Turnspit Dog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is originated from Australia but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Turnspit Dog. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Turnspit Dog has same life span. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Turnspit Dog has almost same litter size. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 50 kg
94 - 111 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 4
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Stumpy, Stumpy Tail
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
speckled red- or speckled blue.
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
short to medium length, dense and straight
Shortish
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

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.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

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.

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

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

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

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.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turnspit Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Turnspit Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Turnspit Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  26. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison