KELPIE Breed Standards
The Working Kelpie is a herding breed that originated in Australia in the mid 1800's. It must be stressed that the Kelpie breed was NOT formed from Border Collies. In fact, the Border Collie was not formed until some time after the Kelpie was well established. The two breeds, however; were both formed by mixing different strains of working Colleys in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland and developing them to suit the needs of the situation. The Dingo is also thought to have played a part in some of the early development by a lot of breeders at a later stage. The breed of the Kelpie was then developed from a number of different strains of good dogs especially for Australian conditions and Australian methods of handling sheep and stock and is an entirely Australian breed.
It is the versatility of the Working Kelpie, their extraordinary athletic ability, and an extremely high level of intelligence that make these dogs an excellent choice for working all breeds of livestock. It is not their nature to be aggressive and many make fine working companions. Although they are aloof with strangers, they do not make good guard dogs
SKILLS: The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he is tall, the Kelpie has a broad chest and firm hind quarters that contribute to his flexible, energized appearance. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed's working ability then their appearance.
SIZE: Height: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm.) Weight: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.)
COAT: The double coat consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and weather-repellent outer coat. Color possibilities include black and red, each with or without out tan; and fawn, chocolate and blue.
CARE REQUIRED: This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing is all that it needs. 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.
CHARACTER: A compact, robust, enthusiastic, and tireless working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a house or apartment existence. Their easy trainability and keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the Australian work force.
TRAINING: The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. Their energy levels are extremely high!! They are workaholics and will run until they drop!!
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: They are ready to respond immediately to any signal given by its master, even from a great distance. They are good with children when they are raised with them from puppyhood. Kelpies will try to herd other dogs, pets and animals whether they want to be herded or not. This workaholic will work until it drops. They are independent and in business for themselves rather than for pleasing a handler. Boredom is the breed's doom and the owner's as well. In their native country of Australia, Kelpies work all day even in intense heat, covering 1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. The breed uses "eye" similar to the Border Collie's on the tractable stock, but utilizes its nipping ability to turn more stubborn cattle. Kelpies can muster thousands of sheep from pasture to pen to truck. When a flock of sheep is packed as tight as Times Square on New Year's Eve, they will look for the shortest way to the other side, which is usually in a straight line. This very clever Kelpie will jump on the back of the nearest sheep and run lightly across the flock to reach the other side. They make excellent watchdogs and can also be trained as seeing-eye dogs. The Australian Kelpie is not an aggressive dog, but he can be protective when needed, and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary, regardless of the risk to himself.
EXERCISE: The Australian Kelpie is not recommended for apartment life. They are working dogs that need plenty of 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 will be content to live outdoors with adequate shelter.
