10/09/2025
Two Iconic Australian Breeds – But One Is at Risk of Being Forgotten
Australia is home to some legendary working dog breeds, two of which are the:
🐾 The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD)
🐾 The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (ASTCD)
Unfortunately, they are often mistaken for the same dog, and this confusion is putting one of them, the Stumpy, at serious risk of disappearing.
🔹 The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD)
Commonly known as the “Blue Heeler” or “Red Heeler.”
Has a full tail (though occasionally shorter, but never “stumpy” by design).
Stockier, slightly more compact in build.
Widely bred and recognised, both in Australia and internationally.
🔹 The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (ASTCD)
The older of the two breeds, developed for endurance and toughness.
Natural bob tail- it’s not docked, tailed puppies will still be produced even with 2 natural bobtail parents.
Squarer, leggier, and often more upright in stance.
Far rarer, with a much smaller gene pool.
Too often mistaken for a “tailless cattle dog” when in fact it’s its own distinct breed.
❗ Why It Matters
When the Stumpy is dismissed as “just a no-tail cattle dog,” its identity and heritage are erased.
The ASTCD has unique genetics and a similar, yet separate, history worth preserving.
With such a limited population, every litter counts.
Without awareness and support, this breed risks becoming nothing more than a memory in Australian dog history.
💡 How You Can Help
Learn the difference between the ACD and the ASTCD.
Share the story of the Stumpy – let others know it’s not just a tailless heeler.
Support responsible breeders who are working to preserve this rare, iconic Australian breed.
✨ Two breeds. Two stories. One history of grit, endurance, and partnership with Australians.
Let’s make sure the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog isn’t forgotten.
Duraedge Kennels
Sarah Hotter
