Kelpie Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

15-20 kg

Height

40-50 cm

Lifespan

10-14 years

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About the Kelpie

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Whether you’re interested in adding a new furry friend to your pet family or improving your safety with a watchdog, Australian Kelpies are worthy of consideration.

Highly intelligent and quick, they make loyal companions and excellent family pets. What’s more, an Australian Kelpie will befriend other dogs and even other pets. So if your family already includes other animals, you won’t have to worry about them not getting along.

Also known as a farm dog or Barb, this dog breed is incredibly energetic. A Kelpie dog can be used for a variety of tasks, such as service dog duties, and they also make great herding dogs. However, kelpies require lots of space to run and exercise, which makes them less suitable for apartment life.

If you’re thinking of extending your family with a puppy, here is a breed guide for Australian Kelpies to help you make an informed decision.

What is the history & origin of the Kelpie?

The Australian Kelpie descends from dogs that resemble the Collie. In the 1800s, Black Collies were imported to Australia from Britain and crossbred with other breeds that, according to several sources, even included wild dingoes.

The resulting breed could withstand the harsh Australian climate and exhibited an independent nature. Such traits rendered them favourites among ranchers who needed them for herding livestock.

Now present in many countries worldwide, these dogs are still often used for herding. However, they also perform many other tasks, including detection, dog sports performance, search and rescue, and therapy.

What is a Kelpie breed?

The Kelpies are a working breed, showing independence and an extraordinary tolerance for heat and water deprivation since, as we’ve mentioned above, they were originally bred for the harsh Australian climate. The Australian Kelpie, as we know it today, is the result of crossbreeding with different dog breeds.

Being extremely active, Kelpies perform well in dog sports and are natural livestock herders. Their energetic nature calls for several walks a day. An Australian Kelpie also requires mental exercises, such as learning new commands or tricks.

Learn more about: Kelpie Colours

Who is a Kelpie best for?

Kelpies are suitable for environments that involve specific jobs, such as livestock herding, detection work, and therapy. They also make great pets as long as they are properly trained and stimulated physically and mentally.

Since they can have a suspicious streak, early socialisation with other people and animals is recommended in order for them to grow up friendly. They fit right into ranches, as well as big families with other pets.

Kelpie Grooming & Shedding

The Australian Kelpie coat comes in different colours, including, but not limited to, red, chocolate, and black. Kelpies have a double coat, with the outer coat being more weather-resistant.

Their grooming needs are low to moderate, which means that brushing them weekly or twice a week should be enough to remove dead hair and reduce shedding. Extra brushing may be required in the spring as they shed more heavily then.

Learn more about: Kelpie Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Kelpies bark a lot?

Kelpies are excellent watchdogs and are also used for search and rescue, so it is only natural for them to bark more than other dogs. They are territorial and not overly trusting of strangers. They will bark at any sign of danger.

Moreover, without enough physical and mental stimulation, they may exhibit destructive behaviour, such as excessive barking.

What is the average weight & height of a Kelpie dog?

The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog breed with a weight range that can start at 11kg, but the average is 15 to 20kg. Some Kelpies may be smaller or larger than that. They are typically between 45 and 50 centimetres tall and have a strong body.

Learn more about: Kelpie Size & Weight Chart

Are Kelpies easy to train?

Kelpies are extremely intelligent dogs. They have extraordinary memories and are eager to please, which makes them easy to train. That’s one of the reasons they perform well in sports, search and rescue work, and detection tasks.

You should include positive reinforcement when training your Australian Kelpie and make the training sessions challenging; otherwise, they can get easily bored and disengaged. For the best results, Kelpie training sessions should include exercises that challenge the dog both physically and mentally.

Learn more about: Kelpie Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Kelpies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Australian Kelpies are active and energetic dogs, hence their need for mental and physical stimulation. Despite their independent nature, these working dogs shouldn’t be left without human company for long periods of time.

Kelpies have a sensitive side and don’t respond well to punishment or harsh rebukes. Fortunately, they are fiercely loyal, very intelligent, and easy to train. They need proper socialisation training from an early age in order to learn when to allow guests to approach and when to react with suspicion.

Learn more about: Kelpie Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Kelpie have any common health issues?

Australian Kelpies are generally healthy dogs. However, like any other breed, they may face various health issues. Kelpies have a genetic predisposition to eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy and Collie eye anomaly. The former is an eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness.

Another major health issue that Kelpies may experience is hip dysplasia, which is when the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint. They may also be affected by cerebellar abiotrophy, a neurological condition that affects movement.

Even though the health problems mentioned above are uncommon, Australian Kelpie owners should be vigilant for signs and get their Kelpie regularly checked by a vet.

Learn more about: Common Kelpie Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Kelpie?

The Australian Kelpie breed has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

How much does a Kelpie need to be fed?

Given that Australian Kelpies are a medium-sized breed, in addition to how active they are, their diet should be formulated accordingly. Their dietary needs change as they grow, which is why it is best to consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Kelpie.

In order for these dogs to experience peak health, their diet should include high-quality dog food that is free from unnatural fillers, ingredients, and preservatives.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Kelpie? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Kelpie in Australia?

Prices for an Australian Kelpie range from $900 to $1200 and vary depending on the breeder you buy from. Consider a reputable breeder when taking this step, as they can provide you with health clearances for both parent breeds.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may also want to consider adopting one. Dog shelters and online Australian Kelpie dog rescue organisations are great places to start when looking for your new family member.

Learn more about: Kelpie Prices In Australia

Kelpie FAQs

What were Australian Kelpies originally bred for?

Australian Kelpies were originally bred for herding livestock in the challenging Australian climate. They were crossbred with different dog breeds to develop a tolerance to the heat typical of the continent.

They were later crossbred with other breeds, which led to the modern Australian Kelpie.

Do Australian Kelpies require especially high-quality dog food?

Kelpies are high-energy dogs, and, therefore, have special nutritional requirements. While the right diet for your Kelpie can be best formulated by a nutritional specialist or veterinarian, there are a few general guidelines to consider before feeding your Kelpie.

It is important to keep in mind your dog’s age and weight and steer clear of foods that contain unnatural ingredients. Instead, the food should be packed with animal proteins and carbohydrates to keep the dog’s energy levels up, vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune and digestive system, as well as omega fatty acids for skin and coat wellness.

Is an Australian Kelpie a good option for families with other pets?

Kelpies are used for herding livestock, which is why they may tend to herd other animals and even smaller children. However, with the right training, this tendency can be kept under control and even redirected to constructive behaviours.

Proper socialisation training is required from an early age. If introduced to other animals early in life and trained to socialise, Kelpies can get along not only with other dogs but also with other pets, such as cats.

Where can I find a reputable breeder?

When looking for a reputable Australian Kelpie breeder, a good place to start would be your local vet. Veterinarians can be aware of good breeders in your area or may even know of an available Kelpie puppy.

You can also find a Kelpie dog online. There are many websites where you can find registered Australian Kelpie dog breeders. Make sure to look for reviews from previous buyers to learn more about a certain breeder. Kelpie dog breeder groups can also be found on various social media networks.