Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed ComparisonBoth Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Blue Healer are originated from Australia. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Blue Healer are of same height. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Blue Healer are having almost same weight. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Blue Healer has same life span. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Blue Healer has almost same litter size. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Blue Healer requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Australia
Australia
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 50 kg
94 - 111 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Stumpy, Stumpy Tail
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
speckled red- or speckled blue.
Blue mottled, Red mottled
Coat:
short to medium length, dense and straight
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian stumpy tail cattle dogThere is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the origin of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The breed was developed as a working dog to herd sheep and cattle, but there are quite a few theories about the development of the breed. It is agreed however, that the dog was developed in Australia and came about from crossing the Australian Dingo and British herding dogs.

Perhaps the most popular theory for the origin of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that the breed was developed by a man named Timmins, sheep drover and a cattle operating in New South Wales during the colonial period. Whatever the dog’s origins, it was in 1996 that the United Kennel Club, the 2nd largest dog registry in the world and the United States, granted full recognition to the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog as a member of the Herding Group. The breed’s name was changed to the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in 2002. Today he remains almost exclusively a tail-less working dog.

blue healerIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

Description

Naturally Tail-less

australian stumpy tail cattle dog puppy - descriptionAn interesting fact about the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that he is naturally tail-less so no tail docking has been required for this naturally bobtailed dog. He is medium-sized to large-sized with his most distinctive feature being the lack of a tail. The coat of the dog is short to medium length, dense and straight. Another interesting aspect is that the coat color is a speckled blue or speckled red.

A Well Proportioned Dog

Height of the dog is 46–51 centimetres at the withers the dog is normally squarely proportioned with long legs and pricked ears. The dog has no exaggerated features and what you see is what you get – a plain, hard-working dog which is fit and muscular. He is equally long from chest to rump as he is from the ground to the shoulder.

The muzzle of the dog is of average length, but fairly broad and the nose is always black. The dog is intelligent, alert and also mischievous and he makes a good pet. With proper socialization, he’ll get on well with children they know and who treat them with kindness. He is alert and makes a very good watchdog, being fairly territorial.

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

Characteristics

australian stumpy tail cattle dog dog - characteristicsThe Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a hardy dog, capable of hardships that would take its toll on other dog breeds. He is a wonderful athlete and if you’ve got him working with your livestock, he’ll tirelessly perform his duties – small wonder he is so valued in the Australian cattle industry.

Your Partner in Adventure

If you’re looking for a robust breed who will have all the energy needed to accompany you on all your adventures, he won’t disappoint. He is amazingly capable and always willing.

Caution with Small Children and other Pets

He’s a family dog and will be loving, devoted and loyal. Care should be taken with him around small children and other pets as he’s not to comfortable around them and he doesn’t tolerate strangers too well either. Train him and socialize him and you’ll have an amazing friend for life.

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

Health Problems

australian stumpy tail cattle dog puppies - health problemsThe Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is regarded as being an extremely healthy breed, and the average life expectancy of this breed is at least 14 to 15 years and older.

They don’t suffer with many genetically inherited conditions, but they are susceptible to

  1. hip dysplasia
  2. progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  3. cataracts

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

Caring The Pet

australian stumpy tail cattle dog dogs - caringThe beauty about the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that he is low to moderate maintenance. He will require a good weekly brushing as he can shed quite a bit when the season’s change and his new coat comes in. He is hypoallergenic.

Feeding

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog puppies will need 4 bowls of food over a 24 hour period Puppies from 6 months on can have 2 bowls a day. Speak to your vet about the best foods for your dog and ensure fresh, cool water is constantly available to your pet.

Don’t just feed your dog pellets continuously – mix in some raw meat and some cooked chicken and rice for variety and to ensure a shiny, glossy coat.

Plenty of Exercise

The Stumpy is a hugely energetic dog and he will become bored and frustrated if he doesn’t get plenty of exercise and games. Ball throwing, swimming, long walks and a run in the park will be important for the Stumpy that doesn’t live on a farm. Leaving him alone without exercise will lead to anti-social behaviour such as continuous barking, digging and chewing.

Vet Checks

Take your Stumpy to the vet if you suspect health problems. Certainly, when you buy a puppy, make sure that he has all his vaccinations. There are certain health problems that are more common in the Australian Cattle dog and you want to do whatever it takes to ensure your dog steers clear of them.

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Blue Healer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  29. Blue Healer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Blue Healer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  33. Blue Healer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Healer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Healer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Healer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Healer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Healer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Blue Healer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Blue Healer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Blue Healer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Blue Healer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Healer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Healer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Blue Healer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Blue Healer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Healer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Healer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Blue Healer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison