Physical Characteristics of the Australian Kelpie
(from the Working Kelpie Council of Australia)
Head: Slightly rounded skull, broad between well-pricked ears.
Eyes: Slightly oval shaped, of medium size and widely spaced, clearly defined at the corners and showing a kind, intelligent and eager expression.
Muzzle: Moderate length, tapered toward the nose.
Lips: Tight and clean.
Teeth: Sound, strong and evenly spaced, the lower incisors just behind but touching the upper.
Chest: When viewed from the side, should be deep, the point of breast bone showing ahead of the junction between shoulder blade (scapula) and upper arm (humerus).
Shoulders: Clean, muscular, with a long sloping shoulder blade (scapula) set at approximately a 45° angle to the ground.
Forelegs: Clean, muscular, refined bone. The length of leg should be approximately the same from the point of elbow (tip of the ulna) to the ground as is the distance from the withers to the base of the rib cage. The pastern should show a slight angle with the forearm when viewed from side.
Ears: Widely spaced, pricked and running to a fine point at the tip, the leather fine but strong at the base.
Neck: Of fair length, strong, slightly arched and showing quality, gradually molding into the shoulders.
Front Feet: Round, strong, deep in pad, with flexible well-arched toes.
Size: Classified as a medium-sized dog.
Color: Any color and markings historically associated with the development of the breed.
Tail: When viewed from the side the butt of the tail should be well let down.
Hindquarters: Should show breadth and strength with the rump rather long and sloping. When viewed from the side, the overall upper line of the rump and tail should form a smooth curve when the dog is standing at rest.
Coat: Moderately short, flat, straight and weather-resisting outer coat, with or without a short dense undercoat.
Hind Feet: Slightly elongated in comparison with the front feet.
Contents
History of the Australian Kelpie
An Australian creation from the 1800s, the Kelpie is prized by stockmen for his working ability and stamina in harsh conditions and on rough terrain. Travel back to the breed’s establishment and meet the Kelpie’s developers and the foundation dogs. Trace his spread from the Australian outback and sheep yards to countries around the world, where his work ethic and skills are respected and admired.
Characteristics of the Australian Kelpie
Discover what sets the Kelpie apart from other working breeds as well as the personality traits that make him a beloved companion in the home and on the farm. Never “all work and no play,” the Kelpie is a bright, alert and fun-loving family dog who is well suited to many activities. Explore the delights and challenges of Kelpie ownership to see if you and the breed are a perfect match.
Breed Standard for the Australian Kelpie
Learn the requirements of a well-bred Australian Kelpie by studying the description of the breed set forth in the breed standard. Working dogs, show dogs and pets should possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.
Find out about how to locate a well-bred Australian Kelpie puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and some basic puppy problems.
Proper Care of Your Australian Kelpie
Cover the specifics of taking care of your Australian Kelpie every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are dog ID and boarding.
Training Your Australian Kelpie
Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Australian Kelpie, including the use of crates. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands and herding training. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.
Healthcare of Your Australian Kelpie
By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD
Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision, parasite control and breed-specific health concerns.
Know when to consider your Australian Kelpie a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years.
