For this shepherd dog work is in their blood, they are capable of gathering the flock even completely alone. Here are some interesting pieces of information about the Australian Kelpie!

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The Australian Kelpie is a herding dog, it is held that they originate from Scotland, but like many other breeds their origin is also disputed. These dogs had a big role in the development of Australia’s sheep and wool industry.

The Australian Kelpie had a big role in the development of Australia’s sheep and wool industry / Photo: Getty Images Hungary

Bred to endure extreme conditions

The Kelpies were bred so that they should be suitable to cope with the hot, dry conditions of the continent, and the extremes going with this, such as dust. This breed even today is known for their unwavering work ethic and energy, their tireless work is exemplary.

They were bred from Collie type dogs in Scotland / Photo: Getty Images Hungary

The water spirit

The word “kelpie” means “water spirit”, which in Scottish folklore is a shape-shifting being living in lakes, rivers. Typically they appear in the form of a beautiful horse with the aim to lure their victims into the water. As a human the water spirit is more easily recognisable, because at their heels the reversed hooves can betray them, say the legends. The naming of the breed is connected to the name of John D. “Jack” Glesson, who worked as a dog breeder in Australia. He named his dog Kelpie, who is a fundamental ancestor of the today’s Australian Kelpie breed.

The Australian Kelpie needs a lot of movement / Photo: Getty Images Hungary

Not recommended only for keeping in a flat

Since they were bred as a working dog it is not recommended for them to be kept exclusively in a flat. They are happy if they have space to move and opportunity to make use of it, thus the garden next to the house the Kelpie is quite certainly able to take over to the maximum. They can be an ideal favourite for active families. The Australian Kelpie is an extremely loyal companion, and they form a strong bond with their owner and loved ones. They feel good in a home where they receive not only the necessary activity, but also the love giving security.

In terms of care the owner has a relatively easy task. The Kelpie’s short coat is weather-resistant, requires minimal care. However it is important that their ears must be kept clean, claws cut, and attention should also be paid to the teeth.

The intelligence and loyalty of the Australian Kelpie make it possible for them to be capable of almost any task. They hold their own also as therapy dogs, assistance animals and as detectives.

They not only gladly swim, but surf as well

For the Kelpie both mental and physical movement is of key importance. These clever dogs also hold their own excellently in sports. During trainings they respond best to positive reinforcement. Movement forms connected to obedience or agility are excellent opportunities for the Kelpies, they gladly perform these tasks even at competition level.

They are known mostly for herding, however they love water very much, and they learn not only to swim, but even to surf. Abbie Girl is the multiple world champion of surfing among dogs. Michael Uy, Abbie’s owner once put their favourite onto the surfboard to rest. Abbie stood up onto the board, then their owner put them onto a wave and their dog paddled to shore.

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