Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Quick Facts:
- Not yet AKC recognized
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Size: Medium
- Energy: High
- Recommended Crate Size: 36” dog crate*
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Introduction
He’s an energetic, intelligent, very diligent worker from the Outback who’d rather rustle the cows than snuggle on the couch any old day. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog certainly loves his humans though and is loyal almost to a fault. He’s a devoted protector of his people...and his cattle.
Equally as important as all the things this adorable, athletic soul is are the things he is not. He’s not a couch potato. He’s not a good candidate to just decorate the backyard with. And...he’s not an Australian Cattle Dog with a docked tail. Although a relative of the Australian Cattle Dog, he’s his own breed. His lack of tail comes naturally and is just one of his many amazing features.
If you think this Aussie Wonder is the best thing since the barbie, read on to find out what more there is to tell about the tale of the tail, or...the lack of one at least.
Breed
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is Heeler type dog. This breed is also referred to as the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Stumpy, Stumpy Tail, and in fact, he is sometimes simply called a Blue or Red Heeler (which is a separate breed actually). He is a direct descendent from Smithfield Herding Dogs who hail from England but were brought over to Australian early in the 19th century. They also have some native Australian dingo blood in them as well resulting from the crossbreeding of Smithfields and dingos.
Since records of the time period were few and far between, the accounts of the Stumpy are sketchy at best and differ according to who is telling the story.
One tail of the “no tail” is that a drover man named Timmins, who was from Bathurst, New South Wales, had an inkling to cross dingos with Smithfields. He dubbed the puppies “Timmins’ Biters”. In an attempt to override some of the dingo traits, to make them easier to handle and because dingo and dog breeding was frowned upon, he mixed some Scottish Sooth Collie blood into the pool which resulted in a blue and red speckled effect and rendered the pups tailless.
There’s another theory too and it’s all outlined in the book entitled “A Dog Called Blue” by Noreen Clark who makes mentioned that the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and the Australian Cattle Dog (also known as the Queensland Heeler” are both direct descendants of Hails Heelers, a special stock of dogs who were part of an enormous cattle operation operated by a man named Thomas Hall.
The book also denotes that the line was crossed with dingoes and Smithfields along the way but that through selective breeding during the late 20th century rendered the dogs without tails or with short tails. That’s Noreen Clark’s tale of the tail in the book but...as far as formality goes, the Aussie Stumpy is officially deemed naturally tailless.
Regardless of who’s right and who’s wrong as far as the heritage of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog goes, there are some things that are for sure and for certain about him. He was created in Australia to herd cattle and that...he does well.
The ASTCD was the first “made to order” canine creation in Australia.
Eventually, the Stump made his way to America and many other countries around the world where he is an excellent ranch hand. He is recognized in many clubs such as the organization in his native country of Australia, making formal membership in 1988 in the Australian National Kennel Council where he earned a spot in the Working Dogs section. He’s also a proud member of the New Zealand Kennel Club Working Group.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale welcomed him in 2005 in their section for Cattle Dogs. The United Kennel Club invited him into their Herding Dog Breeds membership spots and the Canadian Kennel Club has him listed as a member of the Herding Dogs Group. Many minor clubs have embraced the breed too in either their Working Dog or Herding dog categories. He’s also promoted as a rare breed pet in some registries online.
This breed is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official member of its elite purebred group but he is part of their American Stock Federation branch which means he’s eligible for optional stock recording.
The Aussie Stump Tailless pups can be born with tails but it is rare. In the event that one is, it certainly doesn’t disqualify him from being an excellent cattle dog or an awesome family companion pooch. He can be bred, even still.
In keeping with heeler type dogs, the Australian Stumpy Tail keeps cattle in their place by nipping at their heels, or hooves. In order to avoid being stepped on, he has to be quick. His medium height, as opposed to if he were taller, keeps him lower to the ground to keep in time with jumping about to not get stepped on or kicked. He is also very active and agile. He makes circles around the livestock and is also very willing and able to fight off any predator that looks like a threat.
This dog is true blue when it comes to his job. When he’s got a task at hand, he’s very focused and you can rest assured that the work will get done.
Appearance
Standing in at around 18 to 20 inches tall (for males) and 17 to 19 inches (for females), the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a medium sized dog weighing about 38 to 45 pounds (males) and 32 to 35 pounds for females.
This Heeler sports a natural bob-tail which appears docked but isn’t. Aside from his docked tail, the Stumpie looks remarkably similar to his relative, the Australian Cattle Dog.
He has a good bit of leg length under his square-shaped, muscular body. That is another characteristic that distinguishes him from the Australian Cattle Dog is that his legs are longer. Though his body is somewhat small in the medium size group, he is stout and sturdy.
His legs are lean with firm muscles which scream of his activity herding cattle. He is physically fit, for sure.
His neck is strong and broad. His head, flat and wide and transitions smoothly to his muzzle even though it is distinct from it as well. His muzzle is medium in length. His jaws are mighty and strong, easily showing how powerful they are. Regardless of his coat coloring, his nose is always black. The ears of the Stumpy Tail are pointed and stand erect as if he is always listening because...he is.
His are moderate sized and are dark brown in color and oval in shape, not full or prominent. The expression he wears is alert, intelligent, inquisitive, and somewhat suspicious or at least ready to investigate.
It seems as if the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a herding machine, completely in tune with perfectly planned blueprints which include his dense, double-coated, weatherproof coat. Typically their coats are red speckled or blue speckled both have possible tan or dark markings on them.
You’ll usually find the Stumpy in a ready-to-knock-out-the-work stance. He’s raring to go and it is apparent he is rightly fit for his job from his ever-erect ears to his quick-as-lightning lean legs. He is well proportioned and even at just a glance, has the distinct appearance of the workhorse dog that he is.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends 36” dog crates* for most adult Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs.
More Information
Personality
The Australian Stumpy Tail is very active and very intelligent. He’s a diligent worker in no uncertain terms. He is an outside dog although he can be brought in for the night on a regular basis or in extreme weather conditions like when it’s cold, snowing, or raining hard. He’s not a good candidate for small space living or for being left out in a backyard. He needs a job to do.
Oddly enough, this working dog has the flexibility to turn his mind off seriousness for a time and can be the life of any party. He’s a comedian and a performer all wrapped up into one otherwise serious job-oriented workaholic. The fact that his zany moments are such a switch from his work-oriented time, it is always a fun and refreshing surprise when he busts a funny move out to break the monotony or to gain a little attention.
The Stump is protective and loyal. He will stop at nothing to prevent anything happening to the cattle he’s in charge of or the people he loves. He bonds deeply for a herding dog.
This breed is fabulous as a worker and companion dual role. In fact, he does better when working when he is part of a family. He’s excellent with older children but is very active and should be supervised when around young ones. If he’s raised around another dog, he is generally fine with them but he is very suspicious and aloof with strange dogs. Cats are questionable.
One tendency this dog will almost always have is that he doesn’t draw a distinct line between herding cattle and herding the family, including humans and other animals. That is something that for sure will have to be dealt with in training class. He is certainly sharp enough and obedient enough to catch on and to stop the unwanted behavior.
The Stump bores quite easily. That’s one reason he’s not one you’d want to keep in a small space living situation or to fend for himself in the backyard. He is very smart and needs lots of stimulation like he gets when he’s tending the cattle. He’s certainly best when in his element in a farm or ranch environment. A bored Stumpy is a naughty Stumpy. He will tear things up, bark, and possibly be turned to be aggressive. His energy level will become out of control as well.
A Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog can live in a place where there is ample space but in a non-working environment. You will need to keep him well exercised, well mentally stimulated, and will need to give him things to do that mimic jobs so he can feel useful. Those things are imperative.
You might find that your Stump is apt to bond more closely with one family member. He still has the capacity to love the others but he’s inclined to pick a favorite. He doesn’t care for strangers. This is a breed that must have early socialization but even then, he is cautious of new people and new animals which should be respected and overseen. He makes an excellent watchdog due to his suspicion of strangers though.
As much as he loves his people, the Australian Stumpy Dog is very independent. He has to be. It is up to him to protect and deal with a whole herd of cattle. He must be alert for any dangers plus it’s his job to keep the cattle in their given area and even to move them from time to time. His job isn’t easy so he must be a true self-starter, full of confidence and authority.
You will have to teach him that you are the pack leader. To do otherwise will surely put him in control and that is never healthy for a canine to rule over a human. If you aren’t a strong individual who is able to stand up to some willful, downright stubborn traits this breed may display at times, it is your duty not to have one. He was bred to have an owner and to obey that person, ultimately. Although he is independent in the process of getting his job done, the job was always given to him by a rancher or farmer who he answered to at the end of the day. That should be something that remains constant no matter what his position is, a cow dog or a companion...or both.
Diligent and delightful, this dog is one that pet parents tend to fall in love with. He’s got everything it takes to be an awesome dog on the range from his strong work ethics to his amusing antics.
Nutrition
Especially with such a high energy level, you’ll want to make sure you give your Stumpy Tail a well-balanced, nutritional diet of top-quality dog food that is suited to his size. He will need to properly fuel his unyielding work performance and you’ll want to give him to best shot at a healthy, happy life possible. Talking about the quantity and frequency of his feeding with his veterinarian and/or breeder is highly recommended.
Initially, you may need to feed him small meals throughout the day, or at least two meals. As he matures and his tummy can hold more, he’ll most likely go to being fed once per day. Some do well with free feeding while others do not. Trial and error will help you decide if that type of feeding works for your Stump Tail.
Excellent quality foods that are free of chemicals, like GMOs, are best. Those which are formulated to all life stages are advised too.
The Stump should be out in the open land, burning his calories through working and playing but if he does not have that luxury, you’ll need to keep an eye on his weight. Most Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs love to eat. Limit treats and in between meal snacks so he can focus on taking in the nutritional requirements he needs. If he shows signs of gaining weight, increase his exercise and decrease his food intake. If that doesn’t work, speak to his vet and get a regime going. Obesity in dogs is very serious. It can bring on such medical conditions as Diabetes, bone, and joint problems due to the extra weight, heart complications, and a slew of other maladies.
As with all animals, it is important to make sure that he has fresh, clean water assessable to him at all times. Because he will most likely spend a good amount of his time outdoors, you’ll need to have a flow water system or some type of measure to take which ensures he is never without fresh water. Especially in the hot summer months, dogs can dehydrate very quickly and it can be fatal because they don’t sweat. It is up to you to provide the means he needs to prevent such a tragedy.
Grooming
Fortunately, this is one of the lowest maintenance breeds in existence. You’d have your hands full getting him to sit still while you primped and pampered him but...you’re in luck. Such things are not required with the Stumpy Tail. The most time-consuming task associated with this brazen cattle dog may turn out to be checking him for battle wounds and treating them if you discover any.
This dog is double coated with 1 to 1 ½ inch fur so he sheds a bit year round. He will tend to shed more when the seasons change in the spring and fall. Brushing him on a weekly basis will greatly reduce the amount of hair he gets in the house, on you, and everywhere else he might venture. It will also make his coat shiny and his skin healthier. Plus, he will love the attention.
If your Stump encounters a skunk or jumps in a mud puddle, he’ll need a bath. Otherwise, one or two per year is usually sufficient unless he is sleeping inside and has a rather gamey scent about him. With this rugged breed, it is not a bad idea to bring along a bottle of dog-friendly, hypoallergenic shampoo when he is taking a swim in the pond or lake and just lather him up right there in his element. Be sure to rinse him off super good though.
It may be tempting but don’t remove his whiskers. There’s no need to trim is tail feathers (aka, tail hair) either. He’s a natural breed, remember, and doesn’t require much.
You will need to attend to his toenails every week or two. Chances are, he’ll wear them down naturally, but you want to check them for splits, cracks, and chips and if he has any, take care of the situation right away before it becomes worse.
His ears are of great concern given that they stand erect and can easily catch a lot of dirt and debris in them which can lead to ear infections. If you note they are inflamed, irritated, or if he is pawing at them, take him to the vet clinic so they can be checked. Untreated ear problems can lead to the need for surgery or can result in deafness. This breed is prone to ear problems already so do your part to ensure his good ear health by keeping them clean, dry, and monitored.
As mentioned before, he will need to be given a good once over fairly frequently to ensure that any cuts, scrapes, or gashes are tended to promptly. Also check for stickers, thorns, encounters with barbed wire fences or other animals, and whatever other mishaps he may have gotten into. The Stumpy is a rough-and-tumble dog but some injuries and issues need attention and should not be neglected. Just because he’s tough doesn’t make him invincible.
Exercise
With bounding energy and a high drive to work, the Australian Stumpy needs tons of exercise - more than most dogs, for sure. When he’s working the field with the cattle every day, he is good to go, usually. His stamina for getting his job done takes care of his energy exertion and nature will tend to his exercise needs. If he’s not actively engaging in a full-time job, however, he’ll need your help to make sure he is properly and amply exercised.
Even if your Stumpy Tail is a working dog, taking a formal walk with him on a regular basis will be fantastic for bonding and also for establishing your leadership, alpha role. And...it’s just plain fun to be with this dog, especially outside where he is quite at home.
When taking this guy for a walk, be sure to lead the way. He should be beside you or behind you every step you take. To allow anything otherwise will give him the wrong impression and he’ll be taking YOU for a walk and eventually, for a ride!
In between walks, if he’s working, that is all that he requires except or a little rec time with you playing Frisbee or catching balls. If he’s not an actively employed worker, however, you’ll need to organize some constructive play time to get his excessive energy out and to stimulate him mentally as well.
This dog is extremely active, agile, and athletic. He’s the perfect partner for accompanying you on a hike, bike ride, or swim. The only challenge will be if you can keep up with HIM. Do set boundaries in place so he doesn’t take off. If there are other people or animals in the vicinity, be sure to have him on a leash. Still, he will relish the exercise and adore spending time with you.
Mental engagement is imperative for the Australian Stumpy Tail. He gets bored very easily because he is used to using his brain to solve problems such as what the best way to detour or round up the cattle is or how to keep them safe while driving them to another location. You’ll need to provide mental stimulation for him if he’s not an active work dog. Brain games are spectacular. You’ll find a number of them online and in books and eBooks too.
Herding is part of the Stump’s instincts so why not come up with some creative herding-type games that engage his herding skills with physical activity and mental engagement as well? Don’t worry, he’ll help you out. He will herd anything from a golf ball to a bowling ball. Just get him an object to herd and make a course for him. It’s lots of joyous entertainment for a cow dog and is quite humorous to watch.
With a good exercise program, the Stump is one of the best dogs you can ever hope to meet. Without it, he has the potential to be one of the worst.
Training
The Blue Heeler is a dog who is easy to train if you play your cards right. You have to be the dealer, not him. Furthermore, you must only use positive training methods. To raise your voice, show disappointment, or make him fearful of you will get you nowhere fast. Remember, he was born to obey his owner when keeping the cattle in line so it is in his blood to be trained. Make sure you are fulfilling your end properly too.
The Stumpy works well for a little praise. Throw in a few occasional treats and he’s a pro. Do limit his treat rewards though. He doesn’t require them in order to listen to you and he can become overweight with too many of them unless he’s burning calories with a full-time, high energy job.
Potty training will probably be first up on the training list. It is a good idea to teach him the ropes when he’s young, even if he’ll spend much or all of his time outdoors. You never know when a situation will arise, health-wise or weather-wise, and he will need to come in for a night or even for a while. This dog naturally wants to do his business outside so there should not be a problem with learning. He’s quite smart so it will only take him a minute to put two and two together and you don’t have to worry if the weather isn’t perfect out because this fellow comes with a weatherproof coat.
Also when he is very young, you’ll want to socialize him. Expose him to different people of various ages and temperaments. Get him used to being around other dogs and a few cats too. Take him places that are quiet and solemn so he can learn to keep his barking curbed and also bring him to busy, loud settings. The more socialized he is, the better he will be all of his life. If he is a guard dog, you can train him in that area separately or employ a professional trainer to do so.
Obedience training is vital. He must be able to master all the basic commands and is able to handle a good bit more of them as well because he’s sharp. Sit, stay, and come are all commands he should know on cue. Be sure that he performs your requests without being bribed by way of treats, praise, or any other measure because should an emergency situation take place, such as if a car or aggressive dog were approaching, you need to be able to trust that you can shout out a command and he will obey. This type of training is for his safety and well-being as well as for that of those who are around him - humans and animals.
Agility training is a really good option for the Stumpy Tail. He’s great at it and it will help him release energy and will stimulate him mentally as well. You can opt for taking him to formal classes at an agility course or you can build him one on his own turf if you are so inclined.
Trick training is a breeze with the Stump as long as you keep it in his ballpark. He might not be too cooperative if you ask him to dance but have him herd a ball in a figure 8 or point out some of the cows by name and he will ace it every time.
Brain game training is super fun for this guy. As mentioned before, you can find all sorts of brain games. You can also take the games a step further and implement the brain activities into his actual training sessions. He’s pro at all things that require him to solve problems and can even work doggie puzzles and mazes.
Flyball, tracking, and lure coursing are all possibilities for the Stumpy but herding events, like dog show trials, are the best of all for him. Watch him go! This dog’s a champ when in his element.
Given his physical ability, his intelligence, and his willingness to cooperate, the sky is the limit when it comes down to training this cow herding character.
Health
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are typically very healthy. They are vigorous and hardy and often live 12 to 15 years without many health woes. There are, however, some medical problems that are common to the breed, whether by genetics or by occupation. It is important to be aware of those issues so you can keep an eye out for any signs and symptoms and if you notice any, have him diagnosed immediately and treated if need be. A good offense is always your best defense.
The Stumpy Tail fetches a nice price tag of between $500 and $800 and even upwards so there is a real temptation presented to greedy breeders. It is imperative that you act responsibly and give your business to a breeder you can trust who has impeccable, verifiable references. Or, you can also check rescues and organizations to see if there is an Australian Stumpy Tail who was surrendered.
Some of the problems this breed might be prone to are:
Eye problems are not uncommon for this breed, especially inherited types. A DNA screening of both parents is helpful in possibly decreasing or eliminating your chance of getting a dog with such conditions.
Primary Lens Luxation is a serious eye disorder that involves the weakening of the zonular fibers within the eye. The lens of a dog is located just behind the pupil and iris and is responsible for focusing the light for the retina which is in the back of the eye. When the zonular fibers are weakened to a certain extent, it will cause the lens of the eye to dislocate.
The condition can be very painful and, depending upon where the lens relocates to, can actually leave your dog blind. The problem usually shows up around ages 3-6. It can be detected by a genetic test, however, before it reaches full affliction. The test can be performed using a declaw, blood, or buccal swab. It is highly recommended that all Stumps be tested as they do carry the gene often times. If you notice that your dog’s eye lens is moving haphazardly or if he is showing signs of pain in his eye region, get him to the vet clinic immediately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another eye ailment that Stumpy Tails can be prone to get. It is a degenerative disease that entails the photoreceptor cells deteriorating over time. Eventually, the result is blindness but every case is different and how long it takes to reach that point is anyone’s guess. It is not painful and therefore isn’t always even noticed, especially in the early stages. One sign is if your dog becomes nervous at night and tends to bump into furniture, trees, or even you once the sun goes down or when there is only a dim light. His eyes may become very reflective when the light does shine on them. They may also be more dilated than normal in the bright light. Then again, you may not notice any symptoms at all until later when the diseases have progressed and his total eyesight is diminishing. If you note any problems with your Stump’s eyesight, be sure to have his eyes checked immediately.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) is seen in this breed sometimes, unfortunately. It is an abnormal cartilage development on the very end of a bone within a dog’s joint. It is inflammatory in nature. The problem of inflammation results from the cartilage separating from the bone which lies underneath and as you can imagine is very painful. The excess cartilage stays in the joint and keeps growing, causing even further complications and pain. Movement of the joints becomes impaired and is sometimes made impossible. Causes may include genetics, rapid growth, malnutrition, hormone imbalances, and trauma to the joint. Symptoms include limping or being unable to walk entirely. If you suspect your dog has this issue, be sure and get him to the vet clinic right away.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is another problem the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog can be prone to get, genetically. It is sometimes referred to as vWD. The condition entails an inherited disorder with the clotting of the blood. It is the direct result of a lack of sufficient von Willebrand factor, a plasma protein which assists the blood in clotting. Dogs with this disease can easily bleed to death. If your dog bleeds uncontrollably from a minor cut or wound, waste no time in getting him to the vet clinic immediately. Also, watch him carefully after surgery if he has one because that is often when the condition is first discovered such as after fixing the pup.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane is another culprit which can affect the breed. It is an eye issue involving strands of tissue in the eye. It is seen in young pups. The remnants are of blood vessels leftover from when they supplied the nutrients to the lens of the eyes before birth. You or your dog’s vet may notice the strands in the eye and that is usually how it is discovered. There is no treatment but they generally don’t pose a big threat and may disappear over time. If they do give your dog trouble, such as pain or extreme irritation, surgery may be required for his comfort.
Hip Dysplasia is another malady that can affect Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs. It is another inherited disease although it can be caused by environmental factors as well, generally, the type seen in the Stump is the hereditary type. It is caused by a deformity in the hip joint which causes the femur, or thigh bone, to not fit properly into the socket. The misfit enables the bone to pop in and out of place, causing pain and trouble walking.
If your dog is favoring a leg, limping, or unable to walk entirely, you will want to have him checked for this condition right away. Running on rough terrain and jumping off high places can make the condition accelerate at a much greater pace than it normally would and since the Stumpy Tail is famous for running on rough turf and doing all sort of other activities on rocks, steep inclines, or whatever territory is available to him, you’ll want to know immediately so you can help prevent the disease from running rampant.
Elbow Dysplasia is another potential threat to this breed. It is the same as Hip Dysplasia but is the elbow region. The same symptoms are relevant, just in a different location.
Deafness is another medical issue that plagues the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. There are a number of reasons a dog can lose his hearing such as ear infections that get severe or injuries to his ear or eardrum. But the type most common in this breed is due to genetics. Certain breeds are prone to deafness and unfortunately, this breed is one of them. Pups with inherited deafness are often born without hearing. Some go deaf over a period of time though. There is a test that can be performed called the Baer Hearing Test.
If both parents carry the gene for this condition, the pups each have a 25% chance of having it, full-blown. It is highly recommended that you have a pup you are potentially adopting tested beforehand and that you see the parents’ test results as well. In the event that you do have a deaf dog, he is certainly capable of being a wonderful dog even still. Dogs are very adaptable and learn how to adjust and you, as the pet parent, have to do some adjusting as well. But, a good and happy life is certainly possible without hearing.
Occupational hazards are a real threat to this breed because they work out in the wild. Bites and scratches from predators they tangle with, cuts and scrapes, broken bones, and more are certainly possible.
The list of potential problems an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may be subject to may seem overwhelming. But, hopefully, yours will not encounter any of them. If he does, now that you are aware, you can take him for prompt treatment if necessary and give him the best chance at the long and joyous life he deserves.
Is an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Right for Me?
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a special breed that excels in cattle herding and is exceptionally loving and loyal to his humans as well. He tends to develop a stronger bond to his family members than some of the other cow dogs do. He needs a rich life that involves both a job he can put his energy and focus into and a family he can put his heart into. But, before you go rustling up a Stumpy Tail, it’s time to search your soul to see if you are right for him and if he is right for you.
Do you live in a small condo or apartment? If so, even though the thought of having such an awesome dog is entertaining and tempting, it’s not a good idea for you or for him. But, if you live where there’s some wide open space, especially if there are cows involved, you may just have yourself a match made in heaven. But, let’s “herdle” forward.
Are you the type of person that can be firm and assertive, yet calm and loving at the same time? That is what the Stump Tail requires in a pet parent. He was born and bred to perform a demanding job under the leadership and guidance of his owner which, back in the day, was a rancher or farmer. Without such an authority figure, he will never reach his maximized potential in his work life or in his personal life. If you tend to be a pushover or are a first time dog owner, do yourself and the Australian Stumpy Tailed Dog a favor and let him have a chance with an owner who can complement his needs in a more productive manner.
This dog is bounding in energy, both physically and mentally. Are you? If you and your family, if you have one, are athletic and active or have a working ranch or farm, this breed may be the ideal choice. He’s definitely not a candidate for snuggling on the couch. That’s for sure. He needs to be on the move most of the time.
Many people have fallen in love with this breed or one like it and have bitten off more than they could chew when taking it home without being prepared for what this working breed needs in his life. Without the proper setting, that is a nightmare. Clearly, the owners were overwhelmed and, at their wit's end, have surrendered them. Don’t be one of “those” people. Be sure you have what it takes to give your Stumpy Tail the best life possible. You wouldn’t adopt a fish and keep him on dry land, would you? Taking this breed of dog from his natural habitat of being a worker on the ranch or farm is no different unless you can make up for it which will take a lot of energy and effort.
If you have read over all of the information regarding the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and feel like he would be the perfect addition to your land, congratulations. He will passionately fulfill his cattle driving duties and leave his paw prints on your heart as well.
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