Australian Kelpie Dog

Canis lupus

Last updated: January 26, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Lisjatina/Shutterstock.com

Kelpie can travel more than 30 miles in one day.


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Australian Kelpie Dog Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Australian Kelpie Dog Conservation Status

Australian Kelpie Dog Locations

Australian Kelpie Dog Locations

Australian Kelpie Dog Facts

Fun Fact
Kelpie can travel more than 30 miles in one day.
Temperament
Alert and intelligent
Training
Should be trained from an early age and should be firm but fair
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
5
Common Name
Australian Kelpie Dog
Slogan
Friendly, intelligent and energetic!
Group
Herd Dog

Australian Kelpie Dog Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Red
  • Black
  • Tan
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Weight
25 to 45 pounds
Height
17 to 20 inches

Australian Kelpie Dog as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,200-$1,600
Dog group
Working
Male weight
25-45 lbs
Female weight
25-45 lbs

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Australian Kelpies, or Kelpies as they’re affectionately referred to, were bred in Australia to work as a shepherd to handle a large number of sheep in New South Wales and Victoria.

They were bred to take care of the sheep primarily on their own with no real guidance from any shepherds or other individuals. In addition to herding sheep, this breed is also good at herding cattle and goats.

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Today, there are two different varieties of Kelpies. The first variety is working dogs that continue working as shepherds and herding livestock. The second variety is Show Kelpies. Show Kelpies are bred for their appearance in dog competitions. Kelpies are very intelligent animals who can make good family pets so long as they are also given a job, as their instinct to be working is very powerful. If they get bored, they may also become destructive.

Australian Kelpie Infographic

History and Origins

When Australia’s New South Wales and Victoria regions opened up many acres of land, the number of sheep on these properties skyrocketed to the millions. It was no longer practical to herd them with humans, so wire fences were put in place instead. To handle the sheep in such large areas in harsh climates like heat, rough terrain, and dust storms, a special dog breed was needed. The Australian Kelpie was the perfect fit since it could do the work of multiple people without tiring in the most extreme conditions.

The source of the Kelpie breed has been contested. However, it is known that these dogs originated in Scotland. The canines were black and tan with long hair and semi-erect ears and were about the size of a Collie. Additionally, litters from these dogs created puppies that were reddish brown in color.



Australian Kelpie mid run

The Kelpie was born from a pair of English collies that were shipped to Australia.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

Health and Entertainment for your Australian Kelpie Dog

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Owning an Australian Kelpie: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros!Cons!
Easy to groom: Kelpies are easier to groom than many other breeds and only need to be brushed about once a week.High activity needs: Kelpies do best when they are active and given a job. They are not a good dog to just sit around the house with.
Excellent working-dog: Kelpies make an excellent working dog and do well when they are given a job.Can be destructive: If Kelpies don’t get the mental stimulation and exercise they need, they can exhibit destructive behaviors.
Loyal: Kelpies are loyal to the people they trust.Not always good with young children: Without proper training, Kelpies may try to ‘herd’ or nip at younger children.
Red and tan Australian Kelpie herding a group of sheep.

Australian Kelpies are natural herding dogs.

©K.A.Willis/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

Australian Kelpies are a medium-sized dog breed. Both males and females generally weigh between 25 and 45 pounds and are between 17 and 20 inches tall.

Height (Male)17 to 20 inches
Height (Female)17 to 20 inches
Weight (Male)25 pounds to 45 pounds
Weight (Female)25 pounds to 45 pounds

Australian Kelpies are a lovely shade of rust brown.

©Ellen Levy Finch / CC BY-SA 3.0, from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository – License

Common Health Issues

Unfortunately, Australian Kelpies face more potential health issues than some other dog breeds. Learn what to look out for so you can offer the best care possible to your dog.

One potential health concern for this breed is progressive retinal atrophy. This is an eye condition where the retina deteriorates over time. At first, a dog will lose their night vision, but daytime vision will follow as the disease gets worse.

Patellar luxation is another possible health concern for Kelpie. This is a disorder where the bones of the knee cap (patella) are not properly lined up. This causes them to slip, which can make it challenging and painful for a dog to walk, especially in more severe cases. Surgery may be required for these more severe cases.

Hip dysplasia, which is a genetic disorder, is another potential issue to be on the lookout for. With this condition, the bones around the hip aren’t properly formed, which causes them to rub together and cause pain. Dogs may also begin to limp or experience lameness in one of their legs. Surgery may also be required for this condition.

To review, these are some potential health problems that may impact a Kelpie:

  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
Australian Kelpie Dog (Canis familiaris) - running

Australian Kelpies are prone to hip dysplasia.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

Temperament and Behavior

Australian Kelpies have a pretty even temperament. This breed exhibits very loyal traits and can be very devoted to the members of their family.

Kelpies are also very intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation along with regular exercise. If these needs aren’t met, they can exhibit destructive behaviors. They were bred to herd livestock and still do their best as herding dogs or when they are given a job to do. Kelpies also have a very alert and active personalities.

Red and tan Australian Kelpie herding a group of sheep.

Australian Kelpies are high-energy dogs and need a lot of daily strenuous activity.

©K.A.Willis/Shutterstock.com

How to Take Care of an Australian Kelpie

Keep Kelpie’s health concerns, temperament, dietary needs, activity needs, and more in mind as you prepare a care plan. This dog breed is unique and will require different care than what you would give a different breed.

The Best Dog Food

Always choose high-quality dog food for your Kelpie. Check with your vet to confirm which brand or type of food will best suit the individual needs of your dog. The exact amount of food your dog will require each day can vary based on his or her weight, age, activity level, metabolism, health concerns, and more. Again, your vet is a good resource to make sure you are feeding your dog the right amount of food.

After an Australian Kelpie Puppy is weened, they will need to eat very small meals more frequently throughout the day. This is because a puppy has a smaller stomach than a full-grown dog. Younger puppies should eat between three and four times a day. By the time puppies are six months old, two meals each day should be sufficient. Choose high-quality puppy food for your Kelpie.

Since patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are both concerns for Australian Kelpies, try to find a dog food with a nutritional profile that covers sturdy joints and bones.

Here’s the A-Z Animals Australian Kelpie food recommendation- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food.

This wholesome dog food gives your Australian Kelpie a healthy dose of glucosamine and calcium for cartilage, bones, and joints that keep your dog on its feet happily for years. Vitamin A and taurine also support eye health for this breed which can suffer from retinal atrophy.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Best for Weight Loss
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Formulated for dogs that are less active and/or simply have trouble maintaining a healthy weight
  • The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal
  • Whole grains, including brown rice and barley, provide extra fiber so your dog will feel full longer
  • Added calcium and phosphorus improve your dog's overall health, especially as they age
  • All minerals are chelated for easier absorption
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

Kelpies are relatively easy to groom. They have a denser undercoat with a flat, water-resistant outer coat. You should brush your Kelpie about once a week to take off any looser hair or other debris. You may also find that your Kelpie needs a bath once in a while to keep him or her clean and smelling good.

It is also important to trim a Kelpie’s nails so they don’t become too long and make it painful for the dog to walk. Their teeth should also be brushed a few times a week to prevent dental disease.

Training

Training an Australian Kelpie from a young age is important. This can keep them from becoming too territorial and can help them learn what is expected of them. Keep in mind that Kelpies do best when they are given a job and will respond well to training aimed at teaching them this job.

Exercise

Australian Kelpies are very active dogs who are used to getting a lot of exercise each day. It will be important to help make sure your Kelpie gets sufficient exercise. This can include long walks, play sessions, or completing their assigned tasks.

Australian Kelpie Dog (Canis familiaris) - on sand dune

Australian Kelpies are very smart and a joy to train.

©K.A.Willis/Shutterstock.com

Puppies

Kelpies can be very destructive if they get bored, so it will be very important to make sure your home is puppy-proof. Remove anything that could be a potential safety hazard or that you don’t want to see ruined by your Kelpie. In addition to puppy-proofing your home, make sure that you select a trusted veterinarian to bring your dog to after you bring him home.

The change in environment can cause stress to a Kelpie puppy, so be sure to give them plenty of attention. It will also be important to start training and socializing your dog from a young age so they get used to different people and places and learn how to act appropriately.

Australian Kelpie puppy lying in the grass

©Deborah Samwell/Shutterstock.com

With Children

Kelpies can make good family pets under proper conditions. Since they are herders by instinct, they may try to herd younger children if they aren’t properly trained or socialized. Without proper training, they may also nip at children. However, they can make great family dogs as long as they receive the training, socialization, and stimulation they need.

Dogs similar to Australian Kelpie

Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies are three breeds that are similar to the Australian Kelpie.

  • Australian Cattle Dog: Australian Cattle Dogs and Kelpies were both bred to herd livestock in Australia. Both are a medium-size dog, through the Australian Cattle Dog is about 10 pounds heavier with an average weight of 46 pounds compared to a Kelpie’s 35 pounds. Kelpies have a double coat while Australian Cattle Dogs have a denser coat.
  • Australian Shepherd: The Australian Shepherd is a larger dog than the Kelpie. The average weight of a male Australian Shepherd is 57.5 while the average weight of a male Kelpie is only 35 pounds. Both breeds are territorial and can make an excellent watchdog.
  • Border Collie: Border Collies and Kelpies are both excellent shepherds for livestock. They are also about the same size with an average weight of around 35 pounds. Border Collies require more grooming than Kelpies and can be more affectionate.
Australian Kelpie Dog (Canis familiaris) - puppy in grass

Australian Kelpies are herding dogs and will often herd young children playing in the yard.

©Eliska_vys/Shutterstock.com

Famous Australian Kelpies

Australian Kelpies are seen at many dog shows. Some of the more famous members of this breed include:

  • Coil: Coil was a Kelpie who won a sheepdog trial by earning the greatest maximum number of points in 1898 in Sydney.
  • Koko: Koko the Kelpie played the role of ‘Red Dog’ in a film with the same name. Red Dog was a well-known and loved Kelpie in Australia during the 1970s.

Below are some of the most popular names for an Australian Kelpie:

  • Dingo
  • Boomerang
  • Dusty
  • Archie
  • Aussie
  • Milla
  • Isla
  • Pippa
  • Sienna
  • Kiwi

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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

Australian Kelpie Dog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Australian Kelpie Dogs herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Australian Kelpie Dogs are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the order Carnivora.

What genus do Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to?

Australian Kelpie Dogs belong to the genus Canis.

What type of covering do Australian Kelpie Dogs have?

Australian Kelpie Dogs are covered in hair.

How many babies do Australian Kelpie Dogs have?

The average number of babies an Australian Kelpie Dog has is 5.

What is an interesting fact about Australian Kelpie Dogs?

Australian Kelpie Dogs are friendly, intelligent, and energetic!

What is the scientific name for the Australian Kelpie Dog?

The scientific name for the Australian Kelpie Dog is Canis lupus.

How much does Australian Kelpie cost to own?

The price to purchase an Australian Kelpie from a breeder can vary quite a bit. While the average price for an Australian Kelpie is only $400, purchasing one from a reputable breeder can cost between $800 and $3,400. The price to adopt a Kelpie from a shelter, if you can find one, will be significantly cheaper and should only cost a few hundred dollars.

In addition to the price to adopt a puppy, don’t forget about all the other supplies your Kelpie will need. Think about food, dog beds, toys, treats, crates, and more. You’ll also need to budget for veterinary care. The first year you own your dog will likely be the most expensive, and you’ll want to budget between $1,000 and $1,500. The following years should be less expensive, but still, be sure to budget between $500 and $1,000 to cover everything your dog will need.

Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs?

Australian Kelpies can make a great family pet. However, it is essential to make sure they receive the training and socialization they need. Otherwise, they may try to ‘herd’ or nip young children.

How long does Australian Kelpie live?

The average lifespan of an Australian Kelpie is between 10 and 13 years.

What is an Australian Kelpie cattle dog?

An Australian Kelpie is a dog that was bred to her livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. This breed is easy to train and do well with a variety of working duties.

Can Kelpies be inside dogs?

Kelpies can be inside dogs, but they will also need to have ‘duties’ to perform throughout the day. They were bred to be a working dog, and without having a task, they can build up too much energy and become destructive.

What breeds make up the Australian Kelpie?

Australian Kelpies were derived from Scottish Collies and Dingos in Australia.

What does an Australian Kelpie look like?

Kelpies are a medium-size dog with a relatively compact body. They have a longer head and a low tail. This breed has a double coat that comes in a variety of colors including brown, tan, black, fawn, red, chocolate, or blue.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-kelpie/
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Kelpie
  3. Dogtime, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/australian-kelpie#/slide/1
  4. Your Pure Bred Puppy, Available here: https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/australiankelpies.html
  5. ABC, Available here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-06-28/kelpie-study-finds-no-detectable-dingo-dna/11250106#:~:text=The%20kelpie%2C%20a%20herding%20dog,more%20than%204%2C000%20years%20ago.
  6. Purina, Available here: https://www.purina.com.au/en/puppies/breeds/kelpie#.YBTsw-gzZPZ
  7. Next Day Pets, Available here: https://www.nextdaypets.com/Australian-Kelpie.htm#:~:text=You%20should%20budget%20anywhere%20from,Australian%20Kelpies%20sold%20is%20%24400.
  8. Kiddle, Available here: https://kids.kiddle.co/Australian_Kelpie#:~:text=Kelpies%20are%20able%20to%20travel,get%20and%20keep%20them%20moving.

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