The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog breed began evolving in the early 1830s because of the need for a dog that could work cattle in Australia's very harsh environment. The breed that we see today is the result of many years of careful thought and selective breeding by dedicated people. Three breeds of dog went into the making of the "Stumpy". First there was the crossing of the Dingo with an English breed of dog called the Smithfield (these dogs were naturally bob-tailed) which is where the gene comes from that is still present in the Stumpy today. Then the progeny from these matings were crossed with the smooth coated blue merle Collie (commonly referred to today as the German Coolie) and so a breed of dog was born that cattlemen, then and today, swear is the best working dog in the world.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs can live up to 15 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Stumpy is a loyal, courageous and devoted animal that possesses natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle. It is suspicious of strangers and will protect its family and possessions with its life. It is not an aggressive dog but if pushed will not back down without a fight.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Stumpy will get along with other animals in a household as long as they are introduced slowly and without tension. The best way to do this is by allowing animals to see and smell each other through a wire fence for a few weeks, until they realise that they pose no threat to each other.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Even though the Stumpy is a working dog, it does well in a suburban household as long as its exercise requirements (and need for mental stimulation) are met. Obedience training with the Stumpy is a necessity as its intelligence needs harnessing, so that it doesn't dream up activities for itself - such as digging tunnels, pulling washing from the line, pruning trees, and jumping fences!

Please take note:
The Stumpy can be very vocal at times, so from the outset the dog should be taught that barking is not allowed, unless there really is something to bark about. And while not usually a fence jumper, it can be quite an accomplished hurdler when it wants, so if you have low fences a dog pen may need to be built for those times when you won't be home.

IDEAL OWNERS

The ideal owner for the Stumpy should be someone who appreciates an active dog. While these dogs adore children, they should not be left together unsupervised. Elderly people may find the Stumpy a bit of a handful.

IN CONCLUSION

If you want to know more about the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, you can contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Elizabth Monahan	Tahrae	VIC	Contact
Annette Johns	Rhodeholm	VIC	Contact
Annie Louise	Anniepride	QLD	Contact
Bernadette Merchant	AMBAJAYE	NSW	Contact
Lisa Kennedy	Alkina	VIC	Contact
Michelle Warren	Sunswift	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)