Australian Kelpie

Description

The Australian Kelpie has a muscular body with prominent limbs. It should have a length that is slightly longer than its height. The chest should be wide, and the body should feature large amounts of flexibility. The head of the Australian Kelpie should be long. The tail should have a moderate length, and the feet should be short.

This breed will have a double coat, and while the undercoat will be thick, the outer coat will be straight and equipped to protect the dog in adverse weather conditions.

The acceptable coat colors for the Australian Kelpie are blue, chocolate, or fawn, and tan may be present as well.

Also Known As

Australian Sheep Dog
Australischer Kelpie
Barb
Kelpie

Temperament

The Australian Kelpie is a dog that was bred to work. Because of this, they will feature extensive amounts of stamina. They are skilled when it comes to herding, and they are extremely popular. These dogs will function better with one person and are not good for families.

They are highly intelligent, and can easily be trained by their owners. They are quick to respond to commands that are given to them, even over long distances. They can behave well with children if they are properly trained while they are puppies. These dogs will naturally try to herd other animals. This is an independent breed that is known for working hard in hot weather.

Health Problems

These dogs are prone to developing Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and this disorder can cause them to become blind. Other than this, the Australian Kelpie is a healthy breed and will have a maximum life expectancy of 14 years.

Exercise

These active dogs were bred to work and can handle all the exercise that is given to them. These breeds have large amounts of energy and will work exceptionally hard. They should not be purchased by owners who are not energetic themselves. The Australian Kelpie will not function well in an apartment or small home. They must be able to move about in wide-open spaces. They can tolerate both hot weather and cold weather without a problem.

Special Grooming Needs

The people who first bred the Australian Kelpie did not place an emphasis on its appearance. Because of this, these dogs are simple to groom. Owners will simply want to make sure the coats are brushed on a regular basis. They should not be bathed too much, as this can remove important oils from their coat. The Australian Kelpie will shed a standard amount of fur.