Requirements for grooming are minimal. Weekly gentle brushing to remove excess shed hair and dirt. Bathing should be done as needed. Facial whiskers should not be removed, no trimming of tail hairs as this is a ‘natural’ breed.
Toenails need weekly attention as they tend to grow quickly and sharp. Coat length is 1 to 1+1/2 inches. Slight feathering on outer thighs. The coat should lay flat and close to the body.
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a very high energy level and therefore needs daily exercise, a secure place to run, and mentally stimulating work. With a high level of stamina, this breed can work stock all day in adverse conditions for which it was developed. Hiking, backpacking, and obedience training are essential for a healthy body and mind for the lifetime of the dog.
Feeding amounts will vary depending upon the activity levels the dog gets daily. Two Meals equally spaced during the day will suffice. Free feeding can be done as long as the dog does not get overweight.
A high energy feed that has non-GMO grains seems to work well with these dogs. Transitioning from puppy food to adult foods is really not necessary.
The Stumpy is a relatively healthy breed and can live 12 to 15 years. All pups should be BEAR hearing tested as this breed carries the gene for deafness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Primary Lens luxation are inherited eye problems and all breeding pairs should be DNA screened to make good breeding decisions.
Easily trained using reward based methods. Problem-solving and comical in nature. Temperament ranges from people friendly to a bit wary of strangers. Great with known persons. It can be a bit of a watchdog and alert owners to strangers nearing their property. Amenable to judges exams in the show rings
