When you think of Australia’s most valuable workers, the first things that come to mind might be miners, healthcare professionals, or tech innovators. But there’s another workforce that’s been quietly helping the national economy, and they work for nothing more than a good meal and a few good rubs. We’re talking about Australia’s legendary working Kelpies.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Contribution
According to a study by ANZ, the estimated 270,000 working dogs contribute an astounding $3 billion to the Australian economy. At the heart of this contribution is the Australian Kelpie, a breed that has become synonymous with the country’s agricultural success. These tireless dogs are indispensable to many farms across the country, herding sheep and cattle with an efficiency that cannot be matched by humans.
They have been found to give regional towns a whopping $600 million dollar boost due to their efficiency that surpasses what humans can do, even allowing farms to increase their flocks and herds due to the higher herding capacities of Kelpies.
Demand at an All-Time High
The value of these hardworking Kelpies isn’t just in theory, it’s showing up in how these Kelpies are being valued. Recent auctions specialising in working dogs showed a huge spike in interest for Kelpies over the past decade, with the price averaging $6000 to $8000.
In 2022, a certain Kelpie in New South Wales managed to sell for an astounding $49,000. This is a huge number that only goes to show the value that a well-trained Kelpie can bring to a farm.
A well-trained Kelpie can do the work of several human farmhands, working tirelessly in conditions that would exhaust most people. They can cover vast distances across rugged terrain, manage livestock with precision, and work in extreme weather conditions – from the scorching heat of outback summers to the bitter cold of winter mornings.
The Importance of Training
While Kelpies possess natural herding instincts, these innate abilities must be carefully developed through proper training in order for Kelpies to reach their full herding potential. The difference between an untrained kelpie and one that has undergone proper working dog education is stark—the latter can replace multiple human farmhands, manage livestock across vast distances, and make split-second decisions that protect both animals and property.
This training process usually begins when the Kelpies are just a few months old and trains them to respond to voice commands, whistles and signals from a distance. It also teaches them to understand subtle cues of different livestock species.
More Than Just Working Dogs
While kelpies excel in agricultural settings, they’re also increasingly popular as family companions. Their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature make them wonderful pets for active families who can provide the mental and physical stimulation these dogs need.
Whether you’re looking for a working dog to help on your property or an energetic companion to join your family adventures, Petsforhomes has kelpies for sale from reputable breeders across Australia.
