Australian Kelpie

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Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Australian Kelpie Breed Information

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized

Weight: 25-45 lbs

Height: Males: 17-20; Females: 17-20 inches

Color(s): Red, red and chestnut, black, black and chestnut, tan, blue-gray, dark chestnut

Overview

Developed in Australia in 1870, the Australian Kelpie is an outstanding breed noted for their strong natural guarding and herding instincts. They are capable of working poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, and reindeer. They are the most popular breed in their native Australia and are revered in several other countries as well.

Character

This breed possesses keen senses and an alert expression. Australian Kelpie's are extremely agile and have an inexhaustible supply of energy. The Australian Kelpie is considered to be the best performing medium-sized sheepdog. Despite their size and their compact and muscular body, they are versatile, capable, and without limitation.

Temperament

The Australian Kelpie is a loyal companion. They are mild mannered at home and intense when at work. This breed is rarely affectionate and typically bonds to one person. They are highly devoted and friendly to their master. Australian Kelpie's do well with children they have been raised with and will herd other dogs, pets, and animals. The Australian Kelpie is not aggressive but will guard and protect his family and territory regardless of any risk to themselves.

Care

The Australian Kelpie breed requires occasional brushing. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary to prevent damage to the coat and skin. Dental hygiene is essential. This breed is prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Coat

The Australian Kelpie is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, hard, and weather-resistant. The under coat is dense and short. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

The Australian Kelpie is independent and highly intelligent. Early socialization is recommended. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training should be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Activity

Australian Kelpie's are not suited to apartment or city dwelling. They require a rural setting in an active environment. The Australian Kelpie thrives on an inordinate amount of exercise and a job to do. If they become bored they become destructive.

Ask a Question Australian Kelpie Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Can the Australian Keplie survive the weather in the Philippines?

Anonymous - 5/9/2012 9:29:15 AM

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QUESTION: Do Kelpies usally come when called? Are they good off-leash pets? Do they make good therapy dogs?

Anonymous - 4/19/2012 9:53:06 AM

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QUESTION: what is the biggest a kelpie can get?

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 2:37:34 AM

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QUESTION: As a breed, are Kelpies capable of climbing trees? My girl treed a squirrel in our yard the other day and proceeded to leap up the trunk of the tree, clinch the trunk and then started shimmying up after the squirrel. She had made it up a good four or five feet before she gave up and jumped back down. From what I have read, I understand that a number of Kelpies end up being crossbred with Dingoes, either intentionally or through happenstance. I also know they are one of the few breeds that can climb trees. It made me wonder if the one I have now may be from a line that has dingo in it?

BRGorham - 8/14/2011 3:49:40 AM

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QUESTION: Hello all, I just adopted a 3 yo. female Kelpie/Boxer mix from the Dumb Friends league and I have a few questions. First, I keep seeing that the Kelpie shouldn't be a city dog. I am giving her long, brisk walks twice a day though. Is this enough activity or should I see about getting a hold of the shelter and finding a more appropriate home for her. I've become very fond of her, but I also want what is best for the dog.

BRGorham - 8/14/2011 3:48:36 AM

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You can NEVER work this dog breed hard enough. I have on many occasions taken mine on walks with him always wanting to go faster so a couple times I took him out on my bike so he can full out run his heart out both times he did not stop till his poor paws started to bleed so I would drop my bike and carry him home. Then once we would get home he would want to do it all over again. Nothing thrills this dog more then a good tennis ball for hours on end or sleeping with you. But the second you open the door it is game on to him. I recommend a dog park with a tennis ball and and those slings to throw it far and fast. If you can not do that he is content in the house and will FIND something to have you throw even a little piece of plastic as you watch TV and will give you the look of 'Well, you see that nearly invisible plastic? You should throw it!'

Anonymous - 12/30/2011 6:13:52 AM

QUESTION: Can an australian kelpie have floppy ears? I'm trying to figure out what my dog is she has these makings and colors. She is extremely fast and territorial and she weighs about 50 lbs. Any ideas? this breed is the closest I've come. Is it possible she's an australian kelpie mix?

Anonymous - 7/10/2011 12:17:57 PM

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I would think more Mountain Cur personally w/o a photo

Anonymous - 12/30/2011 6:18:34 AM

QUESTION: Does the Australian Kelpie shed?

Anonymous - 7/3/2011 8:28:28 PM

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All the sites I have read say the breed is either an "average" or "moderate" shedder. My Kelpie mix seems to shed on par with a German Shepherd I had growing up.

BRGorham - 8/14/2011 4:04:42 AM

QUESTION: Would an Australian Kelpie be happy living in a mobile home? Beause I am outside almost all the time, it would get plenty of exercise.

Anonymous - 5/16/2011 3:54:34 PM

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QUESTION: My husband and I were treveling down a backroad and found a 5 mo. old puppy that was going to freeze to death if the coyotes didn't get her. We picked her up and asked around about any one losing a female pup ,even checked the vets in area . Sugar has been a member of our family ever since. She is missing the tip of her tail which my 5mo old Rat Terrier bit off. Mostly hair..never bled. How can I find out her DNA,I am confused as to if she is ACD or Kelpie. She looks like small german shepard...had very thick double coat, black on top and whitish yellow or tan beneath. She has the tan markings like a Rottie her toes all have a black mark above the nail.

Anonymous - 5/4/2011 9:38:42 PM

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Most vets these days can have a DNA test taken. It's considered to be fairly accurate, though there is sometimes doubts even with a test. It also depends on how many breeds the testing company has in its database. If you decide to have one done do a little research into the different testing companies available and pick the one with the most comprehensive list.

BRGorham - 8/14/2011 3:58:11 AM

QUESTION: Can the Kelpie dog survive in a tropical climate specifically in places where they have more hot seasons than cold??..how much does it cost for the pup's if I buy one???

Anonymous - 3/18/2011 5:30:24 AM

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kelpies do well in heat but if working they need to be told when to stop and given opportunity to drink, they will literally run till they drop if working (have seen it with one working sheep - disturbing sight). in Australia pets can be sourced fairly cheaply but a working dog from proven stock can go for several thouand. Workers usually come with some training already .

Anonymous - 5/8/2011 7:18:48 AM

Yes! A Kelpie dog can survive in both hot & tropical climates, just as the german shepherd, they have similar characterics.

Anonymous - 4/21/2011 1:56:20 PM

QUESTION: We have a pup that has come from a sire who doesn't have papers, but his parents did, and from a dam that is also a purebred Australian Kelpie, but the pup's colour is black and white patches with the characteristic tan coloured eyebrows. Have we got a mixed breed, or is there a chance that it's a purebred black and white Kelpie? Thanks.

Anonymous - 9/26/2010 10:04:01 PM

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Kelpies have a mixed color group its not unusual for a mixed bag of pups from black to red ..i have a black barb all black with a white beard and chest ... bred him with a black and tan sim to profile pic got no full black and one brown one red from 6 pups ..so dont be too concerned about coloring just enjoy their ability

Anonymous - 1/29/2011 8:28:28 PM

If you are looking for Australian Kelpie puppies for sale from reputable Australian Kelpie breeders or to adopt an Australian Kelpie from an Australian Kelpie rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Australian Kelpie puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Australian Kelpie puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.