Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is an extremely hardworking herding dog, used primarily in Australia for herding sheep. Its appearance is similar to that of the German Shepherd, but more compact and its head shape is reminiscent of a fox. They are medium-sized, weighing around 15 to 20 kg and measuring 43 to 51 cm at the withers. Their short coat allows them to sleep outside, which is possible in Australia due to the mild winters.
Content: Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpie - Profile
- Character: Fearless, Attentive, Obedient
- Size: Medium
- Height: 43-51 cm
- Weight: 14-21 kg
- Life expectancy: 10-13 years
- Coat type: Short hair
- Colors: Black, Fawn, Tan, Red, Brown, Smoke Blue
- FCI Group: Herding and Cattle Dogs
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Australian Kelpie - Special Characteristics
Even though herding is no longer the main focus of Australian Kelpie breeding, this breed of dog remains one of the most agile and active four-legged friends there is. This must also be taken into account when keeping them, because if they are not given enough activity and exercise, this can have negative consequences for the dog's psyche. Like all herding dogs, the Australian Kelpie needs to be fully occupied. If this is not possible as a herding dog, dog sports such as agility are a good option. This dog, which loves children, also makes a very good family dog, but it does need consistent and experienced training.
Since Australian Kelpies are very territorial and like to bark, they are also good watchdogs. Because of this and their strong need for exercise, they are unfortunately not suitable for a city apartment with lots of neighbors.
Nowadays, more attention is paid to the breed's athleticism and health, and its abilities mean it can be seen more and more often at dog sporting events. It enjoys almost all dog sports. It is also used as a rescue dog or tracking dog, although its abilities in this respect do not compare to those of bloodhounds .
Australian Kelpie - What should you consider when feeding it?
Australian Kelpies are competitive athletes. Accordingly, they need a balanced, rich and healthy diet. In the Australian outback, it was and is common to feed raw meat , which the Kelpie naturally has no problems with. But of course they can also be fed dry or wet food , adjusted to their age, activity and weight, of course. A high meat content and little to no grain is a good idea. Beef or pork bones are good for dental health, but never cooked bones or bones from chicken, lamb or rabbit, as these can splinter when chewed and cause serious injuries! To keep your dog healthy, there should always be enough water available, even on longer hikes.
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Australian Kelpie - Health and Care
Since the Australian Kelpie is a very robust dog, it does not need any more care than other dogs. Its fur only needs to be occasionally brushed to remove dirt. There is nothing wrong with a shower now and then, but you should only use dog shampoo. If the Australian Kelpie does not get enough exercise and its claws do not wear down on their own, the claws must also be trimmed. The ears must be clean and therefore must be checked regularly.
However, the paws and paw pads are much more important for such a long-distance runner. These should ideally be checked after every long walk. Paw balm can be a sensible investment here. Of course, some form of dental care is also part of it, for example with chews or dental care products for dogs. In order to take the fear out of parasites such as worms, ticks or other diseases in dogs, preventative measures should be taken. You should seek advice from your veterinarian here.
Australian Kelpie - Origin & History
As the name of the Australian Kelpie suggests, its not yet fully researched history is connected to Australia - but also to Great Britain, because it was a Scottish immigrant family called Rutherford who brought their collies with them around 1870.
At this time, a lot of new land was being acquired in Australia and used primarily for sheep farming. Properties that covered millions of hectares of land were almost impossible to tend to sheep without good dogs. As a collie bitch belonging to the Rutherford family won awards at herding dog competitions, this breed became increasingly popular. The collies from Scotland became so popular due to their good herding ability that a new breed of dog was developed. Named after Rutherford's collie bitch, Kelpie.
Over the decades, the Australian Kelpie's appearance changed due to crossbreeding with other British sheepdogs. While it was initially long-haired and similar to a collie, today it has short black fur and upright, pointed ears.
Conclusion
Anyone who gets an Australian Kelpie should not be afraid of exercise. Long walks or hikes should be part of their daily routine. They also need consistent training - ideally from experienced dog owners or with intensive puppy school. Once they have been trained, the Australian Kelpie can become a child-friendly friend of the family if given enough exercise, such as dog sports.
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