The Australian Kelpie belongs to the first group of this classification: the Shepherd and Cattle Dogs. They are obedience dogs par excellence and very versatile; they are capable of carrying out many professions. They tend to bark. This is due to their territorial and protective instinct; they perfectly prevent an intrusion. They are endurance dogs, and their physical abilities are combined with a good jaw. The Australian Kelpie is more precisely part of the first category of this group dedicated to Shepherd Dogs.

In the 19th century, the need for dogs particularly suited to herding was felt. Indeed, with land development, sheep farming grew, with some properties of hundreds of thousands of hectares having nearly a quarter of a million sheep. The shepherds needed intelligent and tireless dogs capable of leading these immense herds over vast areas in sometimes extreme weather conditions: heat, dust, distance, difficulty of access, etc. This is how three landowners had them imported into Australia of resistant, sporty and intelligent “Working Collies” from Scotland. They tried a few crosses with Dingoes but quickly returned to the origins. In the 20th century, all kelpie-like herding dogs were named "Australian Kelpies". Today, there are two lines: the working line Kelpies (Working Kelpies line), and the competition line Kelpies (FCI line). Source: FCI website and French Kelpies Club

Overall, the Australian Kelpie is a toned, flexible dog with a body built for extreme endurance. Males measure at the withers between 46 and 51 cm, and females between 43 and 48 cm. Its erect ears and almond-shaped eyes give it a cunning look, a mixture of subtlety and intelligence, very characteristic. Physically, it is a dog full of enthusiasm and agility, with powerful toned musculature, capable of making precise and rapid changes of direction. Its limbs are well anchored and upright. In terms of hair, the Australian Kelpie has dense hair that is short, hard and straight, to resist the rain well. It comes in different colors: black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate (brown) and smoke blue.

The Australian Kelpie is overall a robust dog, which resists all weather and environments. If, however, you select it from responsible breeding, concerned with the health of the lineage. The Kelpie is subject to three genetic pathologies, which we always advise you to have the parents screen for and to request a certificate from your breeder. The defects to screen for are: ocular defects, cerebellar abiotrophy (serious brain degeneration for which today no treatment exists), and dysplasia. As a reminder, dysplasia is 50% genetic, so ask the parents for a test that they are A/A (free from dysplasia). The remaining 50% is environmental, so we advise being vigilant during the first year of the dog's life by sparing it long and intensive efforts by respecting the rule of 5 minutes of activities per month of age. In all cases, even If your dog does not present any health problems, consider having him checked annually by your veterinarian.

The Kelpie is an excellent working dog. Whether directly as a shepherd dog to guard herds, or as part of canine sporting activities: agility, canicross, flyball, etc., as a jogging companion or even in certain countries as a guide dog and assistance; The Kelpie is a docile dog, as intellectually as physically skilled. This means two things: that he needs daily intellectual stimulation AND daily physical stimulation with a present and active master. He is a wonderful companion dog, he is also gentle and affectionate, he adores children and is very sociable, if you are active. Docile, devoted, obedient and only having eyes for his masters, you could take him with you everywhere, he will love that. Especially if it’s coupled with long walks. It is not made to stay quiet all day, even less confined, and it is necessary to plan long daily walks once an adult. With inexhaustible energy, he will also need stimulation through play, such as relationship games, scent games, search games, agility, etc... Due to his intelligence and his loyalty, he is a dog who will educate himself perfectly in gentleness and positivity, through rewards and play, surrounded by good moments of physical release.