Kelpie

Other names: Australian Kelpie, Australian Kelpie

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Hair type	Short
Origin	Australia
Template	Average
Head shape	Long

Weight and size
Sex	Weight	Cut
Female	From 11 kg to 20 kg	From 43 cm to 48 cm
Male	From 13 kg to 22 kg	From 46 cm to 51 cm

History of the breed

The Kelpie breed was developed by Australian sheep farmers in New South Wales who had large herds and roamed over large areas. They needed a dog capable of handling such flocks on such large plots. They also sought resistance to the harsh climatic conditions characterizing this region, the ability to work on difficult terrain and endurance. Qualities that the Kelpie has always known how to promote to shepherds.

As for his distant origins, it seems that he descended from dogs brought by Scots to Australian soil. It is probably the result of a cross between the Short-haired Collie and the Dingo (Australian wild dog). The Kelpie breed was definitively recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) on September 3, 1973.

Kelpie Pictures

See all photos of Kelpie from Woopets members

Physical features

His hair: short, tight, hard, lying flat, longer on the tail, around the neck (collar), under the body and at the back of the limbs, forming a kind of panties near the thigh. Shorter on the head and the anterior part of the limbs. The outer coat is associated with a dense and short undercoat.
Its color: unicolour (black, red, fawn, chocolate and smoke blue) or two-tone (black and tan or red and tan).
His head: proportioned to the size of the body, producing an expression close to that of a fox. The skull is slightly rounded and broad. The stop is pronounced. The color of the nose matches that of the coat, the muzzle is clearly defined, the lips tight and the cheeks rounded.
His ears: set wide apart, of moderate length, erect, ending in fine points.
His eyes: medium large, almond-shaped, with well-defined corners, brown in color in accordance with that of the dress, displaying an intelligent and lively expression.
Its body: writable in a rectangle, longer than the height at the withers. The topline is firm and horizontal, the loin strong and well-developed musculature, the sides well let down, the croup rather long and sloping, the chest higher than wide and the ribs well sprung.
Its tail: hanging and slightly curved at rest, carried higher when the dog is awake, but without exceeding the level of its attachment. Covered with a well-stocked hair (brush).

Behavior and character

Behavior with others

The Kelpie is an energetic and very active dog. An indefatigable worker, animated by an extraordinary spirit, independent, loyal and devoted , he is a partner of choice for sheep farmers, whose herds he keeps and leads with natural ease. In family, he is gentle and obedient . The Kelpie is also used as a show dog.

The Kelpie
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Education

Known to be easy to educate , the Kelpie loves to learn and is constantly looking to please his owner . As long as his education and socialization are undertaken from an early age, he can only be a balanced dog and pleasant company. It is essential to apprehend it with a good balance between firmness and softness.

Living conditions

The Kelpie is made to live in large spaces and should be given a lot of freedom. A house with a fenced garden with the possibility of being walked frequently and for a long time will therefore suit him perfectly. He will have more difficulty adjusting to living in an apartment.

Health

The Kelpie is a rustic, robust and very resistant dog. Thanks to its double coat, it tolerates the harshness of the climate quite well. There is no particular predisposition to any disease in this breed.

To guard against these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends Kelpie dog insurance .

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Life expectancy

Maintenance and hygiene

The Kelpie remains subject to 2 seasonal moults giving rise to significant hair loss. For the rest, it is a very easy dog to maintain and which requires only basic, but regular care.

It is recommended to brush the dog once or twice a week outside of the moulting period. During the latter, brushing becomes daily to rid her dress of the many dead hairs.

Price and budget

No name is currently proposed. Use our tool to find your Kelpie’s name!

Physical activity

The Kelpie is essentially an active dog. He needs to exert himself , to let express his will to work on his flexibility . In addition to long daily walks, it is therefore recommended to allow him to engage in agility or obedience activities.

Competitions

Others