Description of a Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

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.

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). 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. 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.