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Kelpie

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The Kelpie Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Kelpies
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Kelpie Puppy?
● Most Asked Kelpie Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

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Temperament

Kelpies are intelligent and devoted to duty. They are capable of doing tasks with little or no supervision and thrive when they have a job to do. Being a herding dog, they are easy to train for almost anything, making them a good watchdog.

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The Ultimate Guide to Kelpies

The Australian Kelpie has a slightly rounded skull and medium build. It has a broad chest and well developed limbs that contribute to its capability of untiring work.

Its double coat consists of a dense undercoat and weather-resistant straight outer coat. Colors are wide-ranging, including black, red, chocolate, and blue.

Kelpie Origins

Kelpies originated from the Scottish collies brought to Australia in the late 1800s.

The foundation female, owned by J.D. Gleeson, was mated on many occasions, including to a male dog owned by C.T.W. King. At that time, the breed did not have a name. It was only after King’s dog’s performance in a sheepdog trial that the breed was named Kelpie’s Pups.

It wasn’t until the turn of the century that dogs with a Kelpie-like appearance were called Kelpie.

 

Key Characteristics of Kelpies

Are Kelpies family-friendly? Yes, they are. Kelpie pups are very friendly and get along with both people and pets. Playful and affectionate, they are good around children.
Daily exercise needs? Kelpies are a working dog, which is why they need daily exercise and lots of it. Two to three hours of walking each day is good enough.
Common health issues & considerations While generally a healthy breed, Kelpies may suffer from:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Patellar luxation
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
Lifespan 12 to 15 years
Nature / Temperament Intelligent, energetic, friendly, alert, and loyal
Size Weight

They generally weigh between 11 to 20 kg. Some can reach a weight of 27 kg.

Height

Male: 46 to 51 cm

Female: 43 to 48 cm
Suitable Environment  Kelpies are very energetic, so keeping them cooped-up in a small apartment is not the best idea. They have a natural instinct to herd, making them suitable for small farms and homes with a big backyard.
Grooming Kelpies have a double coat, so they need weekly brushing or combing. While they are a low-maintenance breed, they still need an occasional bath.

Other Considerations:

  • As a working dog, Kelpie pups need all the exercise they can get. This means hours of vigorous physical activity daily.
  • Kelpies have a tendency to try and herd almost any moving object by nipping the ground next to it. It is important to train them as early as possible to minimise this behaviour.
  • Kelpies are used to herding in the heat, so they adapt better to warmer climates.

This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.

Most Asked Kelpie Questions

What do Kelpies look like?

Kelpies generally have a straight forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and ears that point outward. They are muscular, with a deep chest and rounded ribs.

Their coat may be short, smooth, or rough with a base colour of black, chocolate, red, or blue. Some Kelpies have solid colours, while others have markings.

Do Kelpies shed a lot?

They do, but moderately. Luckily, routine brushing helps keep loose hair under control.

What’s the price of a Kelpie puppy?

The cost of a Kelpie pup depends on the source. The average cost is between AUD $1,200 to $1,600. There are also dogs in the price range of $400 to $800. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, a pup can cost almost $3,500.

 

Similar Breeds

● Australian Kelpie

● Australian Cattle Dog

● Afghan Hound

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