| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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The Australian Kelpie is a beautiful sheepdog, native from Australia.
The Australian Kelpie was born thanks to the cross between a Border Collie and an Australian Dingo. It is part of the shepherd dog family. It has a rather robust body, but well proportioned. It is a perfect breed to guide livestock because they are very lively and hardy, yet it is also suitable for family life, due to its incredible attachment to its owner.
If you are thinking of getting a Kelpie, this article could help you to learn more about it: its temperament, physical characteristics, tips on health, food, and grooming.
Australian Kelpie: Origins
- Nationality: Australia
- Recognized: FCI and KC
In the mid-19th century, many of the Scottish officers and soldiers decided to settle in Australia along with their own sheepdogs, the Border Collies, which probably mated with the “Dingo” (local dogs).
Thanks to this mating, the Australian Sheepdog was born and propagated. Today, there are three descendants:
- Australian Kelpies
- Australian Shepherds
- Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie: Temperament
Now let’s take an in-depth look at this breed of dog. We will consider all its aspects and in particular its relationship with humans, how it can be useful in everyday life and the types of care it needs.
Australian Kelpie’s Temperament
First of all, it is necessary to know that the Kelpie is not for everyone. Being a very energetic and practically tireless dog, it suffers if it remains non-active for a long time. That is why it is advisable to take it for walks frequently, and involve it in various activities, in which its bright, witty, and intelligent temperament can be noticed.
Lively, affectionate, and friendly, it needs to be attached to its owner. In addition, it shows total devotion to each member of the family. The Kelpie also has an excellent relationship with children. It is careful with them, even during playtime.
Another characteristic of this breed is that it does not show immediate affection and love to strangers. In fact, this dog remains indifferent when other people are close to it. What is more, it shows a fake shyness.
Australian Kelpie’s Character
As mentioned above, the Australian Kelpie is tireless and energetic. This makes it one of the best breeds for guiding herds. It is also a good idea to use it as a guard dog.
It is a perfect leader even with other four-legged friends, but it manages to be extremely friendly and playful at the same time.
It prefers playing, rather than with classic dog balls, with rags, sticks and even with clothes, such as slippers or socks. Kelpies loves water and, as you can imagine, they are excellent swimmers.
Australian Kelpie: Physical Characteristics
We will now describe the physical characteristics of this marvelous breed.
The Australian Kelpie is certainly not the slimmest 4-legged of all dog breeds, it is a rather robust breed, but it has a well-proportioned body at the same time. Its round skull is flattened between the two ears. The muzzle is somewhat narrow and long, while the ears are pointed and raised.
- Coat and color: The Kelpie’s coat is slightly short and quite thick. It has a remarkable dense undercoat. It obviously does not have a single color: A commonly recognized list of acceptable colors in the Australian Kelpie are black, chocolate brown, red, smoke blue, fawn, black and tan, and red and tan.
- Eyes: The eyes of the Australian Kelpie are medium-sized and almond-shaped, and although the standard color is brown, there may be variations if the dog has, for example, an ash-blue coat, the eyes will most likely be light.
- Size and weight: size varies according to the dog’s gender. Females are from 17 to 19 inches (43-48 cm) tall, while males are from 18 to 20 inches (46-51 cm) tall. The weight of an adult Kelpie can vary from 31 to 46 lbs (14-21 kg).
Australian Kelpie: Life Span, Health, and Food
If you want to adopt an Australian Kelpie, you’d better pay attention to the following useful information!
Where does he live better?
This canine breed can live happily in apartments; however, you should take it for walks regularly and let it do any kind of activity so that it does not get bored too much.
Food: Tips
Fortunately, the Kelpie is not a picky eater so you can feed it any dog food, controlling the amounts, of course.
Health and Breed-Typical Diseases
We did not find any typical breed-related diseases.
Life Span
On average, this breed has a life span of 13 years.
Tips and Grooming
A useful tip for future owners of this beautiful breed of dog is grooming its coat: As it is thick and not too short, it is necessary to brush it to avoid some insects and parasites.
Australian Kelpie: Breeders, Price, and Puppies for Sale
The price of a Kelpie puppy ranges from 800 to 1300 dollars, about 700-1100 English pounds. This breed is not very popular in South Africa, India, Canada, and part of Europe. As always, we advise you to contact only registered and certified establishments that grant the dog’s pedigree.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
