A little about Kelpies

The finest characteristic of the Kelpie are their irresistible “Kelpie” personality. Study one and you will understand what we mean. Their character lights them up. It is their inborn sheepdog intelligence which puts them in a class above other breeds. They have a hard-to-define attraction which generates a warm feeling with those who get close to them.
An active alert dog, they lover their freedom, however this does not meant hhat they should be allowed to run the streets. They are one of the most social breeds of the canine species, and need companionship(almost) more than food. Providing they get adequate attention they do not need hard labour to enjoy life, their greatest joy is tender loving care, their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention. A breed with an exceptional high IQ will quickly get into mischief if they are always left to their own devices. This is no different from any intelligent human being who will get bored if they have nothing to do

 Their expression and personality indicates their happy, energetic nature. They nearly knock strangers over with their enthusiasm and desire to give them the canine equivalent of a kiss. Yet, when needed, they can exhibit patience far beyond what we humans would expect. A true Aussie. they have spirit and courage to spare; also they can be headstrong. But they are not indomitable - their spirit can be conquered if they are bullied. Destroy their spirit, and you destroy the''Kelpie" in them. The Kelpie resents harsh treatment and is unable to concentrate properly if upset. If you mistreat them they lose their respect for you and will no longer wish to please you. This willingness and eagerness to please is a characteristic of the breed and, with their high IQ. they are exceptionally easy to train. They have a gentle nature. but despite some theories. they are not shy. Humble. devoted and flowing with sagacity. yes. but not shy or frightened. Their ability as a working sheepdog is legendary. They are equally easy to train for obedience, dog agility, tracking, show or simply as a pet. However, you need patience and understandin:: of your dog. for he frequently thinks he knows more than his trainer. Force them too much to obey you and you destroy their spirit and initiative. Instead. you need to "explain" things to them as you would to an intelligent child. They has an uncanny knowledge of what you are thinking and planning and often will act before you can give them the command. Their level of commonsense rivals that of human beings. This "savvy" and commonsense symbolises the breed.
Origin of the Kelpie
This wonderful breed came from two imported black & tan short coated prick eared Collies imported in the 1860’s to a station in the central west of NSW. From a litter born shortly after their arrival came several black and tan pups and one red pup. The red pup in some ways resembled a fox which was believed to be in the background of the breeding. The name KELPIE comes from the Gaelic word meaning water sprite. From these dogs we have the Australian Kelpie of today, the Kelpie is free from many inherent diseases that plague many other breeds of dog. He is an Australian dog bred for our conditions, hardy but with a soft sensitive manner, loyal and easy to train and adaptable to most suburban conditions. In recent years the Kelpies have been exported to a number of other countries, they adapt quickly and get on with the job of working sheep, sheep dog trials, dog shows, obedience trials and agility competitions, they take it all in their stride.

The Kelpie came into being last century because Australian sheepmen needed a special type of dog that could work sheep on the vast outback properties, under variable and harsh conditions. The various breeds of sheepdogs from Europe and the UK were too heavy coated to cope with the severe Australian climate and geography.This wonderful breed came from two black and tan short coated prick eared Collies imported by a Mr. Elliott and a Mr. Allen in the 1860s.
From a litter born shortly after their arrival came several black and tans and one red pup. The red pup, in some ways, resembled the fox, which was believed to be in the background of the breeding.
From Victoria came a bitch, also from a Collie, called Kelpie (Gaelic word meaning water sprite). The Kelpie was mated to a dog from Elliott and Allen's pups and one pup from this litter resembled her mother so much she was also named Kelpie.
At 12 months of age, Kelpie was entered in the first sheep dog trial in 1872 which was held at Forbes, NSW. She won this trial with ease. After her trial win her pups were in great demand and were at the time called Kelpie's pups, and so the name Kelpie was evolved. It has since gained the status of Australian Kelpie.
Among the descendants of these early dogs was the jet black dog who was named The Barb. Many black Kelpies were referred to as 'Barbs" and the term still persists today.
There are various recorded and unrecorded infusions of other breeds with some experts believing there have been crosses to the Dingo. However, this issue is fiercely debated by many breeders and historians.
From these humble beginnings, the Australian Kelpie has been exported to Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK, USA, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands. These dogs are being used to manage a variety of stock including reindeer, goats, cattle and, of course, sheep. Kelpies in Sweden have gained police dog titles and pulled sleds.
The Kelpie has excelled in the areas of Obedience, Agility and Tracking. They have participated in Pets As Therapy and in the past, have been fully trained Guide Dogs. In 1995, a black Kelpie has become part of the Guide Dogs Association's Puppy Walking Scheme.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The general appearance of the Kelpie shall be that of a lithe, active dog of great quality, showing hard muscular condition combined with great suppleness of limb and conveying the capability of untiring work.
The Kelpie is of medium size, with dogs being 46 - 51 cm (18-20 inches) and bitches being 43-48 cm (17 19 inches). Weight can vary considerably; with a fine boned bitch as little as 15 kg. to a large heavy dog weighing almost 25 kg.
The Kelpie has a moderately short coat - shorter than a German Shepherd but longer than a Doberman. He comes in seven colours; red, chocolate, black, red and tan, black and tan. smoke blue and fawn.
TEMPERAMENT
The finest characteristic of the Kelpie is his irresistible Kelpie personality. The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent with a mild, tractable disposition, a marked loyalty and devotion to duty.
Although bred primarily for working sheep, the Pure Bred Australian Kelpie has proved himself to be very adaptable and versatile dog. Contrary to some uninformed opinion he does adapt to being a family pet, jogging companion, children's mate and guardian. He is one of the most social breeds of the canine species, and needs companionship (almost) more than food. As a companion animal, the Kelpie has no equal. They are loving, gentle and kind. Easily house trained, they would rather die than make a mistake in the house. His greatest joy is tender loving care; his greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention.
A true Aussie, he has spirit and courage to spare. Although not being an aggressive dog, he can be protective when needed, and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary, regardless of risk to himself.
However, he is not indomitable - his spirit can be conquered if he is bullied. Destroy his spirit and you destroy the Kelpie in him. The Kelpie resents harsh treatment and is unable to concentrate properly if upset. If you mistreat him, he loses respect for you and will no longer wish to please you. This willingness and eagerness to please is a characteristic of the breed and, with his high IQ, he is exceptionally easy to train for obedience, tracking, agility, show or as a pet. They learn quickly and love to work, but must be taught by persuasion and gentleness. Forcing a Kelpie will result in passive resistance which is a total disaster.
Obedience provides a great way of getting to know and share the needs of this highly intelligent breed of dog. After all, he was developed for some form of work, so if you haven't the facilities for him to work livestock, then his energies could be channeled into this very rewarding field of obedience.
The Kelpie is free from most inherent diseases that plague many other breeds of dogs. This makes him a relatively low maintenance dog to care for.
The Kelpie needs about the same exercise as any other healthy young dog, This can be the freedom in a very big yard or regular long walks. A smaller yard would mean more frequent walks.
The Kelpie is an easy dog to feed. He'll eat almost anything he's given and usually 3 - 4 cups of good dry dog food per day or a combination of fresh meat/canned food and dry, is quite adequate. Please see your breeder for a more detailed diet chart.
His coat is relatively short and requires little maintenance. It is a double coat with a short dense undercoat, which will require additional combing when it is dropping. An occasional bath always helps with social acceptance.
Ensure that they are wormed regularly, (including Heartworm), and they receive their annual vaccinations.

The finest characteristic of the Kelpie is his irresistible Kelpie personality.  The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent with a mild tractable disposition, a marked loyalty and devotion to duty.

Although bred primarily for working sheep, the Pure Bred Australian Kelpie has proved himself to be a very adaptable and versatile dog. Contrary to some uninformed opinion he does adapt to beinga family pet, jogging companion, children's mate and guardian.

He is one of the most social breeds of the canine species, and needs companionship (almost) more than food.  As a companion animal, the Kelpie has no equal.

They are loving, gentle and kind.  Easily house trained, they would rather die than make a mistake in the house.  His greatest joy is tender loving care; his greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention.

A true Aussie, he has spirit and courage to spare.  Although not being an aggressive dog, he can be protective when needed and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary, regardless of risk to himself.

However, he is not indomitable - his spirit can be conquered if he is bullied.  Destroy his spirit andyou destroy the Kelpie in him. The Kelpie resents harsh treatment and is unable to concentrate properly if upset.  If you mistreat him, he loses respect for you and will no longer wish to please you.  This willingness and eagerness to please is a characteristic of the breed and, with his high IQ, he is exceptionally easy to train for obedience, tracking, agility, show or as a pet.  They learn quicly and love to work, but must be taught by persuasion and gentleness.  Forcing a Kelpie will result in passive resistance which is a total disaster.

Obedience provides a great way of getting to know and share the needs of this highly intelligent breed of dog.  After all, he has developed for some form of work, so if you haven't the facilities for him to work livestock, then his energies could be channeled into the very rewarding field of obedience.