This guide was created to inform you about the Australian Kelpie breed, so you can make an informed decision regarding whether this breed is perfect for your lifestyle. Let’s dive right in!
General Appearance and Characteristics
The Australian Kelpie dog breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club at the beginning of the 21st century as an outstanding breed in Australia. The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized, intelligent, energetic and agile dog. The dog has a fine bone structure and a deep chest. The average height of the dog is 15 to 20 inches, and the average weight is 25 to 45 pounds.
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that has a well-defined body, with a muscular yet lean frame. It has an athletic build and is not too heavy or too light. The Kelpie’s body is strong and sturdy with a broad chest, deep chest and well-developed muscles. Its head is also broad and deep, with a strong muzzle and teeth that meet in a scissor bite.
Eyes & Ears
Kelpies have almond shaped eyes which are of medium size, dark and well set apart from each other. Their ears are V-shaped when alert, but will fold back while at rest.
Tail & Coat
The tail of the Kelpie is bushy at the base but tapers towards the tip which curls over their back when they are excited or happy. The coat of the Australian Kelpie is short, dense and harsh to touch, with some variation in color according to the coat pattern.
Coat patterns include blue merle, red merle and solid black (with or without white markings). A Kelpie puppy may start off with black spots on its body, which gradually turn into brown or grayish spots as it grows older due to fading out of pigmentation during the maturation process (known as fading).
Australian Kelpies: Temperament & Traits
The Australian Kelpie is a working dog that has been bred to herd cattle. It is an intelligent and energetic dog that can be trained to do many things. The Australian sheepdog is an excellent working dog and can run for many miles without getting tired. He is loyal, loving and affectionate.
The Kelpie is also very protective of his owner, so you may want to keep this in mind when deciding where he will live in your home. The Australian Kelpie can adapt well to apartment life as long as he gets enough exercise every day.
This breed needs plenty of attention from its owner or family members if they are going to get along well together. It’s essential that you spend time training this dog so that they don’t become destructive while left alone at home or when they’re bored out of their minds!
Brushing Your Kelpie’s Coat
Brushing your Kelpie’s coat will not only keep it looking shiny, but it will also help you spot any issues before they become serious problems. If you notice any lumps or bumps on your dog’s body, schedule an appointment with your vet right away so that he can examine your pet and determine whether treatment is required.
Training
The Kelpie has a high prey drive, so it’s important to train your Kelpie when they’re young so that they don’t turn into an aggressive adult dog. The cattle dog is an intelligent dog breed that can be trained easily if you start training them at an early age. They’re very eager to please their owners, so they’ll learn new commands quickly if you reward them with treats or praise when they do well!
The key is patience while training your dog so that they don’t become frustrated or confused with what you want them to do. Make sure that your commands are clear and consistent so that your dog understands exactly what you want him to do.
Common Problems
Australian Kelpie dogs are very friendly, loyal and loving animals. They are also very intelligent and can be trained easily to do almost anything. However, they can have (very rarely) a few health issues that you should know about. The most common health problems in Australian Kelpies include: hip dysplasia or eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Other health concerns include cataracts, glaucoma, entropion and lens luxation.
Allergies
Allergies are common in Australian Kelpies, but they can be treated with medication. You should visit your vet if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as scratching or licking the skin or fur around the ears and face.
Eye Problems
Some Australian Kelpies have eye problems that may require surgery or medication. Your vet will be able to diagnose any issues you notice with your dog’s eyes and advise you on treatment options.
Skin Problems
Australian Kelpies usually have smooth skin, but some may develop skin allergies or infections which can cause rashes or sores on their bodies. If your dog has a rash or sore, take him to see your vet immediately, so they can give him appropriate treatment and advice
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common health issue among large breeds of dogs. It occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly in puppies, causing arthritis later in life. Hip dysplasia can cause lameness and pain in affected dogs.
How Much Does a Kelpie Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Kelpie puppy is $750 – $1,600. This price range is based on the popularity of the breed and the quality of the breeder. The cost of shipping your puppy can also be an additional fee to consider when purchasing your dog. If you’ve decided that a Kelpie is right for you, contact local breeders and ask about their prices, health guarantees and whether they offer shipping services for their puppies.
Australian Kelpie Breed. Summary & Final Thoughts
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized working dog that originates from the Australian sheepdog. It is known for its ability to herd and control livestock, but it also makes an excellent watch dog and companion. The Kelpie was bred in Australia to help build up the country’s economy. It was used to gather cattle in the outback, as well as being used by shepherds to drive their flocks. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty and devotion to its handler.
The Kelpie is considered one of Australia’s national treasures because it helped develop the country’s economy while remaining loyal to its owner throughout its life span of 12 – 15 years.
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