Australian Kelpie Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Australian Kelpie so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Working Dogs |
---|---|
Popularity Rank | 523 |
Reviews | 3 |
User Ratings | |
Compare the Australian Kelpie With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion. | |
Origin | Australia |
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Australian Kelpie known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Australischer KelpieBarbKelpieAustralian Sheepdog |
---|---|
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Australian Kelpie? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
Photo Gallery of the Australian Kelpie Breed
Size Classification
What size category is an Australian Kelpie? Learn how big the Australian Kelpie breed typically grows. | Medium |
---|---|
Weight Statistics
How much does an Australian Kelpie weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Australian Kelpie breed. | 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Australian Kelpie? | 35 pounds (15.5 kg) |
Height
How tall is the Australian Kelpie? Australian Kelpie height: | 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of an Australian Kelpie? | 18.5 inches (47 cm) |
Price Range
How much does an Australian Kelpie puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Australian Kelpie costs. | $500-$700 If you choose to purchase the Australian Kelpie, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Australian Kelpie for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Australian Kelpie gets to a happy place. |
---|---|
Availability
How easy is it to get a Australian Kelpie? How many Australian Kelpie are there in the world? | Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows. There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Australian Kelpie? Discover the Australian Kelpie's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.
The Australian Kelpie ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs. |
---|---|
Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Australian Kelpie? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's trainability and response to training methods. | Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Australian Kelpie as a watchdog? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's alertness and guarding instincts. | Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Australian Kelpie dogs will alert you if they sense something different. |
Territorial Protection
Is an Australian Kelpie protective of its territory? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's guarding instincts and behavior. | Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Australian Kelpie can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Australian Kelpie will take care of unwanted people or animals. |
Personality Traits
What personality does an Australian Kelpie have? Learn about characteristic Australian Kelpie temperament and behavior traits. | EnergeticAlertIntelligentFriendlyLoyalRobustEager |
---|---|
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Australian Kelpie sensitivity: | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Australian Kelpie dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.
They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Australian Kelpie a good family dog? | Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Australischer Kelpie need? Australian Kelpie social needs: | Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Australian Kelpie to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Australian Kelpie roam? | The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Australian Kelpie have high prey drive? | Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Australian Kelpie dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash. |
Barking Frequency
Does an Australian Kelpie bark a lot? Learn about typical Australian Kelpie vocalization patterns and triggers. | Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
---|---|
Playful Nature
How playful is an Australian Kelpie? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Australian Kelpie breed. | The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Australian Kelpie live in an apartment? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's suitability for apartment living. | It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Australian Kelpie indoors by introducing daily routines. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Australian Kelpie to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's flexibility to new situations. | Australian Kelpie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner. |
---|---|
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Australian Kelpie be left alone? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's tolerance to solitude. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Australian Kelpie biting potential? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
---|---|
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Australian Kelpie mouthy? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's tendency to use mouth during play. | Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Australian Kelpie dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Australian Kelpie bite? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Australian Kelpie measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Australian Kelpie is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Australian Kelpie bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Australian Kelpie bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Australian Kelpie puppy not to bite from an early age.
The Australian Kelpie, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the Australian Kelpie bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Australian Kelpie can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
Average Lifespan
How long does an Australian Kelpie live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Australian Kelpie breed. | 10-14 years The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years |
---|---|
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Australian Kelpie handle different weather? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's climate adaptability. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Australian Kelpie? Discover typical conditions affecting the Australian Kelpie breed. | Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
|
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Australian Kelpie need vet visits? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's veterinary care requirements. | Frequent The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Australian Kelpie breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Australian Kelpie breed? Most common health risks of Australian Kelpie: | Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)OsteoarthritisCerebellar AbiotrophyCollie Eye Anomaly |
Energy Rating
How energetic is an Australian Kelpie? Understand daily activity needs of the Australian Kelpie breed. | Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy. |
---|---|
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Australian Kelpie need? How much exercise do Australian Kelpie dogs require per day?
Do Australian Kelpie dogs need a lot of exercises? | Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Australian Kelpie breed need? | Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you. |
Obesity Tendency
Is an Australian Kelpie prone to weight gain? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's obesity risks. | Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Australian Kelpie weight regularly. |
---|---|
Food Consumption
How much food does an Australian Kelpie need daily? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's feeding requirements. | 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.An Australian Kelpie diet should be formulated for a mid-sized breed with high energy and intense exercise requirements. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is an Australian Kelpie hypoallergenic? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's suitability for allergy sufferers. | No Australian Kelpie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
---|---|
Coat Colors
What colors does an Australian Kelpie come in? Discover all possible Australian Kelpie color variations. | BlackTan Red Blue BrownFawn Chocolate |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Australian Kelpie need? Learn about Australian Kelpie coat maintenance requirements. | Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary. Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Australian Kelpie is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog. Highly recommended for beginners. |
Drooling Tendency
Does an Australian Kelpie drool a lot? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's drooling habits. | The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Australian Kelpie could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Australian Kelpie.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does an Australian Kelpie smell bad? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Australian Kelpie have? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's fur characteristics. | Double |
Bathing Needs
How often does an Australian Kelpie need baths? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's bathing requirements. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.
Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean. |
Shedding Level
How much do Australian Kelpie dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Australischer Kelpie? Do Australian Kelpie dogs shed a lot? | Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type. |
Child Compatibility
Is an Australian Kelpie good with children? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's behavior around kids of different ages. | Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
---|---|
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Australian Kelpie get along with other pets? Discover the Australian Kelpie's compatibility with other animals. | Australian Kelpie dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Australian Kelpie temperament with other people: | Australian Kelpie dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
How well do Australian Kelpie dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Australian Kelpie breed live with a cat? | Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Is Australian Kelpie good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Australian Kelpie dogs get along with other dogs? | Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is Australian Kelpie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Australian Kelpie breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes Australian Kelpie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Are Australian Kelpie dogs good office canines? Do Australian Kelpie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | No Australian Kelpie is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Australian Kelpie dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Australischer Kelpie temperament with senior people? Are Australian Kelpie dogs good for elderly owners? | Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Service Dog Capability
Can an Australian Kelpie be a service dog? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's service work potential. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Australian Kelpie is not the best breed for service purposes. |
---|---|
Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Australian Kelpie good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Australian Kelpie is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is an Australian Kelpie good at detection work? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Australian Kelpie is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Australian Kelpie do search and rescue? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Australian Kelpie is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is an Australian Kelpie good on boats? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's maritime capabilities. | Not really Australian Kelpie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Draft Work Capability
Can an Australian Kelpie pull carts? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's drafting abilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Australian Kelpie is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
Military Service Background
Was an Australian Kelpie used in military service? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Australian Kelpie usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 4-7 puppies |
---|---|
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Australian Kelpie pregnant? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Australian Kelpie: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can an Australian Kelpie have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Australian Kelpie in? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's AKC classification. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
---|---|
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Australian Kelpie in? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's international classification. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an Australian Kelpie? Learn about the Australian Kelpie's official recognition. | American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubFoundation Stock Service |
Australian Kelpie Pros and Cons
- Training Difficulty: Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train.
- Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming.
- Drooling Tendency: The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
- Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity.
- Watchdog Rating: Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
- Lifestyle Adaptability: Australian Kelpie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
- Child Compatibility: Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
- Senior Citizens Friendly: Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: Australian Kelpie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Health Concerns: Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
- Allergy Friendliness: Australian Kelpie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie breed in the home.
- Mouthing Tendency: Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
- Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home.
- Office Friendly: Australian Kelpie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Australian Kelpie History
The word “kelpie” is derived from the ancient Celtic mythological folklore, it is used to describe a shape-shifting water spirit in a form of a horse, bearing ill will towards humans. Yet, this has little to do with the Australian Kelpie’s development and its original purpose.
The Australian Kelpie can trace its origins back to Australia. In the beginning of the 1800s, now-extinct Black-and-White Collies were imported from England mainly to the Australian States of Victoria and New Wales, with the intention of herding livestock there too. Around the 1870s, these imported Collies were cross-bred with some indigenous Dingoes. The introduction of the Dingo breed seemed counterintuitive at that time, for the reason being that the Dingo was considered a natural predator of the sheep. However, the gamble paid off positively, because the herding gene got more powerful after a few generations of Dingo crosses. The result was a hardy breed which had powerful stamina, and which could work tirelessly in the tough climatic conditions and in the harsh environment of Australia. The Australian Kelpie quickly gained appreciation from the farmers and ranchers for their ability to work independently and for their intelligence.
One of the earliest breeding programs was also named Kelpie after its owner, consequently, the name stuck for generations. Later, the first dog named Australian Kelpie was bought by a man named Jack Gleeson in 1872, from a Scottish man named George Robertson. George Robertson is credited with naming the breed, after the Celtic word. The Australian Kelpie is thought to be exported to other countries during the early 20th century. The breed quickly became well-esteemed in herding a range of livestock including cattle, reindeer, goats, and many others in different parts of the world. The Australian Kelpie was especially well-renewed in the United States, where the breed could adapt itself to all of the climatic and environmental conditions the whole country offered.
Nowadays, two different strains of the Australian Kelpie emerged, the show Kelpie which is less lean and athletic, and the working Kelpie which is currently can be seen on farms fulfilling active working duties. Australian Kelpies can be found all around the world, performing multiple tasks efficiently around the farms and ranches. However, the breed is also used in detecting works, as service and therapy dogs, and in sports like herding or agility, thanks to the breed’s versatility. The Australian Kelpie is rarely seen just as family companion because it is a very clever and energetic working breed, which requires a lot of mental, and physical stimulation from a very young age in order to avoid destructive or even wild behavioral patterns. Today approximately 100,000 Australian Kelpies are used in accordance with their initial purpose in Australia. Despite their well-established breed standard and their long history, just a few of the major kennel clubs recognize the breed, including the UKC (United Kennel Club).
Latest Australian Kelpie Compares
Australian Kelpie Names
How old is my Australian Kelpie in human years?
You May Also Like
Rate The Australian Kelpie Breed
Australian Kelpie Comments, Reviews and Questions
- Chris
Jun 26, 2023, 11:42:51 AM:
- Samantha
Jul 1, 2020, 5:19:01 AM:
I have one in Miami, FL. If you can keep up with this dog who is a machine powerhouse! Amazing in agility/speed & tireless; if you run/go outdoors are patient go for it. Good with kids and small pups. Will keep you on your toes. Not a dog for amateurs.
- Kbob
May 14, 2020, 1:09:59 AM:
My kelpie was an amazing dog- loyal, affectionate, and smart. She was very trainable, smart, and lived for many years. She was definitely not a first-dog breed. She had lots of needs for walks, needed her attention kept, and loved to be worked.