Breed
Standard Australian National Kennel Council 1988
Country of Origin
- Australia Amended 10/01 - Name changed effective 1.1.2002
GENERAL APPEARANCE - Shall be that of a well proportioned working dog,
rather square in profile with a hard-bitten, rugged appearance, and sufficient
substance to convey the impression of the ability to endure long periods of arduous
work under whatsoever conditions may prevail. CHARACTERISTICS - The "Stumpy"
possesses a natural aptitude in the working and control of cattle, and a loyal,
courageous and devoted disposition. It is ever alert, watchful and obedient, though
suspicious of strangers. At all times it must be amenable to handling in the Show
ring. TEMPERAMENT - (See under characteristics) HEAD AND SKULL -
The skull is broad between the ears and flat, narrowing slightly to the eyes with
a slight but definite stop. Cheeks are muscular without coarseness. The foreface
is of moderate length, well filled up under the eye, the deep powerful jaws tapering
to a blunt strong muzzle. Nose black, irrespective of the colour of the dog. EYES
- The eyes should be oval in shape, of moderate size, neither full nor prominent,
with alert and intelligent yet suspicious expression, and of dark brown colour.
EARS - The ears are moderately small, pricked and almost pointed. Set on
high yet well apart. Leather moderately thick. Inside the ear should be well furnished
with hair. MOUTH - The teeth are strong, sound and regularly spaced. The
lower incisors close behind and just touching the upper. Not to be undershot or
overshot. NECK - The neck is of exceptional strength, sinuous, muscular
and of medium length, broadening to blend into the body, free from throatiness.
FOREQUARTERS - The shoulders are clean, muscular and sloping with elbows
parallel to the body. The forelegs are well boned and muscular. Viewed from any
angle they are perfectly straight. BODY - The length of the body from the
point of the breast-bone to the buttocks should be equal to the height of the
withers. The back is level, broad and strong with deep and muscular loins, the
well sprung ribs tapering, to a deep moderately broad chest. HINDQUARTERS
- The hindquarters are broad, powerful and muscular, with well developed thighs,
stifles moderately turned. Hocks are strong, moderately let down with sufficient
bend. When viewed from behind the hind legs from hock to feet are straight, and
placed neither close not too wide apart. FEET - The feet should be round,
strong, deep in pads with well arched toes, closely knit. Nails strong, short
and of dark colour. TAIL - The tail is undocked, of a natural length not
exceeding four inches, set on high but not carried much above the level of the
back. GAIT/MOVEMENT - Soundness is of paramount importance. The action
is true, free, supple and tireless, the movement of the shoulders and forelegs
in unison with the powerful thrust of the hindquarters. Capability of quick and
sudden movement is essential. Stiltiness, cow or bow hocks, loaded or slack shoulders
or straight shoulder placement, weakness at elbows, pasterns or feet, must be
regarded as serious faults. COAT - The outer coat is moderately short,
straight, dense and of medium harsh texture. The undercoat is short, dense and
soft. The coat around the neck is longer, forming mild ruff. The hair on the head,
legs and feet, is short. COLOUR -
Blue - The dog should be blue or
blue mottled, whole coloured. The head may have black markings. Black markings
on the body are permissible.
Red Speckle - The colour should be a good even
red speckle all over, including the undercoat (not white or cream), with or without
darker, red markings on the head. Red patches on the body are permissible. SIZE
-
Height: Dogs 46-51 cms (18-20 ins) at withers
Bitches 43-48 cms (17-19
ins) at withers
Dogs or bitches over or under these specified sizes are undesirable.
FAULTS - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a
fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree. NOTE - Male animals should have two apparently
normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Working Dog Group
- A.N.K.C. © January 1998
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