Other considerations:
● Kelpies have short double coats that come in a variety of colours. The most common are black, red, chocolate and fawn.
● There are two varieties of the Australian Kelpie: the working and show stock. Working dogs are more popular than the show Kelpies.
● Kelpies are often used as guide and assistance dogs by those with special needs. They also come in handy in search and rescue operations.
How can I take good care of my Australian Kelpie or Australian Kelpie Puppy?
Nutrition
The Kelpies are a very energetic breed. As such, they need foods that can boost their energy levels, in particular feed your Kelpie high-quality dog food twice per day. Also provide them with fresh water every day.
You can also feed them fruit and vegetables, and occasionally cottage cheese. Such products make their diet more interesting and provide adequate vitamins and minerals. These extra additions should not exceed 10% of their diet.
Keep in mind that their nutritional requirements will change as they grow – consult your vet.
Grooming
The Kelpies’ coats are short. But, these are double coats consisting of thick, dense undercoats. So, they still need regular grooming. Brush their coats two or more times each week.
These dogs are average shedders, however they molt or shed heavily twice in a year. They will need more frequent brushing during these periods.
Recommended Grooming Tips:
● These dogs need very little bathing; generally twice a year.
● Examine them for cuts when grooming them.
● Clean their ears at least once per month.
● Check and trim their nails as needed.
Exercise
Kelpie owners often find it difficult to provide adequate exercise to their dogs. The secret is to incorporate other physical activities into your dog’s routine. Apart from walks, you can take them swimming or hiking.
Another option is joining a canine sports club in your area. This way your Kelpie will get as much physical and mental workout as they need. It’s worth pointing out that Kelpies generally don’t like to curl up, they prefer to be on the go so they’ll follow you around everywhere.
Training
What makes Australian Kelpies easy to train is their level of intelligence and focus. Besides, training is an excellent way of engaging their brains.
Kelpies thrive in different dog sports, particularly agility and herding competitions. But one thing to note is that they need plenty of socialisation. This way, they will feel comfortable around children and strangers.
