Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Herding Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following 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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

Though similar to them, the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are not Australian Cattle Dogs with docked tails, but are cousins to that breed, and a breed in their own right.

In Australia, their country of origin, “Stumpies” are much sought after for their working ability. Both red and blue Stumpy Tails are extremely faithful, and tireless workers.

The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

The general appearance is 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 controlling 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.

Any deviation from the standard is considered a fault and is to be penalized according to the degree of deviation.

Head

SKULL

The skull is broad between the ears and flat, narrowing slightly to the eyes. The stop is slight, but definite. The cheeks are muscular without being coarse.

MUZZLE

The foreface is of moderate length, and well filled up under the eye. The deep, powerful jaws taper to a strong, blunt muzzle.

TEETH

A full complement of strong, sound, regularly spaced white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot bites.

EYES

The moderate sized eyes are almond in shape and dark brown in color. They are neither full nor prominent. Expression is alert and intelligent.

NOSE

The nose is always black, regardless of the color of the individual dog.

EARS

The moderately small ears are pricked and almost pointed. They are set on high, yet well apart. The leather is moderately thick. The inside of the ear is well furnished with hair.

Neck

The medium-length, muscular neck is exceptionally strong, and dry. It is arched at the crest and broadens to blend into the body.

Forequarters

The shoulders are clean, muscular and sloping.

FORELEGS

The elbows are parallel to the body. The muscular forelegs are well boned. Viewed from any angle, they are straight, with strong, flexible pasterns.

Serious Faults: Loaded shoulders. Slack shoulders. Straight shoulders. Weak elbows. Weak pasterns.

Body

The length of the body, from the point of the breastbone to the buttocks, is equal to the height of the dog, measured at the withers. The back is level, broad and strong. The loins are muscular and deep. The chest is deep and moderately broad. Ribs are well-sprung, and there is a slight tuck-up.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are broad, powerful and muscular. The thighs are well developed.

HIND LEGS

The stifles are moderately turned. The strong hocks are moderately let down, with sufficient bend. When viewed from behind, the hind legs, from hock to feet, are straight, and placed neither too close nor too wide apart.

Serious Faults: Cow hocks. Bow hocks.

Feet

The strong, round feet have deep pads, and well-arched, closely-knit toes. The strong, short nails are dark in color.

Serious Faults: Weak feet.

Tail

The natural length of the undocked, natural bob tail does not exceed 4 inches. It is set on high, but not carried much above the level of the back.

Coat

The breed is double coated. 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 a mild ruff. The hair on the head, legs, and feet is short.

Color

The acceptable colors are Blue and Red.

BLUE

The dog is blue speckle or blue mottled over the whole body, with or without black markings on the head or body. Blues should not have a red undercoat or the appearance of red anywhere in their coat.

RED

The color is a good, even red speckle or red mottle all over, with or without red markings on the head or body. Reds should not have a blue undercoat or the appearance of blue anywhere in their coat.

Faults: Cream or white undercoat.
Serious Fault: Tan markings.
Disqualification: Albinism.

Height & Weight

The acceptable height range for males is from 18 to 20 inches (46-51 cms). The acceptable height range for females is from 17 to 19 inches (43-48 cms).

Males or females over or under the acceptable height ranges are undesirable.

Gait

Soundness of movement is of foremost importance. Action is true, free, supple and tireless. The movement of the shoulders and forelegs is in unison with the powerful thrust of the hindquarters. Capability of quick, sudden movement is essential.

Serious Fault: Stiltiness.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Undershot or overshot bite.