An gymnastic and hardy dog , the Australian Kelpie is a swell choice for active citizenry who need a canine fellow traveler to keep up with them . They own swell intelligence with the drive of a unfeigned working dog . memorize what Australian Kelpie dogs are like so you could make an informed determination about whether this breed is a perfect ducky for you .
Origins and History
The Australian Kelpieoriginated in the 1800sin Australia by thwart collie breeds from Scotland to create a wreak dog who could handle the harsh climate . It ’s rumour somewild dingoeswere bred into the mix . Kelpies were bred and trained specifically for herding farm animal such as sheep and do so on their own without an owner . They still do stock work in Australia and the United States . today , although they now perform many labor , including search and rescue , detection , assistance work , performance frump sports , and just living as darling companion animal .
Breed Characteristics
proprietor of Kelpies must regain another manner to meet their hound ’s emotional and forcible demand if they are not working on a spread or farm . For those looking for a run or hiking companion , the Australian Kelpie could be the stock for you .
Appearance
Australian Kelpies are medium - sized dogs weighing around 31 to 46 pounds . How fully grown kelpy can growdepends on their sex . Males will reach up to 21 - 1/2 in in height at the shoulder , while female will reach 20 to 21 inches . They are thickset wienerwurst with an athletic build designed for running and working . They have distinctive , bite spike that may have led to the rumor there ’s dingo in their bloodline .
The Australian Kelpie has a short , dual coat that keep them well-situated in all types of atmospheric condition . Typical colorsare combinations of blue , black , red , or fawn with tan , although there are some substantial - coat Kelpies who are disastrous , reddish , dun , chocolate , or smoke blue-blooded . Kelpies also come in a ointment color that is often referred to as " white " or " blonde . " It can roll from a favorable colour to a pallid nuance that almost come out white .
Although no dog istruly hypoallergenic , Kelpies aredefinitely not hypoallergenic , andallergy sufferersshould consider another stock .
Temperament
Like mostherding dogs , Australian Kelpies are exceedingly intelligent and self-governing . They are known to be truehearted and well-disposed to their human house , but can be wary of strangers unless well socialise as puppies .
They are also known tobond more closelywith one person in the household , but will still engage the full family . They do well with children , but might not be the skilful around smaller tyke , as their herding instincts can make them to nip and tail baby around like sheep . They also do generally well with other dog and cats , but they may seek to crowd them , as well .
They can be protective of their household and shy around strangers , and while they are not safety wiener , you’re able to matter on them to admonish others off from your property . They are not bed for aggressive behavior , but their protective instincts will issue if they experience that their dwelling and family are at jeopardy .
Exercise Requirements
Australian Kelpies are not a good choice for apartment and condominium dweller , unless you are someone who decease out and exercise to a great extent every twenty-four hours . These hot dog were bred to be out in the open , work hard all day long , and they can quickly become destructive and develop behaviour problems when enclose in a small space . Due to their intelligence agency , they need genial enrichment to keep them happy – which can include grooming , learn tricks , and interactive dog toys and games .
Training
Because of their canine smarts and focusing , kelpie areeasy chase to coach . Moreover , training is an excellent style to engage their brains . They excel at many case ofdog sports , particularly those where they have to be at a distance from their handlers , such asagilityand herding competition , as well as mutant like competitive obedience andRally . They requireearly socializationto be comfortable with strangers and children .
Health
They are hardy bounder who are generally healthy . They are , however , at risk for somegenetic condition :
Lifespan
Australian Kelpies have an average life anticipation of 10 to 14 years .
Grooming
The inadequate , conditions - resistant coat of the Australian Kelpie does n’t want much sustentation , other than biweekly brush . They do tend to throw off at some distributor point during the class , and you may have to sweep more often in the spring . If you want to minimise shedding , light touch at least once hebdomadal ( the coat , although curt , sheds a bonny amount ) . They often only need to be bathed if they get dirty while playing or working alfresco .
Their nails should be check out and trimmed every two weeks . The nails of working dogs may naturally wear down alfresco and require fewer trimmings .
Take a look at your hotdog ’s ears a few time every month to see if they are clogged or inflamed . When your dog ’s pinna get dirty , use apet ear cleanerand cotton plant balls to make clean them .
Fun Facts About the Breed
This strain is not very well - know , but there are some challenging facts that may pull you into learning more .
Purchasing or Adopting an Australian Kelpie
If you ’re looking for a purebred pup , you may research for breeder that may have Australian Kelpie puppies for sale onAmerican Kennel ClubandUnited Kennel Club . There is also theNorth American Australian Kelpie Registrythat focuses more on Kelpies bred to be ferment dogs .
Rescue Organizations
If you choose to rescue , you may depend for Kelpies or Kelpie mixes up for adoption onRescueMe.organdPetfinder.com , as well as through breeder . you’re able to also search breed - specific delivery organizations , including :
Is the Australian Kelpie the Right Dog for You?
The Australian Kelpie is definitely not the dog for a individual who enjoys lounging on the couch and loosen during their sentence off . If you require a blackguard that will consort , hike , and go all out with you , the Kelpie is a sodding , compact fellow dog , provided you properly train and socialize them .
