Australian Kelpie
Also known as Kelpie, Australian Kelpie
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 14 to 21 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Australia
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An athletic, medium-sized herding dog with exceptional energy and intelligence, developed to work sheep over vast distances in tough Australian conditions. Known for its lithe, agile build and its tireless drive to work.
History and origins
Developed in Australia in the late 19th century from working collies imported from Scotland, to produce a herding dog able to move sheep on its own over vast distances and in a harsh climate. The dingo ancestry often mentioned is a legend: genetic studies have not confirmed it.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Cryptorchidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Australian Kelpie FAQ
How big does the Australian Kelpie get?
The Australian Kelpie stands 43 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 14 to 21 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Australian Kelpie shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Australian Kelpie live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Australian Kelpie need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Australian Kelpie good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Australian Kelpie live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are cerebellar abiotrophy and progressive retinal atrophy.
