Stumpy-Tail Cattle Dog
Working

Group:

Working

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

10-13 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

low

Trainability:

very high

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

high

Area of Origin:

Australia

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Original Function:

cattle herding

History

The breed originated from crossing a Smithfield with a Dingo. The Smithfield was a "big, rough coated, square bodied dog, with a head like a wedge, a white frill around the neck and saddle-flap ears." They derived their names from the Smithfield meat markets in England where the dogs were prized for their skill at herding anything: pigs, chickens, ponies, sheep, cattle. Rough terrain and the hotter Australian climate were, however, too much for this large, heavy coated and somewhat cumbersome breed. A drover by the name of Timmins crossed the Smithfield with a Dingo, producing red, bob-tailed dogs known as "Timmins Biters", because of their headstrong habits and hard bite. A later crossing with the Timmins Biters with the Smooth-Haired Collie made them more amenable. The progeny included both blue and red, square bodied bob-tailed dogs, and some mottled pups with black patches on the head and body. These were the ancestors of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

Temperament

Independent and obedient, Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are sometimes suspicious of people they don't know. They are loyal and tireless hard workers who are devoted to protecting their owners, herd and property.

Upkeep

The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was bred to be active and tireless. This dog needs a lot of physical and mental activity, more than a simple walk on a leash can provide. A good jog or long workout, coupled with obedience lessons or other intellectual challenges, is essential every day. It is happiest when it has a job to perform, and especially when that job is herding. They can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. It is unsuited for apartment life. Its coat needs brushing or combing weekly to remove dead hairs.

Official Breed Standard

Approved and adopted by the Australian National Kennel Council, 1st January 1963.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Shall be that of a well proportioned working dog, rather square in profile with a hard-bitten, rugged appearance and sufficient substance to convey the impression of the ability to endure long periods of arduous work under whatsoever conditions may prevail.

CHARACTERISTICS:
The "Stumpy" possesses a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle, and a loyal, courageous and devoted disposition. It is ever alert, watchful and obedient, though suspicious of strangers. At all times it must be amenable to handling in the Show ring.

Temperament:
(See under Characteristics)

Head and Skull:
The skull is broad between the ears and flat, narrowing slightly to the eyes with a slight but definite stop. Cheeks are muscular without coarseness. The foreface is of moderate length, well filled up under the eye, the deep powerful jaws tapering to a blunt strong muzzle. Nose black, irrespective of the colour of the dog.

Eyes:
The eyes should be oval in shape, of moderate size, neither full nor prominent, with alert and intelligent yet suspicious expression, and of dark brown colour.

Ears:
The ears are moderately small, pricked and almost pointed. Set on high yet well apart. Leather moderately thick. Inside the ear should be well furnished with hair.

Mouth:
The teeth are strong, sound and regularly spaced. The lower incisors close behind and just touching the upper. Not to be undershot or overshot.

Neck:
The neck is of exceptional strength, sinuous, muscular and of medium length, broadening to blend into the body, free from throatiness.

Forequarters:
The shoulders are clean, muscular and sloping with elbows parallel to the body. The forelegs are well boned and muscular. Viewed from any angle they are perfectly straight.

Body:
The length of the body from the point of the breast-bone to the buttocks should be equal to the height of the withers. The back is level, broad and strong with deep and muscular loins, the well sprung ribs tapering to a deep moderately broad chest.

Hindquarters:
The hindquarters are broad, powerful and muscular, with well developed thighs, stifles moderately turned. Hocks are strong, moderately let down with sufficient bend. When viewed from behind the hind legs from hock to feet are straight and placed neither close nor too wide apart.

Feet:
The feet should be round, strong, deep in pads with well arched toes, closely knit. Nails strong, short and of dark colour.

Tail:
The tail is undocked, of a natural length not exceeding (4 in), set on high but not carried much above the level of the back.

Coat:
The outer coat is moderately short, straight, dense and of medium harsh texture. The undercoat is short, dense and soft. The coat around the neck is longer forming a mild ruff. The hair on the head, legs and feet is short.

Colour:
Blue: The dog should be blue or blue mottled, whole coloured. The head may have black markings with or without tan. Black markings on the body are permissible. The forelegs may have tan midway up the legs and running up the front of the throat. The hindquarters, tan on the inside of the hind legs and inside the thighs, showing down the front of the stifles and broadening out to the outside of the hind legs from hock to toe. Tan, the richer the better.

Red speckle:
The colour should be a good even red speckle all over, including the undercoat (not white or cream), with or without darker red markings on the head. Red patches on the body are permissible.

Movement:
Soundness is of paramount importance. The action is true, free, supple and tireless, the movement of the shoulders and forelegs in unison with the powerful thrust of the hindquarters. Capability of quick and sudden movement is essential. Stiltiness, cow or bow hocks, loaded or slack shoulders or straight shoulder placement, weakness at elbows, pasterns or feet, must be regarded as serious faults.

Size:
The height at the withers should be: Dogs: 45.7 - 50.8 cm (18 - 20 in) Bitches: 43.1 - 48.2 cm (17 - 19 in). Dogs or bitches over or under these specified sizes are undesirable.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.