The Australian Kelpie breed comes from the imported Scottish collie breeds… Children - Both the Border Collie and Australian Kelpie are child friendly, but the Border Collie is a better choice for young children. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > Australian Kelpie, Australian Kelpie temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. Their energy levels are extremely high! The breed is immensely alert, eager, active and are always brimming up with energy. An Australian Kelpie may not be right for you. The Show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and is selected for appearance rather than working instinct, while the Working Kelpie is bred for working ability rather than appearance. Dog training videos. The first dog known as a Kelpie was a black and tan female pup with floppy ears bought by Jack Gleeson about 1872 from a litter born on Warrock Station near Casterton, owned by George Robertson, a Scot. But a genomic study in 2019 indicated that the Kelpie had no dingo ancestry. With an almost inexhaustible energy, the Working Kelpie has a marked loyalty and devotion to work and a strongly-inherited natural instinct and aptitude in … Sounds very Australian indeed! They require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Australian Kelpies have a natural aptitude for work and incredible stamina, so it should come as no surprise that these dogs do best in homes where there are jobs to do or opportunities for regular exercise. There are no books about this little-known hybrid dog. And in Sweden, they are widely used for tracking and rescue work. Some collies were imported to Australia for stock work in the early 19th century, and were bred with other types of dogs – usually with an eye to working sheep without direct supervision. Australian Kelpie is one tough dog that is resistant to hot weather and you do not have to worry about him being out in the sun. In later years she was referred to as “(Gleeson’s) Kelpie”, to differentiate her from “(King’s) Kelpie”, her daughter.[1]. While the Australian Kelpie is not normally aggressive but will be protective when necessary. The best Australian Cattle Dogs are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a … This is a highly intelligent and capable dog. Australian Kelpie Personality and Temperament. It is a medium-sized dog and comes in a variety of colours. Their coat colors include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, blue, blue and tan, fawn, fawn and tan, cream, black and blue, and white and gold. 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Their working behaviors are inappropriate in a normal household setting. Australian Kelpies are good with children when raised from puppies, but they do not do well when kept primarily indoors – they need space to run and a job to perform. Discover about the Australian Kelpie Information, Temperament, Care, Grooming, Training, Activity, Feeding, Health Concerns, Average Annual Expenses, Puppy Price, Names & Biting Statistics. As they are rarely seen outside Australia (and even Down Under, they tend to be uncommon as well as roundly regarded as a mutt), there is little known about them outside the rural areas and few forums where the mix is discussed. Personality . One of the smartest of all breeds, the Australian Kelpie can also be one of the most challenging to live with. The main goal of the North American Australian Kelpie Registry is to preserve his good health, temperament, conformation and natural herding instincts. For keeping them stimulated, take them to medium to long walks or play retch. They are also curious naturally, so it’s recommended that owners have large enough yards for them to explore and run in. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. The breed is, in fact, an Australian breed but it is actually the other way around – the breed played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler. The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. Their common health problems include cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Collie eye anomaly, and cerebellar abiotrophy, which is a neurological condition that affects movement. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. It was originally bred to have the energy, intelligence, and independence to herd livestock all d Australian Kelpie Dog: Characteristics, Lifespan, Temperament - Spoilt pups They are master escape artists (going over and under fences) and zealous gatherers of cars, bikes, joggers, cats, other dogs, livestock, and running children – circling, poking, pushing, and nipping if the person or animal or object doesn't cooperate. The breed is good with children when they are raised with them from an early age and properly socialized. Kelpies are rarely recommended for apartment life. They have a high level of intelligent and they are known to be very capable of herding. It is also friendly toward other pets. The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the Show Kelpie and the Working Kelpie. The Show Kelpies generally excel in agility trials and may be shown in conformation in Australia. He is noted for his loyalty and devotion to his work. Personality, Temperament & Traits. How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Australian Kelpie Temperament. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with average energy and exercise needs. Learn how your comment data is processed. Although, you can consult with your vet for better feeding recommendations. The Australian Kelpie is an agile and highly active dog, capable of untiring work. The Australian Kelpie, or simply Kelpie, is an Australian sheep dog successful at mustering and droving with little or no guidance. The ancestors of the most Australian Kelpie dogs were British dogs known loosely as collies (sometimes spelled colleys). Highlights: Devoted, Vigilant, Energetic. They are highly energetic and the… This is a highly intelligent and capable dog. His superior intellect, combined with his independence, intensity, and passion for keeping busy, are his best features – and the ones that make him unsuitable for most homes. In other words, I don't recommend this breed if you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog on long hikes and to get involved in herding, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or a similar canine activity that keeps these super-intelligent dogs occupied. Temperament Alert, intelligent and loyal, the Australian Kelpie is an agile and active dog with boundless energy. However, he is not a c+anine for any dog lover. Owner Experience - The Australian Kelpie is an okay choice for new or inexperienced owners, but the Border Collie is not recommended for new owners. As the name suggests, the Australian Kelpie dog breed was originated from Australia. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The Australian Kelpie dogs are medium sized animals. Check their ears regularly for any signs of debris, parasites or infection and keep the ears clean. People love to domesticate this dog because it is very loyal and devoted towards its work. The Australian Kelpie is a good family pet, and is very friendly towards every member of the family. The Australian Kelpie is an energetic and active breed that loves to have a job to do. When you see the Koolie for the first time, you may think that you are looking at an Australian Cattle Dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a couch dog or apartment existence. These dogs are very hardy and are capable of living outdoors if given proper shelter. The Australian Kelpie dogs have been trained as scent dogs with good success rates by the 1990s. Plenty of space is a must for Australian... 3. They need to be taken on long daily walks and make an excellent jogging companion. He likes to have a job to do, and whatever it is, he will do it well. These were mostly black, i.e. You must stay one step ahead of this brilliant breed, and most people are simply not up to the task. Always keep good contact with a vet in your area. These dogs have now been exported to many countries including United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Korea, Italy, Argentina and Canada. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House, Puppy Training Schedule: What To Teach, and When, Solve Behavior Problems By Teaching Your Dog To Respect You, Is medium-sized and completely natural-looking, Is built like an athlete – agile and quick-moving, Loves to work and thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities, Is smart, versatile, and capable – when well-trained and well-exercised, can learn almost anything, Extreme intensity and passion for keeping busy, Destructiveness and barking when bored or not exercised enough, Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough, Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge, Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars, You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an, If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the, Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by. The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. They are versatile working dogs, highly intelligent, alert and capable of learning a great deal, but they’re also independent thinkers. For much of the 20th century and early 21st century it was claimed that Kelpies were partly descended from dingoes. They are skilled and intelligent dogs with a rich history in Australia. In terms of its looks and appearance, these look like quite fearsome dogs to some. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions. The Australian Kelpie dog is a beautiful and medium sized dog. They are a soft-coated dogs with prick ears and an athletic appearance. The Labrador Kelpie cross temperament is a difficult one to predict when these dogs are puppies. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. Interestingly, however, the breed is sometimes misrepresented as a German breed because it is also known as the G… He always love to remain active so you can expect the dog to carry out a range of activities for you right from bringing the newspaper to your slipper or to keep the dirty laundry at place. Activity Level. About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. If the puppies are properly socialized, they are compatible withThey, however, seem to be a smart breed, with their independent nature and high level of intellect making them quite difficult to thrive in an apartment life, especially if they have not much to do.If the puppies are pr… Ever heard of any dog breed... 2. An All-Weather Dog. The lithe, hard-muscled Australian Kelpie can work stock for many hours and cover long distances in heat and dust without giving in. It was originally bred to have the energy, intelligence, and independence to herd livestock all day in their native climate without much need for supervision. They are quick, hard-working and almost tireless with their immense stamina. This sharp-eyed, quick-thinking, fanatical workaholic must be allowed to do his job with livestock, to learn advanced obedience or agility, to accompany you jogging or biking, or to chase balls or Frisbees. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. If I was considering an Australian Kelpie, I would be most concerned about... Australian Kelpies were never intended to be simply household pets. This is because he may not suitable for apartment living and can be very independent. The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog originally bred for droving and mustering livestock. To understand what you’re getting into, let’s look at its parent breeds: Border Collies are fast, alert dogs that enjoy pleasing their owners. Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. What does this mixed breed look and act like? But they can reach maximum weight of 25 to 27 kg. Border Collie x Kelpie Temperament & Personality 4/5. The strong temperament. Those are the questions we will try and answer below. He has a natural instinct and aptitude for working in sheep, whether it be in open fields or enclosed yards. If I were considering buying or adopting An Australian Kelpie. The Kelpie Border Collie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Border Collie and the Kelpie. He is extremely intelligent, alert, and eager with seemingly unlimited energy. As happy and high-energy dogs, the Border Collie Kelpie mix is a canine that will keep on going all day long. Things to Consider. This dog was named Kelpie after the kelpie, a mythological shapeshifting water spirit of Celtic folklore. The United Kennel Club recognized the Australian Kelpie and the North American Australian Kelpie Registry was established so breeders could register their breeding stock. Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Australian Kelpie dogs. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. The Show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and i… However, you will be happy to know that often it's their politeness shining through in the wrong way. The Australian Kelpie dogs are intelligent and are easy to train dogs, making them well tempered and good pets especially with children. The Australian Kelpie dog is a beautiful and medium sized dog. Australian Kelpie Download Extended Breed Standard (pdf) Download Breed Standard (pdf) A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. They can almost be called workaholic dogs. High. These dogs tend to bond strongly with one person, so they may not be the best option for a family pet. Kelpie Temperament and Personality. As a herding dog, the Australian Kelpie is intensely loyal and devoted to duty. Australian … The Australian Kelpie coat can come in several different colors, including black, chocolate, red, smokey blue, and fawn, and some also have tan markings. Teeth of the Australian Kelpie dog should be brushed regularly as recommended by a vet. dark brown, dogs – hence the name collie, which has the same root as coal. Australian Kelpies are alert, vigorous, independent, enthusiastic, highly intelligent, and exceptionally loyal and obedient with an eagerness to please, which make them a faithful companion. High intelligence means they learn quickly – including how to do anything they set their mind to. The Australian Kelpie dogs are medium-sized and very beautiful dogs. Temperament and Personality : Personality – The Australian Kelpie is basically a breed or working class dogs. The Kelpie has been exported throughout the world and is used to muster livestock, primarily sheep, cattle and goats. Trying to suppress these "hardwired" behaviors, without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level, is difficult-to-impossible. Positives. And it has been exported throughout the world and is used to master livestock, primarily sheep, cattle and goats. Their easy trainability and keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the Australian workforce. ! The Australian Kelpie, is a medium-sized, sheep dog and is used to muster livestock, primarily sheep, cattle and goats. The Kelpie is also good with children , and loves to play. The Australian Kelpie dog breed has been separated into two distinct varieties; the Show Kelpie and the Working Kelpie. Boasting an athletic build and vibrant personality, the Australian Kelpie breed are a quintessential working dog breed. Many Australian Cattle Dogs are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. The Australian kelpies are extremely alert and eager with a mild, tractable disposition and almost inexhaustible energy. Otherwise they can get bored and be disruptive by constantly barking or digging, or by chewing on things. An Australian Kelpie may be right for you. Their nails will usually file down naturally as they walk, though they should be checked for damage and trimmed if necessary. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. The Kelpie’s breed standard describes him as extremely alert and eager with a mild, tractable disposition and an almost inexhaustible energy. And baths should be given as needed. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. The mature Australian Kelpie dogs can reach between 16 and 20 inches at the withers. Their energy levels are extremely high!! They are workaholics and will run until they drop!! Sharp Minds. Australian Kelpie Dog: Characteristics, Lifespan, Temperament October 12, 2020 Dog No Comments ROY'S FARM The Australian Kelpie dog is a beautiful and medium sized dog. Without physical and mental stimulation, Australian Kelpies become bored and hyperactive and will drive you crazy with obsessive, destructive behaviors as they seek creative outlets for their energy. Average lifespan of the Australian Kelpie dog breed is between 10 and 12 years. These dogs generally require little regular care. The Australian Kelpie dogs are generally healthy. Their average body weight is between 14 and 20 kg. Is it more like the Border Collie or the Kelpie? It is also known as Kelpie, Barb or Farmer Dog. This is obviously going to have a strong herding instinct. Since Kelpies are a very loyal breed, they are regarded as a ‘one man dog’ and are hardworking and tireless in their instinctive desire to work amongst sheep. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. Considering its Border Collie and Kelpie heritage, the Kelpie x Border Collie mix is generally a gentle, mild-tempered dog with a good disposition. 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