Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

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.

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.

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.

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.