Australian Kelpie Dog Breeds

Power-packed, endurance runner and all-round talent: With these three keywords, the essence of the Australian Kelpie can be summed up well. The dog breed emerged after Collies were brought from England to Australia in the late 19th century and continued to be bred there. When the dog "Kelpie" won a herding dog competition in 1873, the current name of this popular herding dog breed came into being. Which breeds were used on the way to today's Australian Kelpie is unclear. However, the common claim that dingoes were also used in the crossing is more of a myth than the truth. The FCI leads the Australian Kelpie today under the standard number 293 in Group 1, Section 1.

The Outer Appearance of the Australian Kelpie

Weight

When fully grown, bitches reach a body weight of between eleven and twenty kilograms.

Size

At 43 to 48 centimeters, Australia Kelpie bitches are slightly smaller than males. These reach a withers height of 46 to 51 centimeters.

Colour

While Australian kelpies used to be divided into two color groups - the black "barbs" and the different colored dogs - this is no longer common today. However, the color spectrum continues from the colors black to red to brown, fall and smoky blue. Combinations of tan, red and black colors are also permitted.

Anatomy

The Australian Kelpie has a muscular physique and a gently curving tail. The head with the triangular ears is reminiscent of a fox. The wide paw pads and the curved ankle area show that the Australian Kelpie runs a lot. The coat is short and smooth all over, with a so-called “brush” on the tail and a fur collar on the chest.

Special properties

Beings

Australian Kelpies are known for their great vigilance and strong will to work. This breed is also characterized by high intelligence and loyalty. The Australia Kelpie is generally friendly and obedient to his owner. The fact that he was and is used for herding and driving herds of sheep is also evident in the nature of this dog. The Australian Kelpie is full of energy and requires both mental and physical exertion.

Future owners should also consider the breed's willingness to bark. Australian Kelpies reliably display visitors and strangers but are less suitable as protective dogs. Their child-friendly and gentle manner make Australian Kelpies popular family dogs today, which are initially reserved for strangers. Compared to other species, these dogs are friendly and tolerable, but can certainly assert themselves in a dispute.

In order for the Australian Kelpie to happily follow its owner and develop into a well-behaved four-legged friend, consistent - but never hard - guidance is necessary. Attending a dog school can help future owners to promote the positive side of their dog and ensure that it is treated appropriately.

Possible areas of application

In Australia, the Australian Kelpie is still a popular herding dog in sheep farming. However, since this original purpose is less important in Germany, keepers should look for alternative employment opportunities. Then this breed can also convince in dog sports such as CaniCross, agility or obedience. Check this list of popular dogs in japan

Care and Maintenance of the Australian Kelpie

Since the Australian Kelpie is a real runner with a great desire for freedom, these dogs should never be kept in a small city apartment. After all, an average dog of this breed travels more than 60 kilometers a day in Australia. A house with a sufficiently large garden is therefore the best option. If necessary, the dog can also be given the opportunity to spend the night outdoors. Keeping in the kennel or otherwise locking in and limiting is a pain for the Australian Kelpie.

Regular and long walks, dog sports and mental activity require owners of an Australian kelpie a lot of time and physical effort. No compromises should be made here, because an under-employed Australian Kelpie can develop serious behavioral disorders and may find his own - and rarely a pleasant - task.

The grooming is identical in the Australian Kelpie very straightforward. Regular care with a suitable brush keeps the coat clean and healthy. Special care should be paid to the paws. It is worthwhile here to regularly check for injuries and wear and to treat affected areas if necessary.