Australian Kelpie
Temperament:
The Australian Kelpie - also called Australian Shepherd - is a supple and active dog. He can work tirelessly. He is also extremely intelligent and alert. He has an unlimited energy. The Kelpie was bred to independently watch over herds of livestock all day, especially sheep. With a job, he is happy.
Characteristics
Kelpies belong to FCI Group 1, Section 1 Sheepdog. They were bred and crossbred from Scottish Collies. They robustly withstand the harsh climate of Australia. Moreover, they can work without breaks.
Black and brown Kelpies go back to the Collies. Their hair color is often solid, black, blue to red. The medium-sized dogs weigh up to 21 kg. The hair is short with or without undercoat. Its head shape is reminiscent of a fox. It has almond-shaped eyes and a clearly marked muzzle.
In breeding Kelpies, their original function as sheep dogs is no longer a priority. Nevertheless, his characteristics such as joy of movement, endurance as well as willingness to perform still distinguish him. He is eager, temperamental and agile.
With a consistent education he is gentle, quiet and obedient. He needs Sufficient movement and employment. As long as he has enough space and is kept busy, he is also suitable as a family dog. He loves children and follows his own family faithfully and affectionately. For a rental apartment he is rather not suitable. A house with a large garden or yard or a country estate are perfect for him.
If a Kelpie is not kept busy enough, it can cause behavioral problems in him. He is into positive motivation rather than reprimanding when it comes to training. The Kelpie is very territorial and barks at signs of danger. Thus, he is a great watchdog. Socialization training is necessary to raise him. He does not otherwise allow other pets or puppies.
If you want to get a Kelpie, you should have enough experience in raising and training dogs.
Kelpies need walks and their exercise every day. They also need enough mental exercises. For example, they like to learn new tricks as well as commands. Then they stay balanced and happy.
In Europe, the breeding of Kelpies promotes qualities such as athleticism and health. In addition, there is a willingness to perform and trainability. The Kelpie can now often be seen at dog sporting events.
He is enthusiastic about dog sports. He likes Agility exercises and Obedience, flyball and Frisbee. At work he is perfect. He likes to be Rescue-, Drugs- and Explosives detection dog or simply a Companion dog.
A Kelpie is very loyal and an affectionate companion. That's why you should have a lot of time for him. With consistent training, he can provide many years of enjoyment thanks to his versatility and perseverance. Kelpies love to cuddle with familiar people. They love to give out kisses. Even though they are very cuddly, you won't be able to keep them on the couch for long. They need their freedom and exercise.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Kelpie must stay in full shape. For this he needs rich and balanced food.
In its native country, the Kelpie usually gets freshly prepared food. This is usually 250 g of meat per day. In addition, he gets 125 g of dog flakes as well as 125 g of vegetables. He always needs enough fresh water. He likes calf and beef bones. They keep his teeth healthy and strong. He should not be given lamb, chicken or rabbit bones. They can splinter and become dangerous. Pieces of them can get stuck in the throat as well as the intestines.
It can also be used with high quality dry or wet food be fed. Please note that the portions should correspond to the age, weight, exercise of the dog. Every now and then you can give your Kelpie a treat. The calories of the treats should be included in the daily calorie consumption. This way you avoid the risk of overweight.
Of course, fresh and clean drinking water should never be missing.
Australian Kelpie Care
The robust Kelpie must only be brushed vigorously every week. This removes dust and dirt from his coat. You can clean your Kelpie bathing from time to timeif it is too dirty. For this you should use a suitable dog shampoo and rinse it thoroughly after bas.
Like any dog, he regularly needs a Worm cure and a Treatment against parasites.
eyes and ears must be checked from time to time and be clean. Special attention must be paid to the Limbs as well as the Sole bale to dedicate. After his daily "long-distance running" can have so much stuck to his pads.
Also the regular dental care should be carried out. It is best to get him used to the controls and care when he is still a puppy. This way you will also build a deep bond with him.
Suitable accessories
As an accessory at home is a Snuggle blanket required or a large comfortable Dog basket. For this, like any dog, he needs a Favorite toy. For education and as a treat he loves dog bones. However, they should be quite stable.
Kelpies also like to spend the night outdoors. However, a kennel would constrict him because he loves freedom.
A wide soft collar, a long sturdy leash and a muzzle must not be missing.
Origin & History
The name Kelpie comes from a mythological creature from Scottish folklore. It has become accepted as a breed name.
When huge landscapes in Australia were opened for farming, the number of sheep increased rapidly. Especially in New South Wales as well as Victoria. Some properties were over two million acres wide and housed a quarter of a million sheep. In these areas, the herding of sheep by convicts was no longer possible, because the landscapes were simply too large in the meantime. In the vast areas, it was also hardly possible to keep the flocks. Therefore, wire fences were erected and the sheep were allowed to run free.
For this, however, dogs were now needed, which in these huge areas, had the ability to keep the sheep under control and guard them. A breed had to be bred that could meet this challenge and at the same time cope with the weather and climate conditions in Australia. That's when the Kelpie came in handy.
The origin of the Kelpie is not entirely known. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that it originated from Collies descend, which were imported from Scotland at the times. In the beginning, the dogs were black and brown like these dogs of the collie type. They had long hair coat and medium sized ears. Others were born in time with straight hair and erect ears. The litters of the imported dogs were red and liver brown puppies. After further crossbreeding, they developed into the Kelpie.
The name Kelpie comes from the name of the ancestral mother of this breed. The Collie bitch came to Australia from England around 1870. She received awards in herding competitions. That is why her puppies were in great demand. This breed was then named after her. The anfAnnahme that in the breeding of this breed. Dingos have been crossed with Collies is seen as less likely in the meantime.
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