During the 1950s administrative decisions[clarification needed] taken by the Canine Control Council (Queensland), and consequent legal proceedings, threatened the future of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog as an exhibited breed.

[1] The success of the scheme, to which Iris Heale gave active support, is evident in the growing popularity of the breed.

[citation needed] The name was changed to Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in 2001[9] and in 2003 the breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

The ANKC standard asks for "a well proportioned working dog, rather square in profile with a hard-bitten, rugged appearance".

[10] The ideal temperament of the Stumpy is described in the breed standard as alert and watchful, as well as responsive to its owner and reserved around strangers.

[11] Stumpies may compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, frisbee and herding events.