A classic working dog, Kelpies can make loving housemates who get along with kids and other active hounds, but they need bucket loads of exercise and constant mental stimulation.
Personality and temperament
Of all the dog breeds, Kelpies might just be the most hardworking. These guys are built for herding cattle (five times as big as them) in the dusty outback for hours without rest. Their exceptional IQ can make them very intuitive housemates who need structure and boundaries, and as much exercise as you can fit in. They thrive on activity in a way that can be exhausting, but they also can be super affectionate house pets – especially with small kids (just watch they don’t start herding them). They’re the kind of dog that gets up, when you get up. Even if you’re just stretching to reach the TV remote, your Kelpie is always ready for action.
Size and appearance
Kelpies are a lean and agile medium-sized dog. They sport the classic working dog silhouette of pointed ears, alert expression, strong build and a compact frame built for endurance. Males weigh around 20kg with females slightly less, though they can put on excess weight if not exercised enough (but don’t we all?). They do shed their coat seasonally – it helps with Australia’s harsh climate – but overall their fur is low-maintenance.
History
Although Kelpies are considered a ‘True Blue Aussie’, the breed actually can be traced back to Scotland, where they were bred from Scottish Smooth Collies (Farm Collies). After being imported to Australia in the mid-1800s to help manage the millions of acres of sheep and cattle. They were then bred with other working dogs to produce a working dog that could withstand the climate, the landscape and the physical demands of working on Australian farms. By the early 1900s, Kelpies had spread across every state and become the backbone of the sheep industry in Australia and across the Tasman in New Zealand. Today there are tens of thousands of working Kelpies across Australia, and many kept as family pets.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Although Kelpies are a hardworking and very robust and strong breed, they are prone to some health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Inherited eye diseases, like Collie eye anomaly and progressive vision loss
- Epilepsy
- Allergies and skin conditions
- Injuries from high activity (sprains, cuts, muscle strain)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Kelpie healthy.
Food and exercise
To support their endless (and we mean endless…) energy and muscle development, Kelpies need nutrient-dense, high quality food, twice a day. Working Kelpies will need more calories than house pets, and you may want to consider joint support. Ask your vet for advice.
If you haven’t guessed already, these firecrackers need a lot of exercise. And we’re not just talking about a run around the block, Kelpies need two hours of exercise a day, plus mental stimulation. Think trail runs, agility courses, herding games, bushwalks, scent work and frisbee fetch. They are incredibly intelligent, so boundaries, structure and lots of ways to stretch their legs (and minds) are key.
Grooming and maintenance
Kelpies are generally low-maintenance dogs, however they do shed with the seasons. Daily brushing during shedding can help reduce your time vacuuming!
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks or as needed
- Professional groom: every 8-12 weeks. Working dogs may need more frequent visits, especially during shedding.
How to groom your Kelpie
- Fur: brush weekly (daily during shedding) with a bristle or slicker brush
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check and clean weekly for wax and debris
- Eyes: wipe with damp cloth for dirt and dust as needed
Training and space requirements
Due to their incredible intelligence and loyalty to their humans, Kelpies are fast learners and thrive on positive reinforcement training (in short sessions). They love obedience training, agility courses, learning tricks, herding, scent work and even advanced cues. Some Kelpies can even learn to communicate using push pads for words.
Unfortunately for apartment dwellers, Kelpies need room to move and think. Ideally, a house with a large backyard, a farm or a house with a large park nearby. However, they can adapt to smaller spaces if their human is consistent and dedicated to their exercise needs. Like humans, Kelpies can get a little depressed and even mischievous if not exercised enough!
Best suited for…
Kelpies are for humans who have the time, space and energy (so much energy) to dedicate to their canine housemates. Kelpies are affectionate, loving dogs who will thrive in active families and households who take the time to understand their needs.
