Overview
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, often just called the Stumpy, is a medium-sized working dog from Australia, born with a naturally very short tail or none at all.
It is a close relative of the Australian Cattle Dog. It is alert, watchful and loyal, with high energy and a strong need for work and stimulation.
History
Dogs were first brought to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. Strays with stock-working ability were developed by Thomas Hall into the so-called Halls Heelers, the root of both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Stumpy.
Short-tailed and long-tailed dogs were once shown as one breed, but later in separate classes. A separate standard was issued in 1963. In the 1950s the breed nearly vanished, and a development breeding programme from 1988 rescued it. It was accepted by the FCI in 2003.
Appearance
The Stumpy is a well-proportioned, rather square, hard-bitten and rugged dog with small pricked ears. The tail is naturally short, under 10 centimetres.
The coat is short and dense, with a small ruff around the neck. It comes in blue or red patterns, and tan markings are not allowed by the standard.
Temperament
Stumpies are alert and watchful, devoted to their owners and reserved with strangers. They are intelligent and high-energy, with strong herding instincts and a need for mental stimulation.
They do best with active owners and a job to do, whether herding, agility, obedience or other dog sports.
Care and exercise
This is a working dog that needs plenty of daily exercise and tasks to keep its mind busy. Without them it may become bored and destructive. Early socialisation helps with its natural reserve toward strangers.
The short coat is easy to care for with regular brushing, especially during shedding.
Health
The Stumpy is generally a hardy, long-lived working breed. Some inherited conditions seen in cattle dogs, such as progressive retinal atrophy and deafness, can occasionally occur.
