What Are Kelpie Dogs
A kelpie is a type of Australian sheep dog. This breed is also known as a blue merle because of its coat color. The kelpie was originally bred in Scotland and brought to Australia in the 1800s by Scottish immigrants.
Kelpies are bred to herd sheep, cattle, and other livestock. They are not typically used as guard dogs or watchdogs. Kelpies are intelligent and have been known to learn tricks quickly.
What breeds are in a Kelpie?
The kelpie was brought to Australia in the late 1800s from Scotland. They are a herding dog derived from the Scottish smooth collie or farm collie.[1]
Are Kelpies good house dogs?
A Working Kelpie makes a fine family dog gets on well with ‘his’ children and because they are naturally gentle almost all Working Kelpies live peaceably with other family pets. All dogs need training and intelligent dogs such as the Kelpie love to learn and take great pleasure in working for their owner’s approval.[2]
What are Kelpie dogs known for?
About the Breed The Australian Kelpie is a lithe, active dog, capable of untiring work. He is extremely intelligent, alert, and eager with unlimited energy. As a herding dog, the Australian Kelpie is intensely loyal and devoted to duty.[3]
What problems do Kelpies have?
The Kelpie is a generally healthy breed, but he has some health conditions that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about whom you buy from. They include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism and cerebellar abiotrophy.[4]
Are kelpies a one person dog?
Young, untrained dogs can be seen naturally mimicking the actions of the more experienced dogs, working their actions out for themselves based purely on hereditary factors. Kelpies are a very loyal breed, and are regarded as a ‘one man dog’.[5]
Do kelpies bark a lot?
Unfortunately, Kelpies shed hair heavily so the vacuum will get a good run! They also love to chat and have a high tendency to bark, which makes them ideal watchdogs. Kelpies often live up to 16 years of age and are known for being a naturally healthy breed.[6]
Can kelpies be aggressive?
The Australian Kelpie is not aggressive but won’t hesitate to protect family members, animals or property, often without regard for their own safety. Kelpies usually like children, though you should interactions these interactions.[7]
Are kelpies smelly?
The Australian Kelpie is not a hypoallergenic dog. He does not generally have a strong doggy smell and only requires a bath usually two times a year unless he is working livestock. His coat should be brushed at least once a week to remove dirt and loose hairs.[8]
Can kelpies be left alone?
This breed doesn’t generally do well with apartment life nor do they do well being left alone for long periods of time. Without training, mental stimulation, and regular exercise, Kelpies can be rambunctious, difficult to manage, and destructive.[9]
Do kelpies bite?
Training should begin early in life, especially socialization training, as Australian Kelpies can be highly territorial, and they may also nip while using their natural herding instincts. These qualities do, however, make them natural watchdogs.[10]
Do kelpies talk?
They are quite vocal dogs, always ready for a conversation with the owner, and make great watch dogs, ever ready to sound the alarm.[11]
Are Kelpies the smartest dogs?
They are versatile working dogs, highly intelligent, alert and capable of learning a great deal, but they’re also independent thinkers. The Kelpie is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.[12]
