Frequently Asked Questions.

Is the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (ASTCD) a Blue Heeler?

No, the ASTCD is a distinctly different breed to an Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue or Red heeler. You might say they are cousins.
Did you cut off your dog’s tail?

No. This breed of dog has a gene that means puppies can be born with or without a tail. In Australia it is illegal to dock tails. To register these puppies in Queensland, a breeder must provide DNA evidence that a puppy has a Natural Bob Tail (NBT).
Do all Cattle Dogs bite?

No. However, the two breeds of Cattle dogs are bred to herd cattle and part of this breeding is that they will nip or ‘heel” at the legs of cattle. Young puppies will naturally do this, particularly when playing or excited. They can be trained not to do so, with firm boundaries, distraction, and redirection.
Do ASTCD come in any colour other than Blue or Red?

Yes they can. However, the Breed Standard is very clear that the only accepted colours are Red or Blue without Tan points. Colour genetics in this breed are complex, so there are puppies born that are a non-standard and therefore unacceptable colour. These colours include, but are not limited to Cream, Chocolate, Slate, Reds with a lot of blue on them and dogs born with Tan points. DNA testing for colour genetics in breeding dogs can be very important.
Do ASTCD need a big yard?

They have high exercise needs and are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large, fenced yard. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs have a life span of 12-13 years.
Do ASTCD bark a lot?

An Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog isn't known for barking a lot, which is always a plus if you have young kids or children sensitive to loud noises. However, they will bark to alert you if a stranger comes to your property. In Australia they are well known to be good guard dogs.
Are ASTCD a high maintenance breed?

No, they are not high maintenance. Bathe them as necessary, trim their nails once a month, give a meaty non-weight bearing bone for their teeth on a regular basis. This is not a breed prone to excessive drooling or doggy odour.
How old are your puppies when you sell them?

We do not place a puppy into a new home until it is a minimum of 8 weeks old, preferably 10 weeks old. This allows time for the puppy to grow and develop naturally without stress and have its first vaccination before it leaves our care.
What will I get with my puppy?

All dogs sold by us are accompanied with Dogs Australia Pedigree papers (see below). They are also vaccinated and checked by a veterinarian, wormed, micro-chipped for identification, DNA tested for Parentage, BAER tested for hearing and fully weaned onto solid food. We provide detailed puppy care information, a puppy pack and provide free advice at any time.
What are 'Pedigree Papers'?

This is layman's terms for the official Dogs Australia (previously Australian National Kennel Council- ANKC) Certificate of Registration and Pedigree. These 'papers' will show all the details of the dog including its date of birth, colour, sex, and breed. As well as a three-generation pedigree of the dog's ancestors. Official papers have the Dogs Australia seal on the top right corner and the FCI seal on the bottom right corner, as well as a date that the dog was registered, and the papers issued. If any of this information is missing, then the document may not be genuine. Many deceitful people will try and sell a dog that they claim is 'pedigree'. Unless you sight official papers, and the person is a registered breeder then they cannot honestly make this claim. Bottom line...do your homework and ask questions...only the breeder of a dog may apply for official papers.
What is the difference between limited registration and regular/mains registration?

Limited registration is for dogs sold as pets while regular or mains registration is for dogs sold specifically for showing and/or breeding. A dog on the limited register cannot have puppies from it registered and it cannot be shown. Limited register dogs can, however, still be entered in agility or obedience trials, which are the 'fun' dog sports. The breeder will elect which register each puppy is entered on.
Why is a pedigree dog from a registered breeder more expensive than a backyard bred dog?

Reputable experienced breeders invest considerable time, effort, and money to ensure that their dogs are given the best possible care and that they are using the best quality stock available, to breed with. They ensure that a puppy is given the best of everything. We do not make a profit from what we do...we do not factor our labour, time, and effort into the equation because we do what we do for the love of our dogs! We also health test our breeding stock and test all puppies hearing. Remember also that registered breeders must abide by a 'code of ethics', backyard breeders and puppy mills do not!
Do you have conditions on the placement of your puppies?

Yes, we require all clients to sign a Purchase Contract. This is to protect your rights to a healthy puppy, the puppy's rights to be well cared for and our rights as the breeder.