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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

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The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Puppy?
● Most Asked Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

More Information

Temperament

A medium-sized breed, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs (ASTCDs) are known for their docked tails.  

They’re also referred to as the Stumpy, Stumpy Tail or Heeler. These dogs are active, robust and thrive on constant activity.

More Information

The Ultimate Guide to Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs

● Key Characteristics Of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Puppy?
● Most Asked Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

A medium-sized breed, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs (ASTCDs) are known for their docked tails.  

They’re also referred to as the Stumpy, Stumpy Tail or Heeler. These dogs are active, robust and thrive on constant activity.

 

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Origins

ASCTDs are considered one of the oldest purebred dog breed in Australia. They were developed from cross-breeding the British herding dogs with the Australian Dingo.

But, Stumpies appeared on the scene long before dog breeding was recorded. This means that their true ancestry is still unknown.

The Stumpy Tail’s tale began in the late 18th century. This was following the first settlement of the British colonialists in Australia. At the time, Australia’s economy was largely dependent on livestock trading. Due to this, there was a need to have a good droving dog.

Having anticipated this need, the first British settlers brought their sheepdogs along. Sadly, these dogs could not withstand the extreme climatic conditions of this country. The majority collapsed in the fields due to heatstroke.

To overcome this hurdle, the settlers decided to breed their herding dogs with a native. They choose the dingo as it was well-suited for such a climate. It is believed that the Smithfield was one of the British herding dogs used in this out-cross. The Smithfield was fairly large, muscled and bob-tailed.

The resulting breed became known as the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

 

Key Characteristics of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs

Are Cavoodles Family-Friendly?These dogs get on well with their owners. But because of their small size, they are better suited for families with older kids as toddlers can be a bit rough.
Daily Exercise Needs?A short walk for half an hour or so is enough.

As cavoodles are playful, they burn off energy throughout the day. They do so by playing with a range of toys, which keep them mentally stimulated.
Common Health Issues & ConsiderationsCavoodles may suffer from:
● Syringomyelia- a condition where their skulls turn out to be too small for their brains.
● Mitral Valve Disease- it’s a condition that affects the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
● Cataracts- it’s characterized by the formation of a cloudy membrane over your dog’s eye.
Lifespan10 to 14 years.
Nature / Temperament
Cavoodles are a gentle and sweet-natured dog breed. They are lively and friendly dogs that are very sociable. This is not surprising since both of their parents have these traits.

Even though they look like teddy bears, these dogs are intelligent as they are trainable.
SizeWeight:
Both males and females weigh between 5 and 12 kg

Height:
30 to 35 cm
Suitable EnvironmentThis is mainly an indoor dog. Its small size makes it perfect for an apartment. Plus, it does not create a mess at home. Although it has a curious nature, the Cavoodle likes observing its surrounding silently.
GroomingThey are non-shedding to low shedding dogs. But even though they don’t shed that much, their fur still needs regular grooming. It’s a good idea to brush their coat on a weekly basis to prevent it from getting tangled.

Other considerations:

● Australian Stumpies tend to be territorial. Having been bred as herding dogs, they have strong herding instincts. They can sometimes nip at your heels. But with early socialisation, they will not display such behaviour.

● Given their background, the ASTCDs are capable of working in extreme temperatures.

● They come in two main colours: blue or red. They may be speckled or solid.

 

How can I take good care of my Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog or Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Puppy?

Nutrition

Stumpies need 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food every day. This should be divided into at least two meals. Ensure the dog food is as nutritious as possible. It should have the basic nutrients: proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Grooming

One of the best things about Stumpies is that they have few grooming requirements. Their coats are all-weather resistant. Therefore, all they need is a weekly brushing using either a metal comb or bristle brush.

The only time you’ll have to groom them often is when they shed heavily, which happens twice per year. During this time, you’ll notice that their hair falls out in clumps like that of Collies.

Recommended Grooming Tips:

● Bathe your Stumpy on an as-needed basis. Avoid bathing them too often as it can cause changes to their coat texture.

● Clean their ears every week and check for signs of irritation.

● Clip their nails every couple of weeks to keep them tidy and short.

Exercise

If there’s one title that befits the Stumpy Tail, it would be the “tri-athlete of the canine species”. In other words, these dogs love to work very hard. That said, they fare best when they are subjected to vigorous activities.

Failure to keep them engaged causes them to feel bored. In some scenarios, they may display antisocial behaviours like barking and chewing.

On the plus side, Stumpies are the perfect companions for sports lovers. So if you’re always going camping, hiking and trail riding, this dog will fit right in.

Training

Stumpies are intellectual dogs; therefore they respond well to training. They are also pack-oriented, which means they need a firm leader. So as the owner, you’ll need to take charge right from the minute you bring them home.

Start by teaching them simple commands. Once, they’ve learned these, you can take them for skills training.

Most Asked Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Questions

Are Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs and Australian Cattle Dogs the same?

No. At first glance, the Stumpies resemble Cattle Dogs in every way. But if you examine both breeds closely, you’ll notice several differences.

For one, the Sumpy is more squarely proportioned than the ACD. Also, the Stumpies have longer legs than their counterparts.

What is it like to live with Stumpies?

These are energetic and intelligent dogs. This coupled with the fact that they’re independent means they don’t need too much affection. Still, they do like to be praised and given treats every once in a while.

Due to their high exercise demands, they’re not meant to live in apartments. Instead, the ideal home is one that has a large yard. This way, they have ample space to run and play.

Also, the perfect owner should be an active person who can take them for long walks or a swim.

How much are Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs?

An Australian Stumpy pup costs between $400 and $1,000 approximately.

This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.

Similar Breeds

● Australian Cattle Dog

● Australian Kelpie

● Australian Shepherd

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