The Australian Kelpie is a breed of dog who excels at herding cattle and other animals. Kelpies can be divided into two categories; those that are bred for working and those that are bred as show dogs. Both have a different set of characteristics and standards they meet their purpose.

Show Kelpies have a heavier build, they excel at agility and are often excellent jumpers. The current world record for dog jumping is held by an Australian Kelpie. Working dogs are bred to be skilled cattle herders and guard dogs. These skills, rather than their confirmation are held in high regard.

Descended from Collies that were brought to Australia by settlers, the Australian Kelpie developed over the course of years and many generations of dogs. There was no decisive effort to develop a particular breed, rather over the years farmers would choose dogs that were excellent workers and of fine temperament from which to use when having litters of pups. It is also thought that Kelpies evolved from Collies breeding with Dingoes. Many people kept Dingoes as pets, but as they were known as having an aggressive streak this was illegal. So as they could still keep these dingoes as pets they were registered by some people as Collies, and in many cases ended up cross breeding with actual Collies. The coat and confirmation of the Kelpie is very similar to that of the Dingo.

Appearance

Medium sized dogs, the Australian Kelpie have a strong built and muscular body, with a broad chest and wide shoulders. They are agile dogs, which is required by their occupation as herding dog. They have good levels of endurance, and can work for long periods of time without tiring. Their double coat is weatherproof, and has medium length straight hair. There are many variations of colour, including black, red, fawn, chocolate and blue. They have almond shaped eyes which come in colours of deep brown and gold. Their pointed ears are upright and sit outwards.

Temperament

The Australian Kelpie is an active dog. They are happiest when they have a task to complete and are very hard workers. Being much more suited to the outdoors, an Australian Kelpie will do better in a home with a large backyard or on a farm. They are quite intelligent dogs and will need tasks to keep their mind as well as their body active.

The dog will form a strong bond with their family and often go to great lengths to protect it. It important to note that Australian Kelpies are quite strong willed and can be disobedient if they think their own idea is better than their masters.

Working and tasks

Working dogs through and through, the Australian Kelpie is well suited to farm life. They excel at herding and will take care of any kind of stock, sheep, cattle or otherwise. They are also excellent guard dogs and will always take care of their own family.

Health

The Australian Kelpie has been noted to suffer from genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia. Having the parents of a new puppy tested can help avoid this. Some males dogs are born with the absence of one or both testes.