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An Australian Kelpie
Photo: davepaku, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Medium Foundation Stock Service

Australian Kelpie

Also called Barb, Kelpie and Working Kelpie

  • Easy to train
  • Needs space
  • Needs lots of exercise

The Australian Kelpie is a lively and intelligent herding dog from Australia. They are active, friendly, and loyal, and make great family pets. Australian Kelpies have a thick, double coat that can be any color. They are easy to train and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Weight
24–44 lb (11–20 kg)
Height at the shoulder
17–20 in (43–51 cm)
Life span
12–14 years
Exercise
About 90 minutes a day
Coat
Short, Double
Origin
New South Wales, Australia (late 19th century)

Traits

Family and friends

  • OK with children
  • OK with other dogs
  • Reserved with strangers

Home and activity

  • Very energetic
  • Not suited to apartments
  • Barks a little
  • Very easy to train

Care

  • Little grooming
  • Sheds moderately
  • Hardly drools

Temperament

Alert Eager Highly intelligent Loyal Tireless Tractable

Coat colours

Black, black and tan, chocolate, fawn, red, red and tan and smoke blue

Males and females

MalesFemales
Weight 35–44 lb (16–20 kg) 24–35 lb (11–16 kg)
Height 18–20 in (46–51 cm) 17–19 in (43–48 cm)

Recognized by

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC)


Caring for an Australian Kelpie

Find pet services near you that suit this breed.

Veterinarians

Check-ups and vaccinations through its 12–14 years.

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Dog walkers

Needs about 90 minutes of exercise a day.

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Pet sitters

Someone to look after it while you’re away.

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Breeds of a similar size

All medium breeds
An American Leopard Hound
Medium

American Leopard Hound

Foundation Stock Service

  • 35–75 lb (16–34 kg)
  • 12–15 years

Sources

Breed details from The Dog API.