Kelpie
•Posted on May 31 2021
Last updated on May 06 2026
Another member of the herding family, the Kelpie has had us guessing for years!
It is unknown just where the Kelpie actually originated. It’s even said they are closely related to the Australian Dingo, but this has now been disproved by DNA testing and dismissed. Their resemblance had us fooled!
It’s now suspected that they derived from the Scottish Collie or Farm Collie and were brought to Australia in the 1800’s from Scotland. Casterton (VIC) is recognised as the birthplace of the Australian Kelpie.
Kelpies have natural herding instincts, much like a Border Collie, that have been made to withstand the Australian heat whilst rounding up livestock. They are happiest when they have a job to complete which is why they are excellent service, search and rescue, nose work and watchdogs.
They are incredibly independent and can even herd without supervision!
The Australian Kelpie breed originated in the 19th century from a mix of British collies and local working dogs. The first dog to be called a Kelpie was named by a Scottish man, Jack Gleeson, after a mythical shape-shifting spirit from Scottish folklore. By the 1880s, Kelpies were winning sheep dog trials across New South Wales and Victoria, showcasing their herding abilities.
The modern day Kelpie now has two distinct strains and has a life expectancy of 10-13 years. One strain is the show dog. These are bred for their colour, amongst other attributes. The other is the working dog that we originally and commonly know the Kelpie as. These are mostly black and tan (the truest working Kelpie colour).
All About Kelpies: What Does a Kelpie Look Like?
A male Kelpie generally stands between 46-51cm tall, with the female Kelpie falling between 43-48cm. A healthy average weight for a male is 15-20kg, and for a female, 11-16kg. The Australian Kelpie is generally considered a healthy breed, known for its resilience and robust constitution.
The Kelpie breed has a very distinct look - you’ll almost always be able to tell the breed apart by their erect ears that sit wide apart on their heads and their fox-like demeanours. Their chests are deep rather than wide.
This medium sized dog breed has an athletic body, muscly shoulders and a strong hind quarter. Its head is rounded and broad between the ears with their nose matching the colour of their coat.
Colours of a Kelpie include black and tan, black, red, chocolate, red and tan, smokey blue and fawn.
Both male and female Kelpies have a short coat that lies flat to their body. This is a double coat with the outer layer being more weather resistant. The breed is a hardy breed, originally bred to withstand extreme heat, dust, and vast open spaces. Their grooming needs are moderate and weekly brushing should do the trick to remove dead hair and reduce shedding. Kelpies are generally low-maintenance in grooming, requiring weekly brushing and occasional baths, and they shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding seasonally, so regular brushing helps control loose hair.
Active Kelpies tend to wear their nails down naturally. Regular grooming includes checking and trimming nails, as they can grow quickly if not naturally worn down.
Maintaining a clean coat and healthy skin is important for a dog's overall well-being, and using dog-friendly shampoo helps prevent skin irritation.
Show Kelpie vs Working Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie breed is renowned for its versatility, but not all Kelpies are bred for the same purpose. There are two main types: the Show Kelpie and the Working Kelpie. While both fall under the broader kelpie breed, their differences are significant and worth understanding for anyone considering bringing a Kelpie into their home.
Show Kelpies are bred primarily for their appearance and adherence to the breed standard. These dogs are often seen in the show ring, where their conformation, coat quality, and movement are judged. Show Kelpies tend to have a more uniform look, with a focus on symmetry, coat colour, and overall presentation. Their temperament is generally calm and adaptable, making them well-suited as family pets for those who appreciate the breed’s iconic look and loyal nature.
On the other hand, Working Kelpies are bred for their exceptional working ability, intelligence, and strong herding instincts. These dogs are the backbone of many Australian farms, prized by Australian farmers for their limitless energy, quick thinking, and natural instinct to herd livestock. Working Kelpies require regular mental stimulation and physical work to stay happy and healthy. Without enough activity, they may develop unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or digging. Their drive and stamina make them ideal for rural environments or active households that can provide plenty of outlets for their energy.
While both types share the classic Kelpie look, pricked ears, athletic build, and keen expression, their differences in temperament and needs are important to consider. Whether you’re drawn to the Show Kelpie’s polished appearance or the Working Kelpie’s tireless work ethic, understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right companion for your lifestyle. Both types can make wonderful family pets, but it’s essential to match their needs with your own expectations and environment.
What are the personality traits of an Australian Kelpie?
Much like most working dogs, if a Kelpie is bored, it will become destructive. They are high energy dogs that need an outlet for their energy - mentally and physically.
Kelpies are highly territorial and so need to be trained from a young age to avoid becoming aggressive as they grow older. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent unwanted behaviours such as nipping and territorial reactions, especially in homes with children. Kelpies are compatible with children and other pets if socialised early, but may exhibit herding behaviour towards small children.
Kelpie kelpies are highly trainable, intelligent, and possess an independent thinking nature. They love a challenge and respond best to positive reinforcement training. Despite their independent nature, they can be sensitive and thrive with positive reinforcement. They are intense, quick-thinking, agile, sharp-eyed and love co-operation (this comes from their herding instinct). They thrive on vigorous exercise and athletic activities which explains their exceptional competing abilities.
This dog breed is loyal and devoted to work, yet wary and suspicious most of the time.
Training and Socialisation
Australian Kelpies are among the most intelligent dogs, and their quick learning ability makes them a joy to train. However, their intelligence also means they need consistent training and plenty of mental stimulation from an early age. Obedience training is essential for kelpies, as it helps channel their energy and prevents the development of unwanted behaviours.
Early socialisation is just as important as training. Introducing your Kelpie puppy to a variety of people, other dogs, and new environments helps them grow into well-adjusted adults. This early exposure reduces the risk of behavioural issues and ensures your Kelpie is comfortable in different situations. Highly intelligent and eager to please, Australian Kelpies respond best to positive reinforcement methods—think treats, praise, and play.
To keep your Kelpie engaged, incorporate activities that challenge both their mind and body. Agility courses, advanced obedience, and interactive puzzle toys are excellent ways to provide the mental stimulation these dogs crave. Regular physical exercise, such as long walks, runs, or games of fetch, is also crucial for their overall wellbeing. Consistent training routines not only prevent boredom but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog, making for a happier, more harmonious household.
What common health concerns do Kelpies have?
Collie Eye Anomaly
This is an inherited and developmental eye disease in dogs. It happens when a mutated gene in the eye occurs, causing the blood vessels that support the retina to be underdeveloped. It is common in Kelpies and dogs similar to the Kelpie.
There are different stages of this disease, with the worst stage having the potential to lead to blindness. Surgery or laser surgery can be performed to minimise the risk but it is not often diagnosed until a dog’s vision is affected. Progressive retinal atrophy is another similar eye disease that is common in this dog breed.
Active and/or working dogs commonly experience problems with their joints due to injury, overuse and ageing. Dysplasia or the elbow and hip are often seen in these dogs, even from a young age. Dysplasia is a deformity of the joint during growth. If not treated, it is likely to develop into arthritis in dogs. This is a painful condition where cartilage runs thin between joints, causing damage to the joint. It cannot be cured but it can be managed with medications or supplements.
Hip + Joint for Dogs is designed with joint related diseases in mind. It contains high amounts of Glucosamine (800mg), MSM (400mg), and Chondroitin (400mg), all of which are known to help stimulate cartilage growth and reduce inflammation and pain related to joint issues.
Luxating patella
This is when a dog’s knee cap moves out of place or dislocates. It is a very painful experience and a dog will usually cry out in pain when it happens. They will often be able to ‘snap’ it back into place on their own without any further complications. If it occurs often, it may need to be managed with arthritis medications or supplements.
Obesity
It is a risk in all dog breeds; however, the Kelpie is prone to joint problems before obesity. Adding obesity to joint problems can make them worse. An overfed and under-exercised dog is a recipe for an overweight dog - ensure you’re feeding appropriate portion sizes for your Kelpie’s age and activity levels. Products such as Probiotic for Dogs are a great tool for keeping your Kelpie’s gut health regulated and in check.
Australian Kelpies as Family Pets
Australian Kelpies can be outstanding family pets for the right household. Their loyal, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm make them a joy to have around, especially for active families who can meet their needs. As a medium-sized dog, the Kelpie is best suited to homes with ample space, such as a backyard or access to parks, where they can run and play freely.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for kelpies. Without enough to do, they may become bored and develop destructive habits. Responsible breeders and owners know that a happy Kelpie is one that’s kept busy with games, training, and interactive play. Early socialisation with children and other pets helps ensure smooth interactions and a well-mannered companion.
Regular veterinary check ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise are essential for maintaining your Kelpie’s health and happiness. Choosing a Kelpie from responsible breeders ensures you’re getting a dog with sound genetics and a good temperament. With the right care, Australian Kelpies can thrive as loving, energetic family pets, bringing joy and companionship to your home for many years.
This dog breed deserves a home with lots of space to burn its mental and physical energy as well as a loving family to take care of them. If you live an active lifestyle and think you can keep up, a Kelpie is the perfect fit for you!
Care Essentials for Active Kelpies
- Protecting Working Joints: High-speed turns and jumping put pressure on Kelpie limbs. Support them with our advanced joint support solutions.
- Managing High Energy: Boredom can lead to stress in working breeds. Discover how to manage pet anxiety and restlessness.
- Value for Active Homes: Keep your working dog in peak condition with our multi-benefit health bundles.
- Total Health Foundation: From gut health to coat shine, find everything in our complete Australian-made supplement range.
