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Honest FAQ for Australian Kelpies

By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpies with work to do are physically and mentally fulfilled. The rest are likely to be described as "hyper" or "neurotic." This is a working dog, not a casual backyard pet.


What kind of temperament and personality does the Australian Kelpie have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Australian Kelpie temperament and behavior are:

energetic, athletic, agile, driven, hardy, smart, self-reliant

I give you my honest opinions about Australian Kelpie temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, Australian Kelpie Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

Where did the name Australian Kelpie come from?

From an actual dog named "Kelpie", who served as one of the progenitors of the breed we now know as the Australian Kelpie. Essentially this breed was developed from various working collies and drover dogs.

What were Australian Kelpies used for?

Herding sheep, goats, poultry, and cattle.

What traits would help Australian Kelpies accomplish their work? That's right... high energy, endurance, toughness, athleticism, agility, trainability, and loyalty to their owner.

How big are Australian Kelpies? Height and weight?

About 17-21 inches at the shoulder, and 30-55 pounds, which puts them in the MEDIUM category.

What colors do Australian Kelpies come in?

The "Doberman pattern" is most common, where the dog is mostly black with limited tan markings, or mostly reddish brown with limited tan markings.

Australian Kelpies can also be solid black, red (reddish brown), chocolate (dark brown), blue (gray), or fawn. Solid colors have become especially popular with dog show enthusiasts.

Do Australian Kelpies come in different "types"?

Yes, especially in the US. The Kelpie is used for working sheep far more often in Australia than in the US (we tend to use Border Collies). Kelpie breeders in the US tend to focus on showing their dogs in the conformation ring, which is all about appearance, essentially ignoring the breed's correct temperament and working skills. These "show line Kelpies" are typically larger and stockier than the proper lithe, agile build of working Kelpies.

The same is true of Border Collies, unfortunately. And Australian Shepherds. And many other working breeds, too. Show lines often look like a different breed than proper working lines.

How much exercise do Australian Kelpies need?

If you've read this far down the page, you already know the answer to this one... Australian Kelpies need a ton of exercise, far more than most families could possibly offer.

What's the downside of not providing enough exercise? Will the dog just be a little disappointed? Haha! Bored, frustrated working breeds don't suffer silently. They vent their frustration by barking up a storm, destroying everything in their path, or escaping their yard.

Kelpies need things to do... herding, hiking, jogging, agility, advanced obedience, tracking and scent work... Kelpies need things to do.

Do Australian Kelpies need a fenced yard?

Yes, preferably with a high solid fence. Why a fenced yard? and best and worst fences.

Are Australian Kelpies easy to train?

Yes and no. Kelpies are very, very smart, but they do have a sizable independent streak (especially compared to say, a Border Collie).

So the question is not whether they can learn words and commands and good behaviors – they can. Very, very quickly. it's whether they will DO those things for YOU. That's not vested in the dog, but in you.

If you are a confident person who can establish a healthy leader-follower relationship in addition to providing plenty of exercise, an Australian Kelpie can be an amazing working dog for you.

Otherwise, do these dogs a favor and pick a different breed.

Are Australian Kelpies easy to housebreak?

No problems here.

Are Australian Kelpies friendly with people?

Some Kelpies are outgoing, but most are loyal to their own family and standoffish with strangers. With their keen senses, they are alert watchdogs.

Are Australian Kelpies good with children?

I don't recommend Australian Kelpies for children younger than about age 10.

Are Australian Kelpies good with other dogs?

Australian Kelpies are fine with other dogs in their own family, but they may not appreciate strange dogs on their property... especially anywhere near their sheep!

Are Australian Kelpies good with cats?

They do have strong chasing instincts, so...

Might be okay. Or not.

How much do Australian Kelpies shed?

Australian Kelpies are average shedders. They shed moderately in the spring and fall, and some loose hair the rest of the year.

Are Australian Kelpies hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to dog dander, no. If you're allergic to canine saliva, no. Australian Kelpies are not hypoallergenic dogs.

How much grooming do Australian Kelpies need?

Just an occasional brushing to sweep the dirt, dander, and loose hair off your dog's skin. Brush more often during shedding periods.

What's a good training schedule for training Australian Kelpie puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Australian Kelpies: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Australian Kelpies tend to have?

The only behavior problems I encounter with this breed (barking, destructive chewing, chasing, nipping) are the result of an owner/breed mismatch, where the owner has underestimated/ignored just how much exercise and mental stimulation this breed needs. Those behavior problems

An Australian Kelpie who is physically and psychologically content and who recognizes that he is the follower and his owner is the leader, does not have any behavior problems.

What health problems might Australian Kelpies have?

Eye diseases are the major concern, and some Kelpies have loose hip joints, which can lead to lameness and arthritic pain. But overall it's quite a healthy breed.

What breeds are similar to the Australian Kelpie?

Where can I buy an Australian Kelpie puppy?

They're hard to find. I would only buy from someone who can demonstrate their dogs' trainability in activities like herding, agility, advanced obedience, etc. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older Australian Kelpie?

Very difficult to find, at least in the United States. Rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new Australian Kelpie. Which pages should I read first?

  • Australian Kelpie Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Australian Kelpie puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
  • Training Australian Kelpies, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Australian Kelpie puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Australian Kelpies have pros and cons, and female Australian Kelpies have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Australian Kelpie puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Australian Kelpie breeder would ever place one of their Australian Kelpie puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best Australian Kelpie puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for Australian Kelpies?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Australian Kelpie to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Australian Kelpie until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Australian Kelpie, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about Australian Kelpies that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


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