Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Breed Profile

The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, originating from Australia, descended from the original cross of the Smithfield, which was a black and white bob-tailed dog with a long dense coat, and the Dingo. Through selective breeding of bob-tail to bob-tail, the absence of a tail became fixed in the breed. The breed was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Club in 1988.

Throughout Australia, the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is highly regarded as a tireless and intelligent worker posessing the same natural aptitudes as his relative, the Australian Cattle Dog.

While at first glance, the Stumpy Tail appears to closely resemble the Australian Cattle Dog, there are several major differences between the breeds. The Stumpy Tail’s body is rather square in profile (versus the ACD’s 10 to 9 height to length ratio) with a length of leg similar to the Dingo. The ears are small, pricked and almost pointed, set higher on the head than the ACD’s and as wide apart as possible. The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog also has a high-set undocked tail which should be no longer than four inches and carried almost level with the back. The colouring of the Stumpy Tail is blue, blue mottled, or red speckled. The blue may also have black markings on the head and/or body. The red should be a good, even red speckle all over, including the undercoat, with or without darker red markings on the head and red patches on the body may also be seen. — There should, however, be no tan markings which is said to indicate the presence of the Australian Cattle Dog within the breed.

The Stumpy has a natural working aptitude to control cattle, ever watchful, obedient and alert. He is loyal, courageous and devoted to his family though suspicious of strangers.
 

Health Issues

If you are considering the adoption of a Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Health and Nutrition — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Is a Dog from the Herding Group Right for you?
• Herding Dogs — A section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.