Australian kelpie

Overall description of the breed

The Australian Kelpie, as its name suggests, originates from Australia and was imported by English settlers in the 19th century. It was developed and selectively bred in New South Wales, primarily for herding livestock, a field where it demonstrates remarkable skill.

The Kelpie was used by Australian farmers to protect and manage vast flocks of sheep, which could number in the hundreds of thousands. Its origins and true ancestors are the subject of much controversy, but the Australian Kelpie likely resulted from a crossbreeding between Anglo-Saxon shepherd dogs, specifically Scottish Collies, and Dingos, a widespread wild dog breed.

There are three types of shepherd dogs in Australia: the Australian Shepherd, the Australian Kelpie, and the Australian Cattle Dog, with the latter being intended for larger livestock such as cattle. This century-old breed was officially recognized by the International Canine Federation on September 3, 1973, and its current breed standard was updated on October 8, 2012.

The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog, specifically designed for work. Agile, responsive, and intelligent, it is a remarkably muscular dog with a sturdy body, slightly longer than it is tall, in the shape of a rectangle. Highly regarded for its robustness and work ethic, it possesses exceptional endurance, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and adapting to all types of terrain.

Its limbs are thick, powerful, voluminous, and long. Its gait is both elegant and determined. It has a straight, wide backline, paired with a well-developed hindquarter, well-curved ribs, and a generously developed chest. Its head is proportionate to its body, featuring a round skull, a moderately long muzzle, and erect ears that taper to a point at the ends.

The coat of the Australian Kelpie is short, dense, and abundant, lying flat over its entire body. It is slightly longer on the tail, neck, and the rear of its lower limbs. Its coat can come in various colors such as blue, chocolate, black, red, or fawn, and black, chocolate, and tan markings are accepted.

The Australian Kelpie is a highly active dog, brimming with energy. Bred for decades for its endurance and responsiveness, this shepherd dog is an indefatigable walker. It greatly enjoys play sessions, especially with children with whom it forms a close bond. Intelligent and easy to train, it will make every effort to respond positively to its owner's demands.

Affectionate and docile, it is a pleasant dog to live with daily. However, it will need intense daily exercise to be fully satisfied. Urban life is not suitable for it; the Kelpie is a lover of open spaces and long walks. If its needs are not met, it may become unstable, destructive, or even prone to running away.

Close to its family, it is a good guardian. Its natural wariness drives it to protect its own by instinct, but it is not aggressive without valid reason. Balanced and loyal, the love it holds for its owner and family is considerable. An excellent companion dog, it will undoubtedly appeal to many.

As an adult, the Australian Kelpie will weigh between 12 to 22 kg (29 to 48.5 lbs), with a height at the withers ranging from 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches) for males and 43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 inches) for females.