Fun Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Facts For Kids

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, famously known as simply the stumpy tail, is a medium-sized dog that is bred by mixing two different breeds: Dingos and Smithfield herding dogs. These dogs are famously also known as 'heelers'. Often confused with the Australian cattle dog, this breed is different. The Australian cattle dog (or blue heeler) has a long tail, whereas the Australian stumpy tail cattle dog has a short tail, that is just 4 in (10 cm) long.

The breed was bred so that it could easily survive the harsh climatic conditions of Australia. The species gained popularity among shepherds because of its herding instincts; these dogs are amazing at herding cattle and love to work. This means that they can be classified as a working dog. It is quite famous in Australia, but this breed is not hugely well-known outside of the country. In 1988, the Australian National Kennel Club recognized the breed, and, following this, in 1996, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed (even though the breed was still pretty rare at this point).

This working dog is bob-tailed and is a great working dog that is in love with running and its job. The job of herding is done perfectly by this breed, who is so into its work that it will end up herding any set of animal or humans that it is living with! You can definitely trust this breed of dog to take care of the farm. However, other than being a working dog, it is also a very friendly dog. This bob-tailed breed is very obedient and loves to run as much as it can and if you are giving this breed a job to do and a field to run around in, it will be the happiest breed of dog on the planet!

If you enjoy reading about this amazing dog breed that is bred from two purebred dogs and is often confused with the Australian cattle dog, you can also check out our other articles on the blue lacy dog or the Tibetan mastiff.
 

What type of animal is an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog?

An Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is a dog belonging to the Canidae family.

What class of animal does an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog belong to?

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog belongs to the class Mammalia as it is a mammal.

How many Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs are there in the world?

There is no exact number recorded when it comes to the worldwide population of Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs.

Where does an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog live?

An Australian stumpy tail cattle dog lives in Australia. Bred specifically for the harsh conditions that the Australian outback brings, this dog loves to live in places where it is free to run.

What is an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog's habitat?

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog loves living in a habitat where it has a lot of freedom. These dogs are happy in open fields where there are cattle for them to herd. They love their job and want to run as much as they can. A habitat like an apartment or any other confined space isn't for them.

Who do Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs live with?

These dogs are not great at living on their own. They need to have people or animals around them and they often live in houses with their human owners.

How long does an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog live?

The average lifespan for an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is between 12 and 15 years.

How do they reproduce?

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, a crossbreed, was initially bred in Australia for herding. These dogs reproduce in the same way other dogs do. After reaching puberty, a female Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, during her estrous cycle, is able to reproduce and fall pregnant by mating with a male.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is not listed officially as crossbred dogs do not have a conservation status.

What do Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs look like?

This Australian stumpy tail dog appears very athletic, which is apt! It has a medium-sized body and watchful eyes. They have a rugged appearance and are really adorable. They have double-coated fur of different colors such as blue-black, brown, tan, and maybe blue-speckled or red-speckled. These red or blue-speckled cuties have a short or almost non-existent tail, making them all the more adorable!

How cute are they?

Every breed of dog is cute and the Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is really cute, it is no exception! Their big eyes make them even more adorable and they are sure to tug at your heart if you see them.

How do they communicate?

Australian stumpy tail dogs communicate through vocalizations and using body language. The vocalizations of this dog breed include barks, whimpering, and growling. With their body language, these dogs can convey how they are feeling or what they want to say with the help of tail wagging, the movement of their ears, their faces drooping low, the excitement in their body, and the way they jump and behave.

How big is an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog?

An Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is a doggy of medium size, and depending on their gender, they can be anywhere between 17-20 in (42-51 cm). These dogs are bigger than toy dog breeds like the Shih Tzu but are smaller than a big dog breed like a Labrador. These dogs are somewhere equal to the size of the Border Collie dog breed.

How fast can an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog run?

The running speed of an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog can be up to 35 mph (56.3 kmph). As the Australian stumpy tail dog is a dog bred for herding, it loves to run.

How much does an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog weigh?

Males tend to weigh a little more than females. An average male dog from this breed weighs between 38-45 lb (20-22 kg), whereas females weigh a little less with an average weight range of 32-35 lb (16-17 kg).

What are their male and female names of the species?

In terms of names for males and females of the species, there is nothing specific. Both genders are known by the name Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, but more generally males are called 'dogs', and females are known as 'bitches'. This stumpy tail cattle dog also has some nicknames such as the stumpy-tailed heeler, and simply 'stumpy'.

What would you call a baby Australian stumpy tail cattle dog?

An Australian stumpy tail cattle dog's baby is known as a puppy. Puppies of this breed are really cute.

What do they eat?

Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs need to have a high-quality diet and a diet that is protein-rich so that it contributes to the energy that this herding dog needs.

Are they slobbery?

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is slobbery, but it is not as slobbery as other big dogs like the Neapolitan mastiff. You will not need to always keep a towel around - which is great!

Would they make a good pet?

The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog will make a lovely pet. They are alert and can protect you too as they are naturally suspicious of strangers. If you want these dogs as your pet, there are few things that you will have to keep in mind, though. As these are dogs made for herding, they love to herd cattle. They are full of high energy and love their work. They are also very alert, obedient, and watchful. As they are totally involved with their work and running, it is hard to keep these dogs as pets in apartments. These dogs need open fields and grounds where they can run as much as they want. Also if an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog doesn't have any work to do or enough stimulation, they will probably be destructive. They are easily bored and this can become a problem if it results in destructive behavior. So, if you want to have these dogs as pets, it is important to provide enough space for them to run freely and to keep them mentally stimulated.

It is generally a healthy breed. There are, however, some health conditions that should be taken care of, like PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and PLL (Primary Lens Luxation). This dog, the stumpy, is a great companion as well and is great at being social. This breed cannot live alone. You can keep this dog for herding purposes, and all they ask for in return is love and food, along with shelter to live in too, of course.

Did you know...

This dog breed has various names including 'heeler', 'stump tail cattle dog', 'stumpy', and 'stumpy tail'.

This breed of dog is bred by crossing Smithfield herding dogs and Dingos.

These dogs lack a tail, or only have a very small tail that is no longer than 4 in (10 cm).

This dog was recognized by Australian National Kennel Club in 1988, the FCI in 2005, and United Kennel Club in 2010.

These dogs require very little grooming but do need a lot of exercise and plenty of running. They are not typically cuddly dogs, but show affection in different ways, especially during playtime!

This dog breed does not face many health issues and has a strong general level of immunity.

You can sometimes find an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog rescue dog as they are good at search and rescue. Training an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog rescue dog requires intensive obedience training.

Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs vs. blue heelers

The major difference between an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog and a blue heeler is the tail. The former has an undocked and small tail, whereas the latter has a longer tail. Some Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs are born without tails, but blue heelers and Australian cattle dogs are both always born with tails. Some blue heelers have their tails docked. This is often done to prevent injuries to these working dogs. Both dog breeds are similar otherwise in appearance. Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs, however, are heavier than the blue heeler. They also can be distinguished by their markings.

How to train an Australian stumpy tail cattle dog

As the Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is a herding dog, it is always full of energy. It is always ready to run, do its work, and herd animals, but like any dog, it needs lots of training to know how to behave. It is easiest to train these dogs when they are puppies and the Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is a pretty obedient dog, which makes their training relatively easy. The easiest and best way to train your Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is by using lots of positive reinforcement, including treats and rewards. When they listen to your command and do what you have asked, you can give them a reward. If they don't follow your command, don't give them a reward. This will help them to understand the commands they need to follow and how they can earn their reward by completing them successfully.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals, including the Cheagle or the golden cocker retriever.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Australian Stumpy tail cattle dog coloring pages.