What They Are Like to Live With

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are high-energy, intelligent and active. Not content with sitting around the house for hours on end, these dogs will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work. Being herders, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs can be one-person dogs, cautious and wary of strangers—qualities that make them excellent watchdogs.

Very independent, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs don’t require much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and resolute, they will definitely appreciate praise and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts come into play at home. They may “herd” family members or nip lightly at heels if they want something. Not particularly loud, they are still very protective of the home.

Things You Should Know

A healthy Australian Cattle Dog can live as long as 15 years with relatively few health problems. Some can develop eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs need activities, tasks and lots of room to run; therefore, they are probably not suited for apartment living. Without open spaces and jobs to do, they can get into mischief and destructiveness. Easily trained, they need a firm but positive hand showing them the way.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog History

Believed to be a cross between a Dingo and a short, bobtailed dog of unknown origin, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog—along with its relative, the Australian Cattle Dog—were used to herd cattle and work on farms across the Outback.