Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie originated in Australia where it was bred to herd sheep, goats and cattle. These dogs are known by several nicknames including Farmer dogs, Australian Sheepdogs, Kelpies, Australischer Kelpies and Black Barbs. This is a medium-sized breed that is happiest when it is kept busy outdoors. The dogs we know as Australian Kelpies today have been around since about 1870. This was when the sheep and wool industry was booming in Australia, and ranchers needed sturdy dogs that could handle their sheep and withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the country. Kelpies are thought to be descendants of a British herding dog known as the Coley, which may have also contributed to the development of such breeds as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and English Shepherds. They were brought to the U.S. about a century ago where they were often used to herd livestock. Kelpies are recognized by the United Kennel Club and the North American Australian Kelpie Registry. Since these dogs have strong herding and working instincts, they are rarely seen as household pets. Today, breeders are working hard to preserve the dog's working abilities, temperament and overall health.

As stated above, the Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that can weigh anywhere from 31 to 44 pounds fully grown. These are short-haired dogs that can come in various colors including black, red, cream, blue, black and tan, red and tan, or blue and tan. This is a lean dog with large prick ears and a long tail.

Personality

The Australian Kelpie is a lively dog with lots of energy to spare. If you choose to bring one of these dogs into your home, you will want to be sure to keep it busy. Kelpies do best when they have a job to do and a lot of room for them to run and play. Kelpies are working dogs at heart and require a lot of exercise. They can get bored quite easily and can become destructive if they are not allowed to run. As such, they do not generally make good household pets. They do best when they have some type of job to do such as herding, agility or obedience.

Breed Characteristics

Australian Kelpie Build Information

As stated above, the Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that can weigh anywhere from 31 to 44 pounds fully grown. These are short-haired dogs that can come in various colors including black, red, cream, blue, black and tan, red and tan, or blue and tan. This is a lean dog with large prick ears and a long tail.

Behaviour and Personality

The Australian Kelpie is a lively dog with lots of energy to spare. If you choose to bring one of these dogs into your home, you will want to be sure to keep it busy. Kelpies do best when they have a job to do and a lot of room for them to run and play. Kelpies are working dogs at heart and require a lot of exercise. They can get bored quite easily and can become destructive if they are not allowed to run. As such, they do not generally make good household pets. They do best when they have some type of job to do such as herding, agility or obedience.

Appearance

Kelpies are extremely easy to groom requiring only an occasional brushing and bathing. However, you will not want to bathe the Kelpie too often as an excessive amount of soap can strip away the dog's natural weatherproofing abilities. Nevertheless, you should clean your pet's ears and teeth regularly and trim its nails when necessary.

Australian Kelpie Common Health Conditions

The Australian Kelpie is generally a healthy dog that can live as long as 14 years old. However, just as with many other breeds, there are a few health problems that Kelpies can be prone to developing. This includes hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, progressive retinal atrophy, cryptorchidism and cerebellar abiotrophy.

Australian Kelpie Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The city of Ardlethan in New South Wales is known as the Home of the Kelpie. Australian Kelpies have been used for many purposes including herding, search and rescue, therapy dogs, drug detection, and assistance dogs. Kelpies excel in a variety of sports including agility, tracking, flyball, obedience and Frisbee competitions.