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Australian stumpy tail cattle dog

The Stumpy is a separate Australian breed from the Australian Cattle Dog, older than it, and distinguished by a naturally short tail rather than a docked one.

It was developed in the nineteenth century for droving cattle over long distances in hard country.

It stands 43 to 51 centimetres, weighs 16 to 23 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a short weather-resistant double coat in blue or red speckle. It is a hardy, high-drive working dog with the stamina and the willingness to bite that cattle work requires. The natural bobtail comes from a dominant gene, and that gene has a breeding consequence that matters.

Origin
Australia, 19th century; a distinct breed from the Cattle Dog
Size
43–51 cm; 16–23 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Short weather-resistant double coat, blue or red speckle
Tail
Naturally short, from a dominant gene
Health
Deafness, PRA, hip dysplasia

Related: Australian cattle dog · Australian kelpie · Australian shepherd · Australian terrier

2 australian stumpy tail cattle dog photos, newest first

  • Rhubarb, a australian stumpy tail cattle dog

    Rhubarb

    Rhubarb was promoted to ambitious roadside lemonade vendor; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Rhubarb, a australian stumpy tail cattle dog

    Rhubarb

    The exact moment Rhubarb heard the fridge open.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a australian stumpy tail cattle dog

The bobtail gene is lethal in double dose, so a stumpy is always bred to a long-tailed dog — puppies inheriting two copies die before birth. Reputable breeders know this; ask.

Deafness occurs in the breed, as in other heavily white-based speckled dogs. BAER testing of puppies is the answer.

They are working dogs with serious drive and stamina and need hours of activity or a genuine job. Under-exercised they nip, herd children and chew.

The heeling instinct — nipping at ankles — is bred in and needs redirecting early, particularly around children.

Ask for hip scores and PRA testing. The coat needs little more than a weekly brush.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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