Australian Kelpie Dog Breed: Pictures, Info and Care Guide
Are you on the search for a loyal, intelligent and energetic friend?
Look no further than the Australian Kelpie – a herding breed that is as smart as they come!
Read on to learn all about this striking breed, from its incredible agility and skilfulness to its deep bond with human owners.
Overview of the Australian Kelpie
| UTILISATION | Sheep dog |
| FCI-CLASSIFICATION | Sheep and cattle dogs |
| BREED GROUP | Herding |
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Australia |
| HEIGHT | Males: 46-51 cms (approx. 18-20 ins) at withers. Females: 43-48 cms (approx. 17-19 ins) at withers. |
| WEIGHT | 15–22 kg (35-50 pounds) |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12-15 years |
| TEMPERAMENT | Alert, loyal, intelligent |
| INTELLIGENCE | High |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Regularly |
| DROOL AMOUNT | Low |
| EXERCISE AMOUNT | High |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Very high |
| BARKING LEVEL | Occasional |
| TRAINABILITY | Easy |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | Short and dense, which helps protect them from the harsh elements they may encounter while working outdoors. |
| COLORS | Primarily black, red, and chocolate, but can sometimes be fawn or blue. |
| SUMMARY | Very affectionate with family. Pretty good with kids and great with other dogs. Tolerates both (some) cold and hot weather. Very healthy and easy to groom. Not very friendly toward strangers. Isn’t adapted to apartment living. Not dog for first time dog owners. |
About the Australian Kelpie
Appearance
These dogs have a medium-sized, athletic build that is designed for endurance and agility.
They have a muscular body with a deep chest, strong legs, and a well-proportioned head.
The eyes of the Australian Kelpie are typically almond-shaped and come in shades of brown, blue, or amber.
Size
Males typically stand between 46-51 cms (approx. 18-20 ins) at withers, while females stand between 43-48 cms (approx. 17-19 ins) at withers.
Weight-wise, Australian Kelpies range from 15–22 kg/35-50 pounds.
Coat and color
The coat of the Australian Kelpie is short and dense, which helps protect them from the harsh elements they may encounter while working outdoors.
The most common colors are black, red, and chocolate, but other colors such as fawn and blue are also possible.
Kelpies may have white markings on their chest, feet, and tail tip, but this is not always the case.
Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent, active, loyal and loving companion dog.
They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners.
They are known for being alert, confident and attentive dogs who love having a job to do, making them great working dogs with amazing stamina.
The Australian Kelpie will get along well with other animals if they’re properly introduced – they’re never shy or aggressive towards them.
However, they can be territorial if their owners don’t properly train them or give them the exercise they crave regularly.
Owners’ caring expectations
Grooming
Their short, dense coat requires regular brushing to keep it clean and healthy.
Bathing should be done only when necessary, as frequent baths can strip the natural oils from their coat.
Kelpies should also have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long.
Training
Australian Kelpies are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them excellent candidates for training.
They excel in obedience, agility, and herding competitions, but they can also be trained for other activities such as search and rescue.
Owners should use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and treats to motivate their Kelpie during training sessions.
Activity and Exercise Needs
These dogs are natural athletes and require plenty of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
They should be provided with daily opportunities for exercise and play, such as long walks, runs, or hikes. Kelpies also benefit from having access to a large, fenced-in yard where they can run and play.
Nutrition
A balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is essential for maintaining their health and energy level.
Owners should feed their Kelpie a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
It’s also important to monitor their weight and adjust their feeding accordingly to prevent obesity.
Health and lifespan
Lifespan
The Australian Kelpie has a life expectancy of around 12-15 years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds of similar size.
Common health problems
Like all dogs, Kelpies are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues that may affect Kelpies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.
Regular vet check-ups and preventative care can help detect and manage these health issues early on.
History
The Australian Kelpie breed was developed in the late 1800s by a Scottish immigrant named Jack Gleeson.
He wanted to create a dog that was capable of working in the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
Gleeson crossed a variety of British sheepdogs with native Dingoes to create a breed that was tough, agile, and able to adapt to the Australian environment.
The breed was named after the Kelpie, a mythological water spirit from Celtic folklore.
Conclusion
The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent and versatile breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
They make great family dogs for active households that are able to provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.
With proper care and training, the Australian Kelpie can be a loyal and loving companion for many years.
If you’re considering adding an Australian Kelpie to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs?
Yes, Australian Kelpies can make great family dogs. They are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate with their owners. However, they do require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so families who are unable to provide these things may want to consider a different breed.
Are Kelpies aggressive?
No, Kelpies are not typically aggressive dogs. However, like all dogs, they may display aggression if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened.
What 2 dogs make a Kelpie?
The Australian Kelpie breed was developed from a variety of British sheepdogs and native Dingoes.
Can Kelpies be house dogs?
Yes, Kelpies can adapt to living in a house as long as they are provided with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They may become bored or destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
Can Australian Kelpies be left alone?
Like all dogs, Kelpies should not be left alone for extended periods of time. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Do Kelpies shed a lot?
Yes, Kelpies do shed, but their short, dense coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing.
What is the lifespan of a Kelpie?
The lifespan of an Australian Kelpie is around 12-15 years.
What is a Kelpie weakness?
Kelpies can be stubborn and independent, which can make training challenging for some owners. They also require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
What problems do Kelpies have?
Common health problems that may affect Kelpies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.
Where should a Kelpie sleep?
Kelpies can sleep anywhere in the house as long as they have a comfortable place to rest.
How long can you leave a Kelpie alone?
Kelpies should not be left alone for extended periods of time. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
How often do Kelpies need to be walked?
Kelpies require at least one hour of exercise per day, which can be achieved through long walks, runs, or hikes.
How much do Australian Kelpies cost?
The cost of an Australian Kelpie can vary depending on factors such as age, breeding, and location. On average, Kelpies can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
What is a Kelpie dog good at?
Kelpies are highly intelligent and versatile working dogs. They excel at herding and are often used to manage livestock such as sheep and cattle. They are also used in various dog sports and activities such as obedience, agility, and flyball.
