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Rescue
an Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpie Puppies for Sale
Australian Kelpie
(Australian Sheepdog) (Australischer
Kelpie) (Kelpie) (Barb)
Windrush Sadie - Photo Taken by Linda Lehman - co-owner of Ledge Rock Kelpies Muscoda, Wisconsin.
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Australian Kelpie Breeder
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an Australian Kelpie
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Description |
The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and
well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he is tall, the Kelpie has a broad
chest and firm hind quarters that contribute to his flexible, energized
appearance. The head is long and narrow. The medium length tail is low set. The
short, compact feet have well arched toes. The double coat consists of a short
and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and weather-repellent outer coat. Color
possibilities include black and red, each with or without out tan; and fawn,
chocolate and blue. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed's working
ability then their appearance. |
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Temperament |
A compact, robust, enthusiastic, and tireless
working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and
successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too
work-oriented and energetic for a couch dog or apartment existence. Their easy
trainability and keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the
Australian work force. They are ready to respond immediately to any signal given
by its master, even from a great distance. They are good with children when they
are raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. Kelpies will try to herd other dogs, pets
and animals whether they want to be herded or not. This workaholic will work
until it drops. They are independent and in business for themselves rather than
for pleasing a handler. Boredom is the breed's doom and the owner's as well. In
their native country of Australia, Kelpies work all day even in intense heat,
covering 1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. The breed uses "eye" similar to
the Border Collie's on the tractable stock, but utilizes its nipping ability to
turn more stubborn cattle. Kelpies can muster thousands of sheep from pasture to
pen to truck. When a flock of sheep is packed as tight as Times Square on New
Year's Eve, they will look for the shortest way to the other side, which is
usually in a straight line. This very clever Kelpie will jump on the back of the
nearest sheep and run lightly across the flock to reach the other side. They
make excellent watchdogs and can also be trained as seeing-eye dogs. The
Australian Kelpie is not an aggressive dog, but he can be protective when
needed, and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary,
regardless of the risk to himself. With the deep intelligence in which this breed exhibits, comes a high dominance level. Meek owners will not do well with this breed. They need an owner who knows how to display natural calm, but firm authority over the dog at all times. With the right type of owner and the proper amount of daily metal and physical exercise this breed can excel. Problems can and WILL arise with meek owners, and or owners who do not provide the proper amount and type of exercise. This breed does best with a job to do. If you do not have time to extensively work with and exercise your dog, or do not fully understand canine instincts and their need to have leadership, this is not the breed for you. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm.)
Weight: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Beware of PRA= Progressive Retinal Atrophy -
retinal degeneration causing partial to total blindness. |
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Living Conditions |
The Australian Kelpie is not recommended for
apartment life. They are working dogs that need plenty of open space to run and
will be happiest with a job to do. Their all-weather coat allows them to live
where it is hot as well as where it is cold. They will be content to live
outdoors with adequate shelter. |
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Exercise |
The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that
demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some kind of job to do. Their
energy levels are extremely high!! They are workaholics and will run until they
drop!! They need to be taken on long daily walks. Makes an excellent jogging companion. Do not allow this dog to walk ahead of you on the walks. He needs to be beside or behind you to re-enforce the human is alpha. |
Life Expectancy |
About 10-14 years |
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Litter Size |
4 - 7 puppies |
Grooming |
This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing
and brushing is all that it needs. Bathe only when necessary as it will remove
the natural oils in the weather-resistant coat and dry out the skin. This breed
is an average shedder. |
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Origin |
Although many still believe the Kelpie is a Dingo
crossed with the Border Collie, more accurate documentation reveals the breed's
development from English North Country Collies of the Rutherford strain. These
hardy British working herders, like many sheepdogs, were imported to Australia
during the latter half of the 19th century. Today nearly 100,000 Kelpies are
employed on that continent. Despite their relatively small size, Kelpies are
without limitations, capable of working cattle, goats, poultry and reindeer.
They will excel in competitive obedience. The name "Kelpie" comes from
the water kelpie mentioned by Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer, in
the novel Kidnapped. This breed has been known since 1870. |
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Herding |
Recognition |
NAAKR, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
CKC, APRI, ACR, DRA |
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NAAKR = North
American Australian Kelpie Registry
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
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Blackie the Australian Kelpie. Blackie lives on 10 acres in
Queensland. He just loves to run around the whole yard...especially at the back
where there is a small pond. He loves to just wade in there and roll around the
grass. He is also a very intelligent dog and loves playing with the horses next
door. He always crouches down and pretends that he's herding the horses. Smart
dog!
This is Algae. Photo Courtesy of Algae's Web Stop.
Photo Courtesy of Algae's Web Stop.
Margie, a 6 year old female Kelpie.
Margie, a 6 year old female Kelpie.
Pasha, the Australian Kelpie at 5 years old.
Australian Kelpie Pictures 1
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