Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. A food formulated for all life stages works well, as does one made for active breeds. Because these dogs are so active, feeding amounts vary with daily activity level, and a high-energy feed with non-GMO grains suits them. Transitioning from puppy food to adult food is not strictly necessary.

Most adult Stumpies eat two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Free feeding works as long as the dog does not gain weight. Puppies have a higher metabolism and may need three or four meals a day, so ask your vet to help set the schedule.

To decide how much to feed, do two things:

• Check the nutrition label on the food bag for a general calorie guide based on your dog's weight.
• Talk to your veterinarian for a personalized recommendation based on weight, body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs.

Though these highly active dogs are not known for being overweight, portion food with a measuring cup and keep treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories so you do not overfeed. A Stumpy should get all the nutrients it needs from a complete and balanced dog food. Even so, your veterinarian may recommend supplements, such as joint supplements, to manage specific health needs. Talk to your vet before adding anything new to your dog's diet.

Grooming needs are minimal. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush and a small-tooth comb keeps the short double coat in good condition, and you only need to bathe when the dog gets dirty. Facial whiskers do not need to be removed.

Shedding picks up in spring and fall during the semi-annual shedding seasons. Daily brushing through these stretches helps remove the dead undercoat and limit loose hair around the house.

The breed has fast-growing nails that may need almost-weekly trimming to keep them from becoming overgrown and sharp. If your Stumpy spends a lot of time outdoors, check regularly for burrs and debris that can lodge in the fur, and scan the skin for ticks even with year-round flea and tick prevention.

Stumpies are not prone to ear problems, but call your vet if you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, and ask whether you should clean the ears and which cleaner to use. Watch the eyes for redness or changes in vision. Like all breeds, Stumpies benefit from regular dental care, so start a routine of at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings to support good oral hygiene throughout their lives.

The Stumpy has a very high energy level and needs daily exercise, a secure place to run, and mind-stimulating work. With high stamina, this breed can work stock all day in the tough conditions it was developed for. In the absence of a herding job, it still needs regular, high-intensity activity.

Long walks or runs, trips to the dog park, swimming, and hiking all let these dogs show off their endurance. They are intelligent and excel in herding, agility, rally, competitive obedience, and other dog sports. Puzzle toys and new tricks help satisfy their near-constant need for physical and mental stimulation. Bored, lonely Stumpies with energy to spare are more likely to chew and bark.

Keep all outdoor exercise on a leash or within a securely fenced area. Otherwise your Stumpy may follow its working and herding instincts into danger.

Prospective owners need time for daily mental and physical exercise, secure outdoor handling, close companionship, and veterinary care over a lifespan of 15 years or more.

Stumpies train easily with reward-based methods. Stumpies solve problems, learn readily, and benefit from varied mental challenges. Keep sessions short and fun, but not repetitive, and lean on consistent positive reinforcement. Training also gives your dog mental enrichment and exercise.

Socialization is essential to temper their territorial instincts. Begin socializing and training your puppy as soon as you bring it home by introducing it to new animals, people, environments, activities, and objects, so it feels more comfortable in new situations throughout life. Ask your vet for age-appropriate socialization and training ideas.

Temperament ranges from people-friendly to a bit wary of strangers, and Stumpies are great with the people they know. They can act as a watchdog and alert you to strangers nearing the property. They tend to do best with older children who can safely interact with such a fearless, high-energy dog, and in homes where they can be the only dog, since they can be wary of other dogs.