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Kelpie Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Kelpie Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Australia flagAustralia
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Kelpie Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Australian Kelpie and German Shepherd mix

Kelpie Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Kelpie Shepherd? Learn how big the Kelpie Shepherd breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Kelpie Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
30-60 pounds (13-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Kelpie Shepherd?
45 pounds (20 kg)
Height
How tall is the Kelpie Shepherd? Kelpie Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Kelpie Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Kelpie Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Kelpie Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Kelpie Shepherd costs.
$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Kelpie Shepherd, 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 Kelpie Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Kelpie Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Kelpie Shepherd? How many Kelpie Shepherd are there in the world?
Frequent: The Kelpie Shepherd is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Kelpie Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Kelpie Shepherd? Discover the Kelpie Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Kelpie Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Kelpie Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Kelpie Shepherd? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Kelpie Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Kelpie Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Kelpie Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Kelpie Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Kelpie Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Kelpie Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Kelpie Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousEnergeticAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyObedientLoyalRobustEagerWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Kelpie Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Kelpie Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kelpie Shepherd need? Kelpie Shepherd social needs:
Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Kelpie Shepherd roam?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Kelpie Shepherd have high prey drive?
Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Kelpie Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Kelpie Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Kelpie Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
The Kelpie Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Kelpie Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Kelpie Shepherd indoors.

Kelpie Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Kelpie Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd'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.

Kelpie Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Kelpie Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Kelpie Shepherd bite? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Kelpie Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Kelpie Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Kelpie Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Kelpie Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Kelpie Shepherd, 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 Kelpie Shepherd 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, a Kelpie Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Kelpie Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Kelpie Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Kelpie Shepherd: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Kelpie Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd'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 a Kelpie Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
The Kelpie Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Kelpie Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Kelpie Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Kelpie Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Kelpie Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Kelpie Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseOsteoarthritisRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyCerebellar AbiotrophyCollie Eye AnomalyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Kelpie Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Kelpie Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Kelpie Shepherd need? How much exercise do Kelpie Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd breed need?
Kelpie Shepherd 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.

Kelpie Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Kelpie Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Kelpie Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Kelpie Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Kelpie Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Kelpie Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red Blue SilverBrownFawn Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Kelpie Shepherd need? Learn about Kelpie Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Kelpie Shepherd doesn't require a lot of 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 regularly to avoid infections. Kelpie Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Kelpie Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Kelpie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Kelpie Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd have? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's fur characteristics.
FuzzyDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Kelpie Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kelpie Shepherd? Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Kelpie Shepherd breed.

Kelpie Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Kelpie Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Kelpie Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Kelpie Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Kelpie Shepherd temperament with other people:
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Kelpie Shepherd 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 Kelpie Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Kelpie Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Kelpie Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Kelpie Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Kelpie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kelpie Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Kelpie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Kelpie Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Kelpie Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good 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).

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Kelpie Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Kelpie Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. 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.

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Kelpie Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 in locating missing people.

The Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Kelpie Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Kelpie Shepherd 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 a Kelpie Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd'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.

Kelpie Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Kelpie Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Kelpie Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Kelpie Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Kelpie Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Kelpie Shepherd: 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 a Kelpie Shepherd 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.

Kelpie Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Kelpie Shepherd in? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Kelpie Shepherd in? Learn about the Kelpie Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Kelpie Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Kelpie Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Kelpie Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Kelpie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Kelpie Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Kelpie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Kelpie Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Kelpie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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