Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a working dog breed originating in Australia. They are known to be intelligent, active and loyal dogs, and excel in work such as herding and search and rescue.

General details

The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog breed, with an average weight of 14 to 20 kg and a height of 43 to 51 cm at the withers. Its average life expectancy is around 12 to 14 years. This breed belongs to Group 1 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which includes shepherd dogs and cattle dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Australian Kelpie is a breed of dog that originated in Australia in the late 19th century. It was developed as a sheepdog capable of working in the country's hot, harsh climate. The breed is believed to have been developed in the late 19th century in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales from a mixture of Collie sheepdogs and other native Australian sheepdogs. The Kelpie quickly gained a reputation as an exceptionally intelligent, loyal and capable working dog, and became a popular breed throughout Australia. Today, the Kelpie remains a versatile and popular working dog in Australia, but has also become a popular pet worldwide.

Breed characteristics

The Australian Kelpie is a breed of muscular and athletic appearance. The morphology of the head gives it a fox-like expression. The eyes are medium-sized, brown and almond-shaped. Its erect, medium-sized ears end in a point and have a slight curve on the outer edge. Its coat is short and dense, and can come in different colors, including black, red and chocolate brown. It is known to be a very energetic and cunning working dog, with a great ability to herd sheep. This breed is very intelligent, loyal and easy to train, and adapts well to a variety of situations and environments.

Common health problems

Some of the diseases that can affect the Australian Kelpie include hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and neurological disorders such as Wobbler syndrome and epilepsy. They may also have allergies and dermatological problems, such as atopic dermatitis.