The Australian Kelpie, known as the “Barb” or the “Australian Sheepdog”, is an extremely energetic animal and an excellent herding dog. This particular breed is considered as one of the most hardworking and energetic ones. It is important to mention that the Kelpie is not made for apartment life, and owners who would rather like to have a so called “couch dog” should definitely avoid selecting this breed.
These are extremely responsive and obedient little animals, and if they get the right training they will also become extremely loyal to their masters. It is said that the Kelpie can hear signals and commands given by their masters even from several miles away.
Given its leadership qualities, the Australian Kelpie will constantly try to become a herder for all the animals it meets, not just other dogs. Kelpies love exercise, and they take their job seriously as a herding dog. They cannot be kept in the backyard, and be taken for short walks of 15 minutes per day. It has been noted that they can easily develop behavioral problems if they are kept in confined spaces.
In order to have a healthy and happy dog, owners must really work hard on understanding their instincts, needs and wishes, and take care of them accordingly. Also, if they do not get the exercise and attention they require, they can become quite destructive. Provided that it is trained properly, the Kelpie will become an excellent watchdog.
The Australian Kelpie presents very few health complications in general. They can be groomed extremely easily, using a special bristle that can be purchased from vet stores. It is important to mention that they have got a weather resistant coat, which contains several protective natural oils. Thus, bathing should be performed only when necessary, in order to avoid drying out that protective layer of oil beneath their coat.
The Australian Kelpie lives on average between 10 to 14 years, and is considered an average shedder. When reaching adulthood, it can measure between 42 and 50 cm in height, and weigh between 10 and 20 kg. The coat color of the Kelpie can be brown (chocolate), black, cream or red. The dog has a compact body structure with extremely powerful limbs.
Kelpie owners love these dogs as they are perfect companions for jogging and other recreational sports (running along when biking, for instance). However, the Kelpie will keep on trying to “lead” its master, thus trying to show who is the dominant personality, or the “boss”. Owners should definitely teach the dog to walk beside them or behind them, in order to make them understand the correct hierarchy.
These dogs are perfect for ranch work, because they can drive livestock (cattle, goats, poultry, even pigs) for very long distances, even when the weather conditions are not favorable.
The Australian Kelpie is an extremely swift and agile dog that makes a perfect companion for the entire family, but it can also become the best worker if trained accordingly.
