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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Information and NZ Breed Standards

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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog


General Information - Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog


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:
1800s

Other Names:
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 Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

Temperament

Independent and obedient, Australian 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 Australian 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.

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