Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle

The Dingo is thought to have arrived in Australia via Chinese ships. These dogs are thought to have been domesticated wolves and were more than willing to follow their masters to sea. The aboriginals of Australia saw great value in these wolf-like dogs and used them for hunting. Eventually, the breed was given the name Dingo. The British arrived in Australia in 1788 to establish a penal colony near Botany Bay that would eventually be named Sydney. Sheep and cattle were also brought into Australia and various herding dogs were also brought. One breed that was brought into the country was the Smithfield, an English herding dog that was large, well-muscled and bobtailed. The Smithfield was eventually bred to the Dingo to create a dog that was able to handle the vast, rough terrain of Australia’s outback. These cross-bred dogs were then bred to blue merle Collies. This mix became the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Most sheep herders in Australia were not totally enamored with the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and he was never a very popular breed. His disposition was more suited to working larger livestock. The breed sharply dwindled in the mid-1980s. There were a few very dedicated lovers of the breed who worked together to create a new breeding program. The number of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs in Australia has rebounded somewhat but he is still not a very popular breed. Outside of Australia, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is virtually unknown. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was officially recognized by the Australian National Kennel Club in 1988. The United Kennel Club, despite his rarity, recognized him in 1996.