Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

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The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a breed of dog that originated in Australia to herd cattle. It is similar to its cousin the Australian Cattle Dog but with several differences, the most obvious being its naturally "bobbed" tail. The tail is not actually surgically docked. Due to the square body ratio to height, the breed is leggier than the ACD, and does not have the heavy body mass of the ACD. This makes for a more agile dog with tremendous stamina in the fields and pastures. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was provisionally accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2005, in Group 1, Section 2 : Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs) as breed number 351.^[1]

Characteristics

Appearance

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog stands 18 to 20 inches (46-51 cm) for dogs, and 17 to 19 inches (43-48 cm) for bitches, at the withers. The coat is medium length to short, straight, dense and harsh; it can be blue or red, and black patches are allowed.^[2]

Health

Among the anomalies within this tailless breed are MLD or 'Mid Line Defects'. These include spina bifida (the spine is open or exposed at birth), anal atresia (pups can be born without an anus) and cleft palate (there is a hole in the roof of the mouth).^{[citation needed]} These defects are not that common, but do occur occasionally. These pups are culled. Other defects include deafness (in one or both ears), PRA (an inherited form of blindness that comes on gradually) and hip dysplasia.^{[citation needed]} Occasionally a puppy has a non-standard color such as chocolate or apricot, but this is a cosmetic issue and does not affect the health or well-being of the dog.

References

• "Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog." ankc.org.au. 14 Feb. 2008. Australian National Kennel Council. 14 Feb. 2008 <http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=203>.
• A Dog Called Blue: The Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog 1840-2000 by Noreen R. Clark Publisher: Writelight Pty Ltd (Jul 2003) ISBN-10: 0958193436

External links

• Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

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