Kelpie Breed description: Character & Co

What are typical character traits of a Kelpie?

It is the perfect image of an agile and lively dog that strides confidently through life. The exuberant temperament paired with a high intelligence he likes to use to guard its family as well as house and garden. In doing so, it can bark very persistently and eagerly. Towards strangers it is a bit reserved and suspicious at first.

It would love to herd sheep all day long. Here it makes a good figure in the enclosure as well as in the free area. A similar activity, such as agility or retrieving, is definitely an enrichment for him.

If it is kept as a family dog, it is well-balanced and adventurous. It is one of the easy to handle and gentle dogs and is always loyal to its family.

What should be considered when keeping a Kelpie?

The Kelpie is a true workaholic who wants to be exercised both physically and mentally. Exercising tasks as well as intelligence games are suitable for this purpose.

Here are some examples:

• Lunging
• Frisbee
• Mantrailing
• Obedience

To keep it manageable as a leisure dog, you should quickly teach him to slow down. Because of its very high independence he is not a beginner dog. Also a living together with small children should be better renounced.

In general the care expenditure keeps itself within limits. It makes no special demands on its feeding and only in the change of coat it should be brushed regularly.

What are typical diseases of a Barb?

The breed is still considered very robust today. There are no known hereditary diseases.

Some dogs have been diagnosed with cerebral abiotrophy, which is a disease of the cerebellum.

Australian Shepdog: Kelpie breeding - where, how, what?

Today the Australian Kelpie is not without reason often called "Show Kelpie". For a long time Kelpie breeders put a lot of emphasis on appearance and colour in order to achieve good results at dog shows. Fortunately, breeding in Europe is now moving back towards trainability, health and athleticism.

In general, dogs that are too fearful, aggressive or sick are excluded from breeding.

In Germany there are currently only ten registered breeders. If you are planning to buy a Kelpie, you can contact the breeders via the VDH website.