Mary Allen
The Australian Kelpie is considered to be very gentle and easy to handle. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the Australian Kelpie dog breed in the profile.
As the name suggests, the Australian Kelpie originated in Australia. There he was and is used in the large flocks of sheep. This breed has its origin in the Scottish Collies, which were used for breeding. The name Kelpie comes from a bitch of the new breed winning a herding competition in 1872. Her name was Kelpie – and so the shepherd breed was named after her. Her puppies from this foundation mother were considered to be in great demand. Breed experts assume that different herding dogs were crossed in the beginning. However, mating with dingoes is excluded.
General Appearance
The Australian Kelpie is a muscular, agile, agile, medium-sized dog that comes in black, black-tan, red, red-tan, chocolate brown or smokey blue. Its head, which is in proportion to its build, has something fox-like about it. The eyes are almond-shaped, the muzzle drew and chiseled. The tail hangs down in a slight arc when at rest, carries a brush, and is allowed to rise when active.
Behavior and temperament
Lively and agile, confident and energetic, spirited and fearless, the Australian Kelpie is an incorruptible guardian who is at times wary of strangers. He learns with joy and willingness. He has a pronounced willingness to bark.
Need for employment and physical activity
The Australian Kelpie is a real bundle of energy and is also very attentive and intelligent. Herding is in his blood, he has an extremely strong instinct to herd, which the medium-sized dog should also pursue. If you want to keep the Kelpie as a family dog, it needs intensive activity, for example in dog sports.
Upbringing
The Australian Kelpie is considered to be very gentle and easy to handle. He is loyal and devoted to his pack, which doesn’t mean he doesn’t need consistent training. If this is done correctly, he is usually very obedient.
Maintenance
The Kelpie has stock hair with a short, dense undercoat. The topcoat is dense, the hair hard and straight, and lies flat so that the coat protects against rain. Regular brushing is necessary, a great deal of care is not necessary.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
GPRA (generalized progressive retinal atrophy), color mutant alopecia.
Did you know?
The Australian Kelpie is a herding dog through and through. When working with sheep, he often has to overtake the animals – then he simply walks on their backs.