What makes the Australian Kelpie Unique?
A compact, robust, enthusiastic and tireless working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a couch dog or apartment existence. Their easy trainability and keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the Australian workforce. They are ready to respond immediately to any signal given by their masters, even from a great distance. They are good with children when they are raised with them from puppy hood and /or properly socialized.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches) Females – 43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 14 to 21 kg (30.9 to 46.3 pounds) Females – 14 to 21 kg (30.9 to 46.3 pounds) |
| Origin: | Australia |
| Life Span: | 12 – 15 Years |
| Colour: | Fawn, Black & Tan, Blue, Brown, Black, Chocolate |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 7 puppies |
Is the Australian Kelpie Right For You?
Australian Kelpies have great personalities, especially when they have “tasks” to accomplish or animals to herd. When the mood strikes, they may even herd people around—in a friendly way, of course. If you’re a jogger or long-distance runner, you’re in luck: Australian Kelpies have incredible stamina.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Energetic
- Loyal
- Friendly
- Eager
Characteristics
Learn About the Australian Kelpie
Description
General Description
The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he is tall, the Kelpie has a broad chest and firm hind quarters that contribute to his flexible, energized appearance. The head is long and narrow. The medium length tail is low set. The short, compact feet have well arched toes. The double coat consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and weather-repellent outer coat. Color possibilities include black and red, each with or without out tan; and fawn, chocolate and blue. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed’s working ability then their appearance.
Short History of the Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie (known since 1870) has a really interesting background. Many believe the Kelpie, because of its distinctive face and eyes, is the result of a Dingo crossed with a Border Collie. The Dingo is thought to be the ancestor of all dog breeds – the base stock. The name Kelpie actually comes from the water kelpie in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped.
Their actual origin is that they were developed from English North Country Collies of the Rutherford strain. Working dogs, they were imported to Australia in the late 19th century. Currently there are roughly 100,000 Kelpies in service in Australia. They have no limitations and can work reindeer, poultry, goats and cattle. Outstanding in obedience competitions.
This breed has actually been separated into two groups: the Show Kelpie and the Working Kelpie. The Show Kelpie is seen at conformation shows and has almost no herding instict. Working Kelpies are bred for their herding instincts.
Temperament
The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition and an almost inexhaustible energy, with marked loyalty and devotion to duty. It has a natural instinct and aptitude in the working of sheep, both in open country and in the yard. Any defect of structure or temperament foreign to a working dog must be regarded as uncharacteristic.
Caring for Your Australian Kelpie
General Health
Kelpies are a hardy breed with few health problems, but they are susceptible to disorders common to all breeds, like cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy and luxating patella. Current research is underway to find the genetic marker for cerebellar abiotrophy in the breed.
Deworming
Worm your Kelpie every three months with a good quality worming product – it is always a good idea to discuss worming, heartworm and flea rinses with your own vet.
Feeding
Feed your Kelpie a balanced diet of fresh meat, bones, chicken and a quality dry food and even try fresh fruit and vegetables in the blender. Also a dessert spoon of fresh yoghurt each day on their food is very good for them. If your dog cannot eat bones then try giving them a whole carrot or an apple to chew.
Grooming & Bathing
The Kelpie coat is a double coat with a short dense undercoat. As with all dogs they need to be brushed and bathed regularly. Kelpies have two good coat drops each year – Summer and Winter. To groom your Kelpie regularly will keep their coat in top condition and will remove any dead hair. A good quality shampoo, with a flea rinse if required, will keep the coat healthy.
Exercise & Training
The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. Their energy levels are extremely high!! They are workaholics and will run until they drop!! They need to be taken on long daily walks. Makes an excellent jogging companion. Do not allow this dog to walk ahead of you on the walks. He needs to be beside or behind you to re-enforce the human is alpha.
Australian Kelpie Picture Gallery
