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Australian Kelpie

Background

The Kelpie came into being last century because Australian sheep farmers needed a special type of dog that could work sheep on the vast Outback properties, and under harsh conditions. This was a result of the various breeds of sheep dogs from Europe and the UK having proven too heavily coated to cope with the severe Australian climate.

This wonderful breed came from two black and tan, short-coated and pointed-eared Collies imported in the 1860s. The Australian Kelpie has been exported to Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, the USA, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands. These dogs have been successfully used to manage a variety of stock, including reindeer, goats, and cattle.

Breed Personality, Characteristics & Temperment

Kelpies have excelled in the areas of obedience, agility and tracking. They have participated in pet therapy programs and have even been utilised as guide dogs for the blind. The finest characteristic of the Kelpie, however, is its irresistible personality. The breed is extremely alert and eager and highly intelligent.

Compatibility With Other Pets

Excellent.

Care Requirements

As a companion animal, the Kelpie has few equals. Obedience provides a great way of getting to know and share the needs of this highly intelligent dog. The Kelpie is free from most inherited diseases and is a relatively low maintenance dog. The breed is quickly house-trained and is an easy dog to feed – eating almost anything it is given. It needs about the same amount of exercise as other healthy young dogs.

Please take note:
If you are thinking of buying a Kelpie pup make sure that you are prepared to commit to the amount of time it deserves, as this breed will want to be your constant companion. Take time to learn about the breed, in particular its care and training requirements. It is important to ensure that your yard is fully fenced.

Conclusion

If you have decided that the Kelpie is the dog for you and you are prepared to commit the amount of time it needs to develop it into a sound and happy companion, contact one of the groups listed below:

Breeders

State	Contact	Breeder
NSW	Sharryn Lewis	Tegoura	Contact
NSW	Tony Dixon	Tinaru	Contact
QLD	Lee-Anne Symonds	Suthenskys	Contact
QLD	Dianne Kent	Oatland	Contact
VIC	Joy Wangler	Kalan	Contact
NSW	Alistair and Brenda McCoy	brallo	Contact
QLD	Diane Peterson	Drycreek	Contact
QLD	Melissa Waters	Watersedge	Contact
QLD	Bob Mills	Majortoura	Contact
QLD	Barry Ratcliff	Bittoorong	Contact
NSW	Sandra Lamb	Burdury	Contact
NSW	Therese Kropman	Apriltaine	Contact
NSW	Therese Kropman	Aprilraine	Contact
QLD	Jan Lowing	Karmala	Contact
VIC	Ebony Taylor	Surrylea	Contact
VIC	Robyn Michele Amstrong	Myoora	Contact
WA	Courtney Robinson	Killili Working Kelpies	Contact

Height:

Weight:

Lifespan: Australian Kelpies can live up to 16 years of age.

Ideal Owners: This breed adapts well to being a family pet, a jogging companion, children's mate and guardian.