Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (Heeler)

Grooming

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs have a double coat – a short and dense outer layer and a soft and short under layer. Like most of double-coated dogs, even Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog shed a lot. Weekly brushing is required to keep the hair under control.

Their coat served as protection from various weather conditions while they were working.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog coat colors:

• Blue – blue or mottled blue
• Red speckle – even red speckle

With these dogs, the rest is basic care. Trim their nails if the dog doesn’t wear them naturally, regularly check their ears for any signs of infection (bad odor, redness…), and bathe them a few times a year.

Exercise

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a lot of energy, and you must provide these dogs with many daily activities. They were bred to work all day, so be prepared to spend much of your free time outside with your dog. These dogs will enjoy many fun activities, including hiking, obedience, chasing the ball, etc. If their needs are met, you can be sure you will end up with the best possible dog in the house.

Socialization

As with all other dogs, even Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog requires proper and early socialization to trust your dog. With correct socialization, your dog will learn how it’s supposed to behave in many different situations he may find himself in. The socialization process starts when you bring your Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog puppy home. Expose him to many different situations, people, dogs, and sounds.

They can learn to react accordingly and understand that they don’t need to be scared of strangers and other dogs. They can adapt to any environment if you secure them with plenty of physical and mental activity.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and kids

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is best suited for a household with older kids who can properly interact with the dog. Since these dogs are used for herding purposes, don’t be surprised if an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog starts herding your kids. Because of that, it is advised that you never leave them alone while they are playing.

Before you let them play, you should also teach your kids what is the correct way to approach, interact and play with the dog. That way, you can be sure that your kids will respect the dog.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and other animals

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is not the best choice if you have other dogs in the house. Although with the right socialization, they can learn to get along, they are best suited to be the only dog in the house. Since these are herding dogs, they could easily start to herd other animals in the house so proper socialization can correct that behavior.

Health problems

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs are generally healthy dogs, but like most of the dog breeds in the world, they can suffer from some health problems. Those problems include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Deafness
• Eye problems – mostly collie eye anomaly

If you want to get a puppy with the best possible health, you should never buy him from an irresponsible dog breeder. Official and responsible dog breeders regularly check their breeding dogs and they will not breed dogs if there is a possibility that the puppies will end up with inherited diseases.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog breeders

When getting a dog, the most important thing is to get it from a responsible and reputable Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog breeder.  Responsible breeders will breed dogs that don’t only look good but have great characters as well. You must find a good Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog breeder that can help you learn about this breed and make an informed choice about getting a dog with these characteristics. 

Buying a dog from a responsible breeder will cost you more money, but you can be sure you will get a healthy puppy. If you cannot buy a dog, we advise you to search for local animal shelters because there is a chance you can find Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in it.

World Dog Finder team