Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Stumpy, Stumpy Tail, Heeler
Overview
The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a normally proportioned, rugged dog with pricked (standing up) ears and long legs. The breed's most distinctive feature, for which the breed is named, is the frequent lack of a tail. When there is a tail, it is quite short, no longer than 10 cm (4 ins), and undocked. The coat is medium length to short, straight, dense and harsh. The coat color is a speckled red or speckled blue. 46–51 centimetres (18–20 in) at the withers for dogs, with females slightly smaller. The Australian Cattle Dog is a related breed (with a long tail) that is similar in appearance to the Stumpy, but the Australian Cattle is proportionally heavier and less leggy.
The “Stumpy” possesses a natural aptitude in the working and controlling 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. Any deviation from the standard is considered a fault and is to be penalized according to the degree of deviation.
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) |
| Weight | 35-50 pounds (16-23 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Colors | Blue Blue & Black Red speckle |
| Origin | Australia |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
Not recommended for apartment life and does best with at least a large yard. Does best with a job to do. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. It is also friendly toward other pets. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
These animals have incredible stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can give them. Exercise is of paramount importance—without enough they can become bored and destructive. They need to be taken on long daily walks. |
| Trainability |
Easy Training: Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Stumpies exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
The shorthaired, weather-resistant coat needs little care and is very easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. This breed tends to shed its coat once or twice per year (depending on sex status and region). |
| Shedding |
Moderate Shedding: Routine brushing will help. Be prepared to vacuum often! |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |