Kelpie: Your Complete Guide
Kelpies, also known as the Australian kelpie, is a type of sheepdog that’s primarily used as a work dog. They’re amazing at herding and guiding other animals, and they do this seemingly naturally. However, with the right training, they’re the perfect companion for anyone who plans on taking up ranching as a hobby or career. In fact, due to their abilities, kelpies have been exported all around the world to help on farms and ranches across the United States and Europe. Therefore, they’re available for adoption in most parts of the world.
Curious about what it takes to adopt a kelpie? If so, you’re in the right place. This article takes you through everything you need to know about kelpies. This includes their history, temperament, grooming needs, and much more. Read on to learn more about the kelpie breed to see if they’re right for you.
Quick Look at the Kelpie
Below is a quick glance at the kelpie breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 15-20 inches, 25-45 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short, straight, double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, playful, independent |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
What Is the History of Kelpies?
Kelpies have a long history that’s tied to similar British dogs. Their most notable ancestor is the English collie, which was a black and brown dog named after coal due to their coat colors. While their history is tied to collies, this all changed during the 1800s. In fact, the first time a kelpie was mentioned in history was in 1872. This was a black and tan female dog with floppy ears owned by Jack Gleeson.
One of the more interesting facts about this breed is that the dog was named after the kelpie, which was a shape-shifting water spirit. Aside from being bred with collies, Australian dingos were also added into the mix to help this dog become better acclimated to the Australian climate.
Some of the early kelpies became popular through dog shows and selective breeding, and the breed started to develop into the one we know today. However, the breed didn’t become standardized until the 1890s, when it became popular in Australia for herding sheep and other types of cattle.
In recent history, kelpies have adapted to other types of work besides herding. The best example of this is how they’re being trained and used in Sweden and some other European countries. Since the 1990s, they’ve been used in the country as scent dogs to help with tracking and hunting.
What Do Kelpies Look Like?
Kelpies almost look like miniature German shepherds. They have pointy ears, black or brown eyes, and a long snout. Many of their facial features are sharp, and kelpies with black and brown coats can resemble German shepherds closely, aside from their smaller size. On average, kelpies only reach around 18-20 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 30-40 pounds. Despite their smaller size, kelpies still have muscular bodies.
It’s also important to note that kelpies vary greatly when it comes to their appearance. While some kelpies have multicolored coats, some have all-black or all-brown coats. Still, most kelpies will have the same facial features and similar bodies. Male and female kelpies tend to look the same, with a slight difference in height.
What Size Is a Kelpie?
Kelpies vary in size but tend to be medium-sized dogs. Male kelpies are slightly larger than female kelpies; male kelpies are 18-20 inches at the shoulder, and females are about 15-18 inches at the shoulder. Female kelpies also weigh less than their male counterparts. Male kelpies weigh 30-45 pounds, while female kelpies weigh 25-40 pounds. That said, most size differences between the breeds are minimal.
What Is a Kelpie’s Coat Type and Length?
Kelpies have a double coat, which means they have a top and bottom layer. Their undercoat tends to be on the shorter side, and it’s more dense than their top coat. This coat protects them from the elements, while their top coat is soft, smooth, and usually straight. It’s also important to note that their top coat is usually water-repellent.
What Is a Kelpie’s Temperament?
Kelpies have a temperament that suits them well for work around the farm or ranch. They’re alert, energetic, and independent, so they can hang around your property without getting bored or into trouble. Once they’re assigned to a task, these guys are locked in and focused.
Kelpies are also loyal and friendly, so they can open up to strangers well and function well in family units. Affection is also something that kelpies have a lot of, but they show it in unique ways.
Are Kelpies Good With Kids?
Kelpies are great with children. Once they’re adjusted to a family, they have no problem being an active member, and that includes playing with children. Due to their high energy, and the high energy of most children, kelpies and children are often a match made in heaven. If you’ve been struggling to get a full eight hours in at night, having your kid and kelpie play can help you make that happen.
That said, kelpies aren’t the biggest dogs, so make sure you keep an eye on them when they’re playing with children. If children get too rough, they may get hurt or lash out.
Are Kelpies Good With Other Animals?
Kelpies are excellent with other animals. They were bred to herd and interact with animals around farms and ranches in Australia, so they get along well with most species. However, they can have a slight prey drive and may be prone to chasing smaller animals around. The good news is that you can always train this out of them with socialization and positive reinforcement.
Are Kelpies Aggressive?
Kelpies are not aggressive dogs, mostly due to their history of herding and living around. Kelpies also adapt well to family life, so once they get to know you, there is little chance they will be aggressive with your family. When it comes to strangers, kelpies can take a little while to open up, but that doesn’t mean they’ll act aggressively. Growling, barking, and other aggressive behaviors can be worked on through socialization and training if you have any problems.
Do Kelpies Bark?
Kelpies will bark if something is wrong, but this is common for most dog breeds. Plus, most kelpies are happy and focused when they’re working, so there isn’t much for them to bark about.
Compared to other dog breeds, barking isn’t something you have to worry too much about for kelpies. However, they may bark if they feel uncomfortable, and their bark may be too loud for small apartments. In fact, being confined to small spaces might make them bark more.
Are Kelpies Affectionate?
Kelpies are affectionate dogs. They’ll cuddle up with you and lay around with you when it’s time for bed. However, kelpies prefer to show their affection through playing and being active. They’ll show you love and respect when you train them, for example, so kelpie affection might not be the type of affection that you’re used to with other dogs. That said, every kelpie is different, so you may come across a more active cuddler.
Are Kelpies Intelligent?
Kelpies are very smart dogs. They need to be alert and smart enough to herd other animals, so they have above-average intelligence. While kelpies are smart, that doesn’t mean they always stay in line and avoid trouble. In fact, kelpies are naturally independent and curious, so they might get into trouble if you don’t keep an eye on them.
Kelpies are also smart enough to learn and remember complex commands and work as service dogs or watchdogs. That said, their intelligence shines the most during herding activities because that’s what this dog was bred for.
Are Kelpies Energetic?
Kelpies are very energetic dogs. Because they were bred to herd other animals, they needed to have a lot of energy to run around and chase animals around large properties. Therefore, if you don’t have them working or doing something all day, it may seem like they have a limitless source of energy.
If you don’t have them working on a farm or with other animals, you need to have them exercise for at least a couple of hours daily. This will help them use up some of that energy and help you get some sleep at night if they’re keeping you awake. You can help them exercise by giving them work, but walking, hiking, and running can also help. Playing is another way you can bond with your kelpie.
Are Kelpies Easy to Train?
Kelpies are one of the easiest dogs to train if you’re training them to herd animals. They were bred to play this role, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting them accustomed to herding. That said, you should start when they’re young and focus on building a foundation through positive reinforcement and obedience training. This will help you bond with your kelpie and develop a training base.
If you want to train a kelpie for agility work or other tasks, it’s possible, but they’re not the easiest dogs to train. Tasks that aren’t mentally stimulating might make them bored, so it’s best to train them for some type of work. Training them to handle leashes can also be challenging because they’re independent dogs that tend to do better with off-leash training.
Are Kelpies Good Watchdogs?
Kelpies can be good watchdogs. They’re alert, loyal, and brave enough to keep your family safe in the event of any danger. Kelpies can also keep your cattle safe from small predators, vermin, and other threats. While kelpies make good watchdogs for your property, they’re not the best deterrent for other people. This is due to their smaller size. However, they will bark to alert you to any problems, which is helpful for watchdogs.
Are Kelpies Good Service Dogs?
Kelpies can be trained for service dog work, but they’re not commonly used as service dogs. One of the reasons they’re not suitable for most types of service dog work is their size and energy level. These dogs have a lot of energy and may get restless if they’re not able to expend any of it.
Additionally, they’re not big enough to pull wheelchairs or open some doors. Kelpies also aren’t the best choice for psychiatric service dog work due to their temperament. That said, they can be used as emotional support animals if you have the space to care for them.
While kelpies aren’t great for traditional service dog work, they’re good at other types of work. They can be trained to herd cattle and help with other tasks on large properties, so there are some tasks they can help with.
How to Care for a Kelpie?
Caring for a kelpie doesn’t require a lot of work, aside from putting them to work and keeping them physically fit. That said, they do have some health issues you need to check for, so take them to the vet annually. Additionally, their diet and exercise needs have to be met for them to live a long and healthy life. Having adequate space and tools to manage their shedding can also be crucial for kelpie care.
Do You Need to Groom a Kelpie?
When it comes to grooming, kelpies are on the low-maintenance side of the spectrum. This is due to their wash-and-wear coat, which is water-repellent and low-maintenance for bathing purposes. That said, you do need to brush them a few times per week to remove excess hair and prevent knotting.
As for their nails and teeth, kelpies usually wear their nails down while working, but as they get older and less active, you may have to do this manually. For dental care, brush their teeth a few nights per week for the best results or look for treats that preserve dental health.
Do Kelpies Shed?
Kelpies shed quite a bit for short-haired dogs. Since they have a double coat, expect them to shed frequently during any seasonal changes. However, these dogs can also shed throughout the year, and their coat isn’t exactly hypoallergenic. Therefore, brush them often to remove excess hair before it starts accumulating all over the house.
What Health Problems Do Kelpies Have?
Kelpies are a healthy breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re not susceptible to health conditions, especially as they get older. One rare condition that’s found in kelpies is a retained testicle, which is something that develops at birth and can persist later in life without surgical intervention. Without treatment, it can result in cancer, discomfort, and other health problems. Progressive retinal atrophy is also an inherited disease that impacts some kelpies, and it can result in blindness over the course of one to two years.
Hip dysplasia, when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, and knee problems later in life are also health risks for kelpies. To avoid knee and hip problems that develop later in life, it’s a good idea to ease up on activities and their workload once they reach eight to ten years old. Trips to the vet and preventing obesity also go a long way in keeping kelpies healthy later in life.
How Long Do Kelpies Live?
When kept healthy, kelpies have a long lifespan. Expect them to live for 10-15 years if they don’t have any generic conditions like hip dysplasia. To ensure that they live a long and healthy life, make sure they exercise, eat a healthy diet, and visit the vet at least once per year.
What Should a Kelpie Eat?
Kelpies should eat a balanced diet that favors meat. You can find meat-heavy food options from most major food brands, and they should be available in kibble and wet food forms. Aside from general meats and proteins, it’s important for kelpies to get enough carbohydrates to support an active lifestyle.
Some kelpie owners also swear by feeding their kelpies organs meats, including liver, kidneys, and heart. These organs contain nutrients that you can’t always find in other cuts of meat. Check with a veterinarian if you want to add these foods to your dog’s diet.
Is a Kelpie the Right Dog for Me?
Kelpies are excellent and loyal companions that adapt well to family life. While they’re great companions, these dogs aren’t for everyone. Due to their high intelligence and need for mental stimulation doing work, they’re best suited for people who live on farms or ranches. Kelpies are also adapted to Australian conditions, so they thrive in warm, outback environments. This makes states like Texas, Wyoming, and some other Midwestern states the best fit location-wise.
We also don’t recommend kelpies for first-time dog owners. They need to feel like a member of the pack and respect their trainer, which can be hard to accomplish if you’re unfamiliar with the necessary training methods to get there. We also don’t recommend adopting kelpies if you live in a small apartment or don’t have access to a backyard.