Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, also known as the Heeler or Stumpy Tail, is a naturally bobtailed or tailless, medium-sized cattle dog. Though related to the Australian Cattle Dog, they are not simply an Australian Cattle Dog without a tail. The Stumpy Tail is more sensitive, has a lighter build and longer legs.

As with the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog descends from the Smithfield herding dogs of England (Northumberland Blue Merle Drovers Dog) which were brought to Australia and cross-bred with the Australian wild dog, the Dingo, by Australian cattle rancher Thomas Hall in 1840. Hall exclusively utilized the breed, named Halls Heelers, which gave him an advantage over other cattle ranchers.

It was only after Thomas Hall’s death in 1870, when the properties went to auction with the animal stock attached, that the Halls Heelers became available to the public and were renamed the Australian Cattle Dog. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog diverged from the breed sometime in the late 20th century.

Weight: Male: 35–51 lbs (16–23 kg), Female: 35–51 lbs (16–23 kg)
Height: Male: 18–20 inches (46–51 cm), Female: 17–19 inches (43–48 cm)
Coat: Medium length to short, straight, dense and harsh
Color: Speckled red or speckled blue.
Life span: 13–15 years

Temperament: Obedient, Comical, Devoted, Intelligent, Loyal, Alert, Courageous.

Health: Susceptible to deafness. Hip dysplasia and dental problems, to a lesser degree.

Special Interest:
• Descended from the Australian Cattle Dog in the late 20th century.

Classifications:
AKC: FSS
ANKC: Group 5 (Working Dogs)
CKC: Group VII: Herding Dogs
FCI: Group 1 Herding dogs, Section 2 Cattle Dogs #351
NZKC: Working
UKC: Herding Dog Group

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