Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a superb sheepdog descended from working Imported Scottish stock. It is famed for the way it runs along the backs of sheep to reach the head of the flock. It is extremely fast and has an almost camel-like ability to go without water for lengthy periods. It is an attractive prick-eared dog with great intelligence and loyalty to its master.

Origin and history

The Kelpie derives from Collies brought to Australia by early settlers. Its ancestry can be traced to a pup named Caesar, later mated to a bitch named Kelple. Their offspring included the famous King's Kelpie, winner of the first ever sheepdog trials in Australia in1872. The Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson refers to the 'Water Kelpie' in his famous adventure story Kidnapped, giving credence to the suggestion that Kelpies derived from the working Scottsh Collie.

Australian Kelpie Puppies

Good points

Brave
Excellent working dog
Good companion
Loyal

Take heed

No drawbacks known

Size

Kelpie weight 30lb (13.6kg); height 18-20in (46-51cm) at the shoulder

Exercise

The Australian Kelpie is accustomed to plenty of exercise in the great outdoors.