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 Australian Kelpie Training and Temperament
A compact, robust, enthusiastic, and tireless working dog. Kelpies are one-man dogs. They are good with children when raised with them from puppies.
They are easy to train and keen to work, ready to respond immediately to any signal given by its master, even from great distances. As with all dogs, Australian Kelpie training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
A lean, compact herding dog of medium size with a fox like face.
The History Of The Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is also known as a Barb. They originated in Australia during the 1800's.
The Kelpie is named for the foundation bitch of the breed, an animal of English bloodlines that was sent to Australia. There was an addition of other working stock dog blood and possibly a bit of Dingo. This cross created a dog well suited to the dry conditions of Australia and the mountainous, wet climate of New Zealand.
The breed was first exhibited in 1908. It has been shown infrequently in the United States and has not yet achieved full recognition by the American Kennel Club. It can be shown in the Miscellaneous Class, but not for championship points.
Description Of The Australian Kelpie
The medium length unaltered tail is set low. The ears are naturally erect.
The breed averages 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs 25 - 45 pounds.
The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and well-developed limbs. It is slightly longer than it is tall and has a broad chest and firm hind quarters.
The head is long and narrow and the medium length tail is low set.
The double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat and a straight, weather repellent outer coat. Color possibilities include black and red, with or without out tan, also fawn, chocolate and blue. Owners are more interested in the Kelpie’s working ability than appearance.
Coat & Grooming
This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing is all that is necessary. Bathe only when necessary as it will remove the natural oils in the weather-resistant coat and dry out the skin. This breed is an average shedder.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Australian Kelpie is around 10-14 years.
Reported health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy - retinal degeneration causing partial to total blindness.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise RequirementsThe Australian Kelpie is not suitable for apartment life. They are working dogs that need open space to run and will be happiest with a job to do. Their all weather coat allows them to live where it is hot as well as where it is cold. They are happy living outside given adequate shelter.
The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that needs a lot of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. Their energy is high and they will run until they drop.
For More Information on the Australian Kelpie
To get more information, check out the Australian Kelpie web site: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kelpie/Home.htm
Summary
This is a rare breed in the United States and puppies may be difficult to find.
:: Australian Kelpie Training ::
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