Overview
Average lifespan
Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs can live up to 15 years of age.
Average size and weight
43cm to 51cm
18kg to 22kg
Care requirements
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!
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.
Decision time
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.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders