Australian Kelpie

Breed Description

Are you dreaming of a dog whose loyalty and love know no bounds? The Australian Kelpie is the most devoted friend and an excellent herder. With this dog, you’ll never have a dull moment and will begin to lead an active lifestyle, thanks to long and energetic walks.

When considering Kelpies, it is important to note that as a breed, they were developed by Scottish settlers. The harsh and unwelcoming climate had a significant impact on the Scottish shepherds brought over. They learned to be resilient, smart, and low-maintenance. The breeding of Kelpies began in the late 19th century from collies, old English sheepdogs, and even dingoes, the Australian dog. The breed’s name originates from a female dog named Kelpie, hence the name. Interestingly, the word “kelpie” refers to water spirits in English folklore that lure travelers into rivers and lakes.

However, the true breeding of the breed, or rather targeted selection, began in 1956.

Kelpies particularly shine as exceptional herders due to their unique vision. They have a wide field of view, allowing them to control and monitor the flock effectively.

Australia takes pride in this breed. They participate in and win many sports competitions: freestyle, agility, and more.

Kelpies first appeared in the Soviet Union in 1987 in Stavropol and Kazakhstan. This was due to the developed livestock farming in those regions, which required strong and low-maintenance guardians, especially for sheep farms. Today, they are chosen not only as herding dogs but also as loyal protectors of homes and simply as companions.The price for a puppy in Russia currently ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Australian Kelpie is a breed of dog that captures attention with its outstanding appearance and unique characteristics. These dogs have an elegant yet muscular body structure, making them suitable for active work and participation in various dog sports. Kelpies are medium-sized dogs, with an average height at the shoulder ranging from 43 to 51 cm and a weight between 12 to 22 kg. They possess a sleek and powerful body, allowing them to exhibit excellent working qualities. With a strong neck, well-developed shoulders, and a muscular back, they demonstrate good mobility and endurance.

The head of the Australian Kelpie has a wedge shape, giving it a distinctive expressiveness. The skull is moderately broad, and the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth. The muzzle is rectangular, with well-developed jaws that enable the dog to effectively perform its working tasks. The eyes are medium-sized, usually almond-shaped, and set slightly slanted, giving the Kelpie a wary and intelligent appearance. Eye color can vary from brown to amber, depending on the dog’s coat color.

The ears of the Australian Kelpie are erect, of medium size, with rounded tips. They can be straight or semi-erect, and their shape and position add expressiveness to the dog’s face. Set high, the ears help the dog better perceive surrounding sounds, which is particularly important during work.

Australian Kelpies can have a variety of coat colors, including black, red, chocolate, blue, and various combinations of these colors. One of their distinctive features is the presence of spots or “patches” on the fur. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, making it durable against various weather conditions. The undercoat may be soft, but many Kelpies lack it, making coat care easier.

The tail of the Australian Kelpie is of medium length and typically has a sabre shape. At rest, the tail hangs down but rises during excitement or active play. The tail serves as an additional means of communication for the dog and helps with balance during quick movements.

The paws of the Kelpie are strong and well-developed, with rounded pads that allow them to easily navigate various types of terrain. These dogs are known for their grace and quick, powerful movements. When running, the Australian Kelpie exhibits remarkable speed and agility, making them excellent working dogs, especially in herding tasks.The Australian Kelpie is a dog that inspires admiration not only with its appearance but also with its character. They are intelligent, loyal, and full of energy, making them wonderful companions for active individuals. These dogs require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation, making them ideal for people who enjoy an active lifestyle and can provide their pets with necessary activity.In conclusion, the Australian Kelpie is a breed that combines beauty, strength, and intelligence, making them not only visually appealing but also excellent working partners. If you are looking for a faithful friend who will be not only a companion but also a reliable helper in work, the Australian Kelpie is an excellent choice.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head (skull) is proportional to the body. In shape and outline, it somewhat resembles a fox's snout, but the almond-shaped eyes soften it. The skull has rounded contours, and the transition from the snout to the forehead is quite pronounced and wide between the ears.

Морда

The muzzle of the dog is slightly shorter than the skull and has defined contours. The lips are slightly tucked and do not sag, characterized by firmness and dryness. The nose is always harmonious with the overall color, ranging from dark brown to light brown.

Уши

Pointed, thin-skinned, upright ears that are widely spaced apart. Their bases are firm and quite sturdy. The ear shells slightly tilt forward and have slightly curved outer edges, while the inside is covered with dense undercoat.

Глаза

The corners of the eyes are clearly defined, of medium size, and almond-shaped. They shine with love and diligence, understanding and intelligence. The iris is brown and harmonizes with the color of the fur.

Зубы

The jaws of the Australian are very strong and can form a scissors bite. The dental row is white and consists of 42 teeth: 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower. The cheekbones are not prominent in relation to the snout and are rounded.

Корпус

Туловище венчает шея средней длины с некоторой изогнутостью и загривком, который переходит в плечи. Грудина глубокая, несколько развернута в глубину, ребра овальные. Корпус у собаки крепкий, сильный, а мускулы умеренные. Спина без высокозадости и прямая, слегка расширена в пояснице. Скошенный круп, живот не провисает в области паха. Тело у собаки имеет развитый костяк и умеренную мускулистость.

Конечности

Лапы австралийской келпи отличает костистость, прямая постава, овальность подушечек при полном смыкании. Нужно отметить, что перекрещивание или как бы раскачивания ног при беге недопустимы. Передние конечности имеют развитые мускулы и сухой костяк. Смотрятся ровно и параллельны к друг другу. Конечности имеют овальные стопы, загнутые пальцы, толстую кожу и упругие подушечки. Лопатки находятся близко по отношению к друг другу и сходятся в районе холки. Плечелопаточный сустав прямоугольный. Локти расположены прямо, пясти с небольшим наклоном, который придает гибкость в движении и молниеносный разворот. Такие же и задние лапы – сильные, овальные с толстой кожей. Сзади смотрятся ровно и параллельны друг к другу. Коленные суставы четкие и выразительны. Скакательные сочленения находятся низко.

Хвост

The tail length is average up to the hock joint. When excited or running, it lifts upwards. There is a tuft at the end of the tail.

Шерсть

The coat of the Australian Kelpie is double-layered with a dense but relatively short undercoat. The outer coat is stiff, closely packed, and straight. When submerged in water, it barely gets wet. It grows under the body and on the thighs with feathering at the back, and has a collar-like appearance around the neck. For breed standards, very short or very long fur is not acceptable. A coat height of up to 3 cm on the body is permissible.

Окрас

There is not much variety in colors. Mainly, the dogs are black and black with tan markings, chocolate, red and red with tan markings, and smoky-blue.

Character

When considering the character of the Australian Kelpie, they are more like friends, colleagues, or partners, and certainly not servants to be ordered around to fetch slippers or newspapers. They assist their owner and can even make decisions in some cases. Once a dog has recognized you as a friend, it will remain loyal and never betray you.

For them, work is a pleasure. They are marked by responsibility and tirelessness. Their energy, agility, and medium size allow them to maneuver easily in large flocks. They can effortlessly run among sheep, driving them to the right place.

But they are not limited to herding sheep or goats. They can also easily handle the task of herding cattle or domestic waterfowl displaced from ponds.

For the Australian Kelpie, movement is equivalent to life, which is why they can tirelessly move with flocks for many kilometers a day. However, as many owners and breeders assert, they should not be turned into guard dogs. The reason is their friendliness. Yes, they are cautious around strangers, but if they do not perceive a threat, they accept them as their own. Balance, understanding, energy, and activity are the four main traits of a Kelpie’s character. Cheerfulness and affection are additional positive aspects, along with their cooperativeness and attentiveness. These dogs are incredibly loyal and faithful. They respond well to training, are eager to learn, and are ready for new tasks and their execution. The owner only needs to praise their beloved pet and show interest in them. Being left alone at home is torment for an Australian Kelpie, often resulting in property damage.

Care and Maintenance

The Australian Cattle Dog, known as the Kelpie, is a breed that is undemanding in terms of care. A puppy that arrives at home delights its owners with its energy and exuberance. It easily wins the affection of all family members, which typically results in a dog that can be hard to manage. The puppy is incredibly curious, especially about new objects, making it a habit to taste them. An owner of an Australian Kelpie puppy must hide or elevate valuable household items, shoes, and clothes as the puppy grows, while providing chewable dog toys for the little one. If the dog is being raised for work, it is essential to maintain an appropriate attitude towards it.

Discipline is the foundation of care and maintenance, so it’s vital to give the puppy attention and work with it, teaching commands from the age of one and a half months. The first commands the puppy should learn are “no” and “stop.” Surprisingly, Kelpies can memorize these commands with ease. One thing the owner must avoid is physical punishment, which is never acceptable. A dissatisfied tone and a stern look are more than enough for the puppy.

Constant interaction with people, which is essential, helps the dog understand its place in the “pack.” Daily activities, such as play, are crucial for training and developing useful work skills. Australian Kelpies need socialization from a young age to grow up as well-adjusted dogs.

The small size of an adult Kelpie allows for its care in both private homes and moderate-sized apartments in high-rises. However, if the dog lives in an apartment, it must have intellectual and physical exercise and games. If the owner is constantly busy and unable to adhere to walking rules, then the Kelpie is not the right choice. Beyond material issues like damaged furniture and shoes, the dog will fail to learn to understand you, resulting in disobedience. Initially, the puppy, and later the adult dog, will bark and howl when left alone, which will likely annoy the neighbors.

Can you keep an Australian Kelpie on a chain? Absolutely not! Doing so will make the dog aggressive, deteriorate its health due to lack of movement, and it won’t live long. The Australian Kelpie must not be confined to a space, as this can foster irritation and a desire to break down barriers.

A dog will exhibit its best qualities only when it feels that it is receiving attention and love from its owner.Grooming is another responsibility for the owner in raising a dog, which requires meticulous care. Hygiene procedures are essential and need to be prioritized: brushing, bathing, cleaning ears, rinsing eyes, and trimming nails.The main grooming rules are:- Brush off the undercoat, and during shedding, use a deshedding brush as needed.- Bathe every three months or as needed.- Clean ears twice a week using a sponge to remove wax and dirt.- Check the eyes weekly.- Trim nails once a month (the fifth nail on the front paws) if necessary, and others if they don’t wear down naturally.- Check the paw pads after each walk. If there are abrasions, treat them with vegetable oil.Shedding in Kelpies is not excessive, so even in an apartment, their fur should not be overly burdensome for owners. However, if clumps of hair start to fall out, consult a veterinarian, as this could be a sign of vitamin deficiency or a health issue. It’s essential to check this.Care activities for the dog living with you include deworming every three months. They also requir

Training and Education

The Australian Kelpie is a very perceptive and intelligent animal. Therefore, training is a game and a pleasure for them. They eagerly learn not only commands but also circus tricks, such as dancing. After all, they are considered the best dogs in freestyle. However, before starting training, become a true friend and leader-fair and balanced. Violence is not acceptable for any dog, and the Kelpie is no exception. Never shout at the animal, as it will grow up “shy,” nervous, and timid.

It’s essential to start working with the Kelpie as soon as the puppy arrives home. By talking to them, they will quickly learn to understand not just commands.

It’s beneficial to challenge them with different situations to develop their mind and ability to act according to the circumstances. But remember that you need to work with the dog daily to prevent depressive states due to the owner’s lack of attention. Zooinca brings together certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Australian Kelpies in Russia are represented by the Stavropol kennel, which breeds dogs of this breed, focusing primarily on their working qualities. However, there are also Kelpie representatives from Italy and the Czech Republic, but they are more related to show dogs. Participation in exhibitions and breeding can include animals that are registered with the FCI and the Russian Cynological Federation, and brought from kennels in Australia and Europe. Russian Kelpies are characterized by only one of several coat colors, and they must have markings.

What do you need to know when choosing a puppy?

To purchase a puppy that will later participate in exhibitions, you need to travel to Europe (preferably, or even Australia). This should be considered when planning the budget for the purchase.

You need to clearly understand the purpose for which you are getting a Kelpie: as a working dog, for dog shows, or simply as a family companion. Only after that should you decide on the country.

Request a veterinary passport from the breeder and check the entries regarding vaccinations and deworming. If the puppy is older than one and a half months, it should have a microchip.

When selecting a Kelpie puppy, pay attention to how it behaves. Positive traits include activity, curiosity, and friendliness. Timidity and aggression should raise concerns.A healthy puppy will have clean ears and eyes, healthy fur, strong white teeth, and no skin rashes or protruding hernias. Additionally, pay attention to how it walks; the front and back legs should stand parallel and straight.Be cautious when purchasing an Australian Kelpie through a private advertisement. This breed is not very common in Russia, so there is a risk of buying a puppy that is far from being a true Kelpie, with a host of hereditary diseases and issues.

Health and Illnesses

Despite the fact that the Kelpie is not a natural dog but rather a selectively bred one, it possesses a strong immune system and resilience to diseases. The Australian Kelpie easily adapts to various living conditions, tolerating both heat and cold. However, 140 years of selective breeding have still impacted the dogs’ health on a genetic level. The hereditary diseases most commonly found in Australian Kelpies include:

– Tropic changes in the retina (atrophy);

– Joint dysplasia;

– Cryptorchidism (one testicle does not descend);

– Cerebellar abiotrophy;

– Predisposition to dislocations.After walks, it is essential to check the animal, as they often do not feel pain, to ensure there are no injuries or damages.Special attention should be given to the dogs’ vision. Not only are Kelpies prone to retinal atrophy, but they can also have developmental defects in eye structure or excessively small eyes. Therefore, when acquiring a puppy, a genetic analysis should be conducted to ensure the dog is completely healthy. If there are any negative factors, breeding for that individual is prohibited.It is important to remember that if a dog does not get at least three hours of exercise each day, it may face obesity issues.Vaccinations should not be ignored, regardless of whether the Kelpie lives in a house or on a farm. They protect the animal from numerous diseases that can enter the body through airborne routes and food. How long do Kelpies live? On average, they are believed to live around 14 years.