Working Kelpie Dog Breed Information
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Nicknames and Other Names | Farmer Dog Australian Sheepdog Kelpie |
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Working Group Herding Group |
| Bred For | Herding cattle and working in the farm |
| Size | Medium-sized |
| Recognized By | AKC, FCI, UKC, ANKC, CKC |
| Life Span | 12-15 years |
| Ideal Weight | 28-60 pounda male and female) |
| Ideal Height | 19-25 inches (male and female) |
| Fur Type | Short, dense |
| Common Colors | Black, Fawn, Red, Blue |
| Markings | Tan points |
| Availability | Rarely available |
| Achievements | None |
| Suitable for Apartments | No |
| Used in World War | No |
| Most Similar To | Australiab Kelpie |
The Working Kelpie which is also known as Australian Sheepdog Kelpie or Barb is a medium-sized working dog. It is a very active dog with a high level of energy, originally bred to herd livestock.
Many take the Australian Kelpie and the Working Kelpie and see both as one breed. However, the American Kennel Club has registered both as two distinct breeds in the Foundation Stock Service.
The Working Kelpie is a strong, well-muscled dog with a moderate length muzzle. Their ears are high set, V-shaped, pricked and that gives it an alert expression. The double-coated coat is flat, straight, weather resistance from out and the undercoat is dense.
Origin and History
The Working Kelpie was originated in Australia around 1870. It was developed by crossing a pair of Black and Tan Collies whose name was Brutus and Jennie.
When wool production in Australia was becoming a big business, they bred the Working Kelpie to handle the sheep and vast acreages. They are great working dogs and are not seen much as a family companion. They still work on the farm and ranches all around the world.
Image Source: Akc
The American Kennel Club has registered the Working Kelpie in its Foundation Stock Service as a different breed from the Australian Kelpie. The United Kennel Club has registered this both breeds as one.
Is The Working Kelpie Child-Friendly?
The Working Kelpie does well with children and can be a good companion for them. However, they may not be best suited in a house with small children. They have a high herding instinct, so they can nip and chase small kids. Therefore, close supervision is needed while letting them interact with each other.
Image Source: Instagram-@bella_tas_kelpie
Temperament, Behavior, and Personality
Temperament: The Working Kelpie has an alert and eager temperament. As a herding dog, they are very alert about the surrounding and is always keeping an eye on everything. Therefore, they can be considered as a great watchdog. They are best suited in the farms and in the countryside. They do not do well as a family pet sitting in an apartment but should be working on a farm or ranches.
Behavior: The Working Kelpie has high requirements for activities. If it is not provided to them, they can become bored and anxious. Therefore, it is best to keep them engaged in some activity always.
Personality: The Working Kelpie has a smart and intelligent personality. They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their work. He thrives for a job to do and is happy to do any kind of work.
Trainability
The Working Kelpie is a highly trainable dog as they are intelligent and always eager to please. However, a novice owner cannot handle this dog and it needs an experienced dog owner who can value its intelligent and activity requirement.
Train them with treats on the hand and reward them with treats and vocal praises after they complete a task. This is the best source of motivation for them.
Facts
- Thousands of Working Kelpies are employed in farms and ranches all over the world.
- They use their hind legs to stand and look around.
- They are also used for search and rescue job in Sweden, Holland, and Finland.
Health Issues
| General Health | Healthy |
| Common Health Issues | Patellar Luxation, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Collie Eye Anomaly, Osteoarthritis, Hip Dysplasia |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Vaccination Required | Rabies, Canine Coronavirus, Canine Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Canine Parainfluenza |
| Shedding | Moderate Shedder |
| Drooling | Low Drooler |
| Grooming | Easy and Effortless Grooming Required |
| Weight Gain Potential | Low to Average |
| Separation Anxiety | Low Chance |
| Allergies | None |
| Diets and Supplements | Protein: 28% Fat: 10% Glucosamine Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids Azodyl |
The Working Kelpie has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. During these years, they can have the following possible health problems:
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy: It is a brain disease that affects the specific section. In this situation, the cells in the cerebellar die affecting the dog vision, movements, and coordination. There is no promising treatment for this condition but medication can make your dog’s life somewhat better.
- Hip Dysplasia: It is mostly genetically inherited situation that is caused due to the disorder of the hip joints. It is a condition, where your dog experience pain on the back and also lameness. Consult a vet for the proper treatment of your dog immediately.
Colors
According to the American Kennel Club, the Working Kelpie comes in the following colors and markings:
- Black
- Blue
- Fawn
- Red
- Tan points
Puppies
Image Source: beauty-osaka.info Image Source: Dog Breeds List
Height and Size: The average height of the Working Kelpie is 19-25 inches and the average weight is 28-60 pounds.
Cost: The average cost of the Working Kelpie puppy is between $1200-$1600. However, the price can go higher depending on the quality of the breeders.
Dog Breeds Similar to Working Kelpie
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