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At first glance the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog resembles its longer tailed cousin but the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a squarer build than the Australian Cattle Dog who is a little longer in the body in relation to its height at the shoulder. Neither does the blue Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog have tan markings like the Australian Cattle Dog. Of course the most obvious difference is the tail. They are not docked. The pups are born with tiny stumpy tails, which according to the standard may not exceed four inches when fully grown.  The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is believed to be the first pure bred to be developed in Australia. The dog is a valuable all-rounder and one of the best working dogs ever produced.

Some historians think that the breed originated from crossing a Smithfield with a Dingo. The Smithfield (referred to by Robert Kaleski as the Black Bob-tail) was a "big, rough coated, square bodied dog, with a head like a wedge, a white frill around the neck and saddle-flap ears." (Kaleski, 1993 P.78) 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.
It is believed that 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 Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

BREED STANDARD                                                                                                     

General Appearance: Shall be that of a well proportioned working dog, rather square in profile with a hard-bitten, rugged appearance, and sufficient substance to convey the impression of the ability to endure long periods of arduous work under whatsoever conditions may prevail.
Characteristics: The Stumpy possesses a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle, with a loyal, courageous and devoted disposition
Temperament: The Stumpy is ever alert, watchful and obedient, affectionate and responsive to its owner, but reserved towards strangers. At all times it must be amenable to handling in the Show ring.
Head And Skull: The skull is broad between the ears and flat, narrowing slightly to the eyes with a slight but definite stop. Cheeks are muscular without coarseness. The foreface is of moderate length, well filled up under the eye, the deep powerful jaws tapering to a blunt strong muzzle. Nose black, irrespective of the colour of the dog.
Eyes: The eyes should be almond in shape, of moderate size, neither full nor prominent, with alert and intelligent expression, and of dark brown colour.
Ears: The ears are moderately small, pricked and almost pointed. Set on high yet well apart. Leather moderately thick. Inside the ear should be well furnished with hair.
Mouth: The teeth are strong, sound and regularly spaced. The lower incisors close behind and just touching the upper. Not to be undershot or overshot.
Neck: The neck is arched, sinewy, of exceptional strength, and muscular. Neck of medium length, broadening to blend into the body, free from throatiness.
Forequarters: The shoulders are clean, muscular and sloping with elbows parallel to the body. The forelegs are well boned, muscular and straight when viewed from either the side or front, with very strong flexible pasterns.
Body: The length of the body from the point of the breast-bone to the buttocks should be equal to the height of the withers, ensuring the dog is square in profile. The back is level, broad and strong with deep and muscular loins, the well sprung ribs tapering, to a deep moderately broad chest that flows into a slightly tucked up flank.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are broad, powerful and muscular, with well developed thighs, stifles moderately turned. Rear pasterns are strong, moderately let down with moderate angle of hock. When viewed from behind the hind legs from hock to feet are straight, and placed neither close not too wide apart.
Feet: The feet should be round, strong, deep in pads with well arched toes, closely knit. Nails strong, short and of dark colour.
Tail: The tail is undocked, of a natural length not exceeding 10 centimetres (four inches), set on high but not carried much above the level of the back.
Gait/Movement: Soundness is of paramount importance. The action is true, free, supple and tireless, the movement of the shoulders and forelegs in unison with the powerful thrust of the hindquarters. Capability of quick and sudden movement is essential.
Coat: The outer coat is moderately short, straight, dense and of medium harsh texture. The undercoat is short, dense and soft. The coat around the neck is longer, forming mild ruff. The hair on the head, legs and feet, is short.
Colour: Blue - The colour should be a good even Blue Mottle or Blue Speckle, with or without black marking on the head and body. Blues should not have a red undercoat or any appearance of red throughout the coat or head.
Red - The colour should be a good even Red Mottle or Red Speckle, with or without red markings on head and body. Reds should not have a blue undercoat or any appearance of blue throughout the coat or head.
Tan - Irrespective of the colour of the dog, Tan markings are not permissible in either the Blue or Red dogs, under any circumstances.
Sizes: Height:
Dogs 46-51 cms (18-20 ins) at withers
Bitches 43-48 cms (17-19 ins) at withers
Dogs or bitches over or under these specified sizes are undesirable.
Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Cream or white undercoat.
Any colour other than black on nose or toenails.

SERIOUS FAULTS
Tan markings.
Tan/red overlay on head and/or body in blue dogs.
Blue muzzle and/or blue overlay on head and/or body in red dogs.
Stilted movement.
Cow or bow hocks.
Loaded or slack shoulders or straight shoulder placement.
Weakness at elbows, pasterns or feet.
Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Last Updated: 2 Jul 2009