and go, while others need to be bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed on a regular basis in order to maintain their health and cleanliness. You should think about whether you have the time and patience to care for an animal that requires a lot of grooming, or whether you have the money to hire someone else to do it.
Exercise Needs
Even a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood can be enough exercise for certain breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
These breeds may put on weight if they don't get enough exercise, and their pent-up energy may manifest itself in unwanted behaviours like barking, chewing, and digging. Dog breeds that require a lot of exercise are ideal for people who enjoy spending time outdoors or who want to train their canine to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
35 to 51 pounds
Lifespan
13 to 15 years
Height
17 to 20 inches
History
It is believed that Chinese ships brought the Dingo to Australia. Wolves may have been domesticated, and these dogs were eager to accompany their masters out to sea. These wolf-like dogs were highly prized by Australia's indigenous people, who hunted with them. The name Dingo was eventually given to the breed. It was in Botany Bay that the British first came to Australia in 1788 to start what would become known as Sydney, a penal colony they established. There were also a number of herding dogs that made their way to Australia, as well as sheep and cows.
An English herding dog called the Smithfield arrived in the United States, a huge, well-built dog with a bobtailed tail. As a result, the Smithfield was mated with the Dingo to produce a dog that could survive in the harsh conditions of Australia's outback. In the end, these pups were cross-bred with blue merle Collies. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog descends from this cross. In Australia, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was never a popular choice among sheepherders. His temperament was more suited to working with larger animals.
In the mid-1980s, the population of the species dramatically decreased. A small group of passionate dog lovers came together to start a new breeding programme. This breed's popularity has increased slightly, but it is still not widely known in Australia. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is almost unknown outside of Australia. A formal recognition of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was made in 1988 by the Australian National Kennel Club. Despite his rarity, the United Kennel Club recognised him in 1996.
Personality and Temperament
It's important to know that the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was bred to work hard, all day long and in hot conditions. Throughout the ages, they were bred for their work ethic and kept as such for centuries. By definition, the Stumpy is a bad pet because it is described by farmers as motivated, energetic, and heat tolerant.
Territorial canines with a strong desire to chase and nip at their prey are the result of their ancestry. Another reason why these dogs aren't good house dogs is that they might be very obsessive when focused on a young child or another pet. The Stumpy, however, is a good guard dog because of these traits.
The Stumpy is generally regarded as faithful but aloof when he or she joins a family. Even in the presence of his master, though, he prefers to stay away from him. Tolerance rather than a warm welcome might be expected from even well-socialized Stumpies, who are nevertheless wary of strangers. For this reason, Stumpy puppies must be properly socialised as puppies if they are to live in a household with other dogs or children.
Care
Caring for your Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is simple, as long as you give him enough of mental and physical stimulation. The amount of grooming she needs is little. Grooming is, in truth, minimal: Her coat just needs to be brushed once a week with a slicker and a little tooth comb, and she only needs to be bathed when it becomes too nasty.
Make sure your stumpy's ears are clear of infection, her teeth are brushed frequently, and her nails are clipped at home, just like any other dog.
Stumpies learn quickly and easily when given a set training schedule to follow. When you bring home an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog puppy, Burleson recommends developing a schedule. Have your stumpy wait until you've cleared the entryway and are ready to leave, for example Like other dogs, your stumpy can be trained to be polite and well-behaved with regular and positive reinforcement over the course of her life.
Health
Driving in the scorching Australian desert is one of the most difficult tasks for a dog, and the Stumpy was developed to meet that challenge. Nature's approach of screening out canines with bad health was simple: They didn't live long enough to transmit their genes on to the following generation.
Thus, the Stumpy is considered a strong breed with only a small number of hereditary proclivities toward sickness. There are a few issues that come from the collie side of the family tree, and they include:
Eye Anomaly in a Collie Dog
Progressive vision loss and blindness result from a cluster of defects in the retina's light-sensitive layers. If you have a dog with this condition, you should not breed from it.
Juvenile Cataracts
The opacity of the lens, which prevents light from reaching the retina, is what is meant by the term "cataract." Cataracts can develop early in childhood in dogs who inherit certain genes from their parents. This can lead to blindness if untreated, but a procedure known as phaecoemulsion can break down the cataract and restore vision if identified early.
Hereditary Deafness
The pup may be born deaf in one or both ears, which is a rare condition. Again, there is no cure, but dogs with unilateral deafness can still live regular lives if they choose to accept their condition.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
When a dog exercises, inflammation and pain are often caused by poor joint architecture in the hips or elbows. Osteoarthritis can be caused by inflammation and damage to joint lining, which can have a negative impact on the dog's movement and well-being.
Demodectic Mange
When the demodex mite dwells in the hair follicles, it causes irritation that results in the hair loss. The immune system of the host normally keeps the amount of demodexes in check. A defective defence system in some dog breeds appears to allow mite populations to grow out of control, resulting in serious skin illness.
Recommended Health Tests
- PRA Optigen DNA Test
- PRA-RCD 4
- BAER Hearing Testing
- Hips & Elbows
- Hyperuricosuria DNA
Nutrition
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs require a particular diet for working breeds because they are so active and lively. Depending on their age and activity level, they'll require about two cups of high-quality dry kibble every day. Protein is the most crucial item to consider. You should feed your Stumpy a diet that contains at least 20% protein from animal sources. Animal-based proteins like chicken or beef should be the first mentioned ingredients on the ingredients list.
Also, make sure to keep snacks and table scraps to a minimum, as these dogs are particularly prone to gaining weight. The occasional indulgence of lean meats will provide your Stumpy with the energy boost they require. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times, as with any other breed.
Grooming
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs have short to medium-length coats that are a delight to groom and don’t require much maintenance – a little brushing once a week is fine. As the seasons change, they will need more brushing than usual to remove dead hair off their coats, which are low-shedding. Only use dog shampoos or clean water if absolutely essential to avoid damaging their coat and skin's natural oils.
Dental hygiene is important for them because they are susceptible to minor dental problems. Although it's a good idea to keep an eye on their nails, they should be able to wear them down on their own.
Exercise
Daily exercise is crucial for Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs, and without it, they can quickly resort to destructive and even violent behaviour. As a result of their extensive outdoor experience and high level of energy and stamina, these dogs make excellent guard dogs. Since stumpy's are master escape artists, they should have a spacious backyard where they can run around freely and be well-protected with a high fence. Jogging or running for an hour or so is excellent, but the more time you can devote to this type of exercise, the better.
Training
Stumpys, with their herding lineage, are eager to learn and quick to respond to directions. They are pack-oriented canines that need a forceful leader and will rapidly take on the position if you do not! With a firm but compassionate touch and reward-based training methods, they are often easy dogs to train and love the process.
The importance of early socialisation in working dog training cannot be overstated, and socialising your dog from the start will ensure a positive training experience for both you and your dog. A working dog like Stumpy requires a lot of patience, consistency, and attention to be properly cared for.
Children And Other Pets
Kids as old as ten and up can enjoy the companionship of an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Be sure to teach your kids how to appropriately interact with your Stumpy, and don't leave youngsters unsupervised with your dog. If the Stumpy thinks it's necessary, they'll try to herd the kids together and give them a few nips at the heel!
Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs and other animals can coexist peacefully if introduced gradually and calmly. Any other animal in the house, no matter how big or small, may be headed by them because of their herding instincts. These tendencies can be controlled via regular exercise and training.
Puppies
In the event that you decide to bring an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog into your home, you should be aware that these dogs can be territorial and even aggressive toward other dogs if they are not properly socialised. Although they may coexist peacefully with other dogs, they prefer to live alone. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy, as they are also very active creatures with a lot of stamina. It will take a lot of time for their owner to find a new job for them if they don't get the employment they're used to. It's not the dog for you if you don't spend a lot of time at home or if you just want a dog that likes to hang out on the couch.
If you're looking for an Aussie Cattle Dog, you'll have a hard time finding one outside of Australia. They are extremely rare in the United States, and there are just a handful of dedicated breeders. Expect to pay anything from $400 to $800, depending on the breeder and the availability of an Australian Stumpy Cattle Dog. If a respected breeder is charging less than this, you should be sceptical of their pups. If possible, it's a good idea to visit the facility and meet the parents in order to get a sense of their health and disposition. Any queries you may have about the breed can also be answered by the breeder.
As a reminder, you'll need to spend an additional $300-$400 in addition to the purchase price for things like health checks, spaying/neutering vaccinations and the purchase of toys, bedding and accessories. You should set aside $500-$600 a year for meals and periodic medical examinations.
Dog breed similar to Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog-like Heelers are medium-sized cattle dogs that are naturally bobtailed or tailless.
