Australian Kelpie

Other names/Nicknames:
  • Barb
Country/Date of Origin:
  • Australia
  • 1800′s
Height:
  • 17 to 20 inches
Weight:
  • 25 to 45 pounds
Personality:
  • A sheepdog’s intelligence.
  • The Kelpie is more difficult to control than the other English sheepdog breeds.
  • A strong, eye herder, the Kelpie almost hypnotizes the sheep into doing what it wants.
  • Does not make a good house dog.  This animal has too much energy to be cooped up.
  • It is a country dog.
History:

The Kelpie is named for the foundation bitch of the breed, an animal of English bloodlines that was sent to Australia.  There is no doubt an infusion of other working stock dog blood and perhaps a bit of Dingo created a dog that was perfectly suited to the harsh, dry conditions of Australia and mountainous, wet climate of New Zealand.  The breed was first exhibited in 1908.  It has been shown sparingly in the United States, although it has not achieved full recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC).  It can be shown in the Miscellaneous class, but not for championship points.

Body Type:
  • A lean, compact, herding dog of medium size with a fox-like face.
  • The medium-length tail is set low.  It is not altered.
  • The ears are naturally erect.
Coat:
  • Tough, weather-resistant outercoat and a short, dense undercoat that lies close to the body.
  • Permissible colors are red, red-and-tan, black, black-and-tan, chocolate, fawn, and smoke blue.
  • Moderate grooming required.
Health and Wellness:
  • Generally robust, as are most working stock dogs that have not been bred for show purposes.
What you should know:
  • A rare breed in the United States.
  • Puppies will be very difficult, if not impossible, to find.
Call Us