Is the Australian Kelpie a good family dog?
Australian Kelpie
Kelpies are highly intelligent, energetic medium-sized developed in Australia for mustering and moving livestock. Renowned for their stamina, agility and strong work ethic, they form close bonds with their owners and thrive when given plenty of physical activity, mental stimulation and purposeful tasks.
| Recommended for | Active households that can meet their needs for physical and mental activity |
| Breed Classification | Working Dogs |
| Other names | Kelpie |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Alert, eager, loyal and generally mild/tractable |
| Intelligence | Very high: exceptionally quick learners and independent problem-solvers |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate: alert and responsive, and may bark when excited, working or alerting their owners |
| Maintenance Level | High exercise and enrichment requirements, low grooming needs |
| Health Risk | Australian Kelpies are generally a hardy breed, though they can be predisposed to several inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia, PRA and cerebellar abiotrophy. |
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Australian Kelpie personality and temperament
Australian Kelpies are exceptionally alert, intelligent and eager dogs with a strong desire to work. Originally developed to manage livestock over large areas, they are quick learners and independent problem-solvers that generally enjoy having a task or challenge to focus on.
Kelpies are typically loyal and closely bonded to their people. Their strong working and herding instincts can mean they are highly responsive to movement and may attempt to chase or control other animals if these instincts aren’t appropriately directed. Early socialisation, training and plenty of mental and physical activity are therefore particularly important.
Australian Kelpies with kids and other pets
Well-socialised Kelpies can be affectionate family dogs and can live successfully with children and other pets. Because they were bred to control livestock, however, some may instinctively try to herd children or other animals by following, circling or chasing them.
Early socialisation and consistent training can help teach appropriate behaviour around people and other animals. As with any dog, interactions with young children should be supervised, and children should be taught how to behave safely and respectfully around dogs.
Australian Kelpie training and exercise
Kelpies have very high physical and mental activity needs. Daily exercise is essential, but physical activity alone isn’t always enough for such an intelligent working breed. They also benefit from training, problem-solving activities and tasks that give them an outlet for their natural drive and concentration. Activities such as obedience, rally, agility, flyball, herding, hiking and interactive games can all help keep a Kelpie engaged.
Their intelligence and eagerness to work generally make Kelpies highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement and varied training sessions that challenge them mentally. Because they were bred to make decisions while working livestock, they can also be independent thinkers, so consistent training and clear routines are important.
Kelpies usually suit active homes best. Apartment living may be challenging unless an owner can reliably provide substantial daily exercise, training and enrichment. Without enough stimulation, some Kelpies may become restless or develop behaviours such as excessive chewing, digging or chasing.
| Energy level | Very high: energetic, driven working dogs |
| Exercise requirements | Very high: need substantial daily exercise, training and enrichment, ideally with activities that give them a job or challenge |
Common health issues for Australian Kelpies
What do Australian Kelpie owners claim for the most?
Australian Kelpies are generally considered a hardy breed, but they can be predisposed to several inherited or developmental health conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia is abnormal development of the hip joint that can result in joint instability, pain and arthritis. Signs may include stiffness, difficulty rising or lameness.
- Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position. Mild cases may cause intermittent skipping or lameness, while more severe cases can require surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) describes a group of inherited eye diseases that cause gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to significant vision loss or blindness.
- Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the cerebellum, the part of the brain involved in balance and coordination. Affected Kelpies can develop an unsteady gait, tremors and difficulty coordinating their movements, often from a young age.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Australian Kelpie
When comparing cover for your Australian Kelpie, look for:
Cover for common Australian Kelpie conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Australian Kelpies can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Australian Kelpie, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Australian Kelpie and your budget.
Australian Kelpie feeding and nutrition
Australian Kelpies should be fed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age, body size and activity level. Because individual Kelpies can have very different workloads—from family pets to highly active working dogs—the amount of food they need can vary considerably.
Kelpies who aren’t sufficiently exercised may become overweight, so monitor your Kelpie’s body condition and adjust portions and treats as necessary to maintain a healthy weight. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure how much or what type of food is appropriate for your dog.
Australian Kelpie care and grooming
Australian Kelpies have relatively low grooming requirements. Their short, weather-resistant double coat generally benefits from weekly brushing to remove loose and dead hair, with more frequent brushing useful during periods of heavier shedding.
They usually only need an occasional bath when dirty, along with routine nail, dental and ear care.
Size, appearance and coat of Australian Kelpies
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized, lithe and athletic dog built for stamina, speed and agility. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, with strong, muscular limbs and a deep rather than broad chest. The head has a characteristic fox-like expression, with erect pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown and harmonise with the coat colour.
The Kelpie has a weather-resistant double coat comprising a short, dense undercoat and a straight, hard outer coat that lies close to the body. The seven colours recognised by the Dogs Australia breed standard are black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate and smoke blue.
| Weight range | Around 14-20 kg |
| Height range | Males: 46–51 cm; Females: 43–48 cm |
| Colours | Black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate and smoke blue |
| Coat length | Short |
Breed history of Australian Kelpies
The origins of the Australian Kelpie are relatively well documented. The breed developed in Australia during the 19th century from working Collie-type dogs imported from Scotland. These dogs were selectively bred for the intelligence, stamina and stock-working ability needed to handle sheep across Australia’s vast properties and demanding climate.
One of the breed’s foundation dogs was a black-and-tan female owned by Jack Gleeson and named “Kelpie”, after the water spirit of Scottish folklore. Her descendants and other closely related working Collies produced highly successful sheepdogs, and the name Kelpie gradually came to describe the developing breed. An all-black descendant known as The Barb was named after the racehorse that won the 1866 Melbourne Cup, and black Kelpies were subsequently sometimes called “Barbs”.
There has long been speculation that Dingoes contributed to the Kelpie’s development. A 2019 genetic study found no evidence supporting shared ancestry in the genes examined for characteristic coat colours and ear shape, although the study did not completely rule out Dingo ancestry elsewhere in the Kelpie genome.
Are all Kelpies working dogs?
Kelpies share a strong working heritage, but breeding priorities can differ between lines. Working Kelpie breeders primarily select dogs for livestock-working ability, while conformation breeders also breed towards the Dogs Australia breed standard for appearance and structure. As a result, individual Kelpies can vary in appearance, working drive and energy, so prospective owners should discuss the temperament and working background of a puppy’s parents with the breeder.
Explore related breeds
Australian Kelpie facts!
- A Kelpie called “Riley” formerly held the world record for dog jumping, reaching 2.95 metres.
- Red Dog, an Australian icon, was a red Kelpie cross known for wandering in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. He had many owners in his time and made many friends – he was a member of the Dampier Salts Sport and Social Club, the Transport Workers Union, and was even given his own bank account by the Bank of New South Wales, who used him as a mascot. He died in 1979 at the age of about 8, possibly from intentional poisoning. He is buried in Roebourne, Western Australia and a statue was erected in his honour in Dampier. There are several books and poems written about Red Dog, and his story was turned into a movie in 2011.
- A stray Kelpie known as “Gunner” is credited with alerting the Australian Air Force that Japanese aircraft were moving towards Darwin during WWII. When he heard an enemy aircraft approach, he would whine or jump. He served in the Air Force between 1942 and 1945.
- Kelpies have excellent sight and can be trained as seeing-eye dogs. Their amazing eyes also make them great watchdogs.
Summary
The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent, active and energetic medium-sized working dog famous for its stamina, enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Intensely loyal and tireless, Kelpies are happiest when they have something meaningful to do.
Although calm and balanced when their needs are met, Kelpies require a great deal of physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited to active people who enjoy training, outdoor activities and keeping a highly capable working dog busy.
FAQs about the Australian Kelpie
They can be excellent family dogs for active households, but they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and may display herding behaviour around children or other pets.
Very high. They need substantial daily physical exercise plus training, problem-solving and other forms of mental stimulation.
Yes. They are highly intelligent and capable learners that usually respond very well to consistent, reward-based training and regular mental challenges.
They are generally low to moderate or moderate barkers, although barking can increase with boredom, excitement, anxiety or unfamiliar activity.
Yes. They generally shed a low to moderate or moderate amount and benefit from routine brushing.
They are generally better suited to homes with more space because of their size, energy level or working and guarding instincts, although individual circumstances vary.
They often live well with children and other pets, but some may try to herd, chase or nip at moving family members, particularly when young.
Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease and some neurological conditions.
MORE INFORMATION
The Australian Kelpie Club of NSW: http://www.australiankelpieclubnsw.com/
The Working Kelpie Council of Australia: http://www.wkc.org.au/
Australian Cattle Dog & Kelpie Club of Qld Inc: http://www.cattledog-kelpieclubqld.com/
Working Paws Dog Rescue: https://www.workingpaws.com.au/
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