Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
As the name implies the Australian Stumpy
Tail Cattle Dog prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and herding of cattle in both wide open and confined areas, as well as in harsh conditions. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal working cattle dog. The “Stumpy Tail” has a long history in Australia and was carefully bred for herding cattle in the early-19th Century. There are two schools of thought as to the actual founder of the breed. The first version is a Thomas Simpson Hall; cross-mated the Northern English herding dogs, Smithfields with the indigenous Australian Dingos creating the first Australian cattle dog to be known as Hall’s Heeler (circa 1830).
The second version a drover named Timmins of Bathurst New South Wales in 1830 mated a Smithfields with the Australian Native Dog, the Dingo, the progeny, red bob-tailed dogs were known as “TIMMINS BITERS”. The dogs were great workers, but proved to be too severe on the stock. Another cross was needed. A smooth haired blue merle Collie was introduced, this established an excellent all round dog, the ancestor of the present day Australian Stumpy
Tail Cattle Dog.
The Smithfield introduced the natural bob-tail, the Dingo the red colouring as well as a natural acceptance of the harsh outback conditions. The blue colouring came from the blue merle Collie, which were also known as German Coolies. Generally “Stumpy Tails”were bred in the spacious rural areas of Australia and only a small number were registered in the Stud Books. In 2001, this long-standing breed was renamed the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. 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. The "Stumpy" possesses a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle, and a loyal, courageous and devoted disposition. It is ever alert, watchful and obedient, though suspicious of strangers. At all times it must be amenable to handling in the Show ring.
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (ASTD) or ‘stumpy’ was developed in Australia during the 19th Century as a drover’s or working dog. In particular, breed traits were selected to produce a dog with immense stamina, resilience and tenacity in order to deal with wild cattle, rugged terrain and vast distances. These dogs had to be biddable, but also had to make quick decisions on their own, with very large and dangerous mobs of wild cattle. Their job would also have been to protect the drover’s horse and belongings, and the drover himself if he was confronted by a rogue animal or worse. While there is no longer a need for a dog to drive large mobs such vast distances, it is useful to remember why the breed was developed.
So what is the Stumpy’s place in the 21st Century? After some years of uncertainty in the 1980s when the breed was on the verge of extinction, a redevelopment scheme spanning two decades has ensured its survival. The redevelopment scheme closed in 2007 with the establishment of a viable gene pool over the preceding twenty years, making the infusion of graded (unregistered) dogs no longer necessary. The breed now has a place in the pure bred dog world across all disciplines, including show, obedience, agility, herding and endurance. It is of course still a highly respected working dog and much loved by pet owners as an active, intelligent companion.
The Smithfield is not a breed but a ‘type’ and is ancestral to many breeds, including the Old English Sheepdog which it resembles closely. The Smithfield inherited its name from the Smithfield Markets in London in the 19th Century, and it may have been one of the early colonial dogs infused with the dingo in Australia. The only thing common to the Smithfield and the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is the natural bob tail. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is sometimes referred to as a ’Smithfield’ or ‘Queensland Heeler’. The breed possibly owes its early development to the properties owned by Thomas Hall in Queensland and Northern NSW. You can read more about the heritage in ‘A Dog Called Blue’ by Noreen Clark.
It is important to note that the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (ASTD) Breed Standard which outlines the type and temperament of the breed, states that the stumpy is ‘reserved towards strangers’. The Stumpy exhibits his true, loyal and affectionate nature often only to his owner, so don’t be concerned if puppies are ‘stand offish’. However extreme timidity and suspicion should be avoided at all costs. Stumpies are quick to learn and eager to please. Firm, consistent leadership is essential. Stumpies will become timid and wary with hard treatment. All pure bred and cross bred dogs carry the genetic traits that they inherit from their parents. Most breeds are affected in some measure by inherited health conditions. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is sometimes confused with an Australian Cattle Dog. Although they may share common origins in the dingo and possibly some imported dogs, they are very different breeds with different physical traits and temperament.
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