Source: bing.comThe Australian Kelpie, also known simply as Kelpie, is a medium-sized dog breed originally bred in Australia for herding livestock. This highly intelligent and energetic breed has gained popularity not only in its home country but also in other parts of the world as a working dog, a sports companion, and a loyal family pet. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, highlights, history, size, personality, health, care, feed, and coat color of the Australian Kelpie, so you can decide if this breed is the right fit for you.
Breed Characteristics of Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a muscular and agile dog that typically weighs between 25 and 45 pounds and stands 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed comes in a variety of coat colors, including black, red, chocolate, fawn, blue, and cream, with or without tan or white markings. The Kelpie’s coat is short and dense, requiring minimal grooming.
One of the most distinctive features of the Australian Kelpie is its sharp and alert expression, reflecting its high intelligence and keen instincts. This breed is known for its intense focus, stamina, and drive, making it an excellent herding dog, agility competitor, and obedience performer. Kelpies are also loyal and protective of their families, although they may be reserved or aloof with strangers.
However, the Australian Kelpie is not a dog for everyone. This breed has a strong prey drive and may chase or nip at small animals, including cats. Kelpies also need ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. If you’re considering getting an Australian Kelpie, be prepared to provide plenty of physical and mental activities, such as hiking, running, playing fetch, and learning new tricks.
Highlights about Australian Kelpie
Here are some of the key highlights of the Australian Kelpie breed:
- The Australian Kelpie is a highly versatile and trainable dog that excels in various activities, including herding, agility, obedience, flyball, and dock diving.
- The breed’s name “Kelpie” is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “cailpeach,” which means “heifer” or “colt.”
- Australian Kelpies are often referred to as the “workaholic” dogs, as they have an incredible work ethic and can handle long hours of physical or mental work without tiring.
- The Australian Kelpie is recognized by several kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
Now that you know some of the highlights of the Australian Kelpie breed, let’s dive into its history.
History of Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie has a fascinating origin story that dates back to the late 19th century in Australia. During that time, Australian farmers needed a dog that could handle the harsh and vast landscape of the Australian outback, which included hot temperatures, rough terrain, and unpredictable livestock.
One of the early breeders who developed the Australian Kelpie was Jack Gleeson, a farmer in New South Wales, who used a black and tan Collie named Kelpie as the foundation for his breeding program. He crossed Kelpie with other working dogs, including Dingo, Border Collie, and Smooth-coated Collie, to create a dog that had the speed, agility, and intelligence to herd sheep and cattle over long distances.
Eventually, the Australian Kelpie became a popular working dog in Australia and beyond, thanks to its impressive work ethic, adaptability, and versatility. The breed was recognized by the ANKC in 1902 and later by other kennel clubs worldwide.
Size of Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 25 and 45 pounds and stands 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed has a lean and muscular build, with a deep chest, strong legs, and a long tail that reaches the hock.
Male Kelpies are slightly larger and more robust than females, but both sexes have a similar appearance and temperament. The breed’s size and athleticism make it suitable for various activities, from herding and hiking to agility and obedience competitions.
Personality of Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal dog that thrives on human companionship and attention. This breed is known for its intense focus, stamina, and drive, making it an excellent working dog, sports companion, and family pet.
Kelpies are often described as “velcro dogs” because of their tendency to follow their owners everywhere and seek physical and emotional closeness. They are also protective of their families and may bark or act aloof with strangers or other animals, especially if they perceive a threat or challenge.
However, the Australian Kelpie is not a dog for novice owners or those who cannot provide ample exercise and stimulation. This breed has a strong prey drive and may chase or nip at small animals, including cats. Kelpies also need plenty of mental and physical activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
How to Keep Health of Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, like all dogs, Kelpies may be prone to certain health conditions, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)
- Collie eye anomaly
To keep your Australian Kelpie healthy, it’s essential to provide regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care, such as flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, and dental hygiene. You should also feed your Kelpie a balanced and nutritious diet that meets its energy and nutritional needs, based on its age, weight, and activity level.
How to Care for Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, as its short and dense coat requires minimal care. You should brush your Kelpie’s coat once a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathing is only necessary when your Kelpie gets dirty or smelly, as frequent bathing may strip its coat of essential oils.
You should also trim your Kelpie’s nails regularly, brush its teeth daily or weekly, and clean its ears to prevent infections and maintain good hygiene. Additionally, you should provide your Kelpie with ample exercise and mental stimulation, such as regular walks, runs, hikes, and training sessions.
Feed for Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a highly active breed that requires a balanced and nutritious diet to support its energy and growth. You should feed your Kelpie a high-quality dog food that contains adequate protein, fat, and carbohydrates, based on its age, weight, and activity level. You should also avoid overfeeding your Kelpie, as it may lead to obesity and related health issues.
You can also supplement your Kelpie’s diet with healthy treats, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, to provide additional nutrients and variety. However, you should avoid feeding your Kelpie any toxic or harmful foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes.
Coat Color And Grooming for Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie comes in a variety of coat colors, including black, red, chocolate, fawn, blue, and cream, with or without tan or white markings. The breed’s coat is short and dense, providing protection from the harsh Australian climate and minimizing grooming needs.
You should brush your Kelpie’s coat once a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathing is only necessary when your Kelpie gets dirty or smelly, as frequent bathing may strip its coat of essential oils. You should also trim your Kelpie’s nails regularly, brush its teeth daily or weekly, and clean its ears to prevent infections.
Conclusion
The Australian Kelpie is a versatile and energetic dog breed that has won the hearts of many dog lovers worldwide. This highly intelligent and driven breed excels in various activities, from herding and agility to obedience and flyball. However, the Australian Kelpie is not a dog for everyone, as it requires ample exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization to thrive. If you’re considering getting an Australian Kelpie, make sure you can provide the care, attention, and training it needs to be a happy and healthy companion.
