Australian Kelpie

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Progressive retinal atrophy · Cataracts

The Australian Kelpie was developed in the 1870s from Scottish collies imported to Australia, and was selected relentlessly for the ability to work sheep across vast, hot, dry country. A working Kelpie can cover forty or more kilometres in a day, and the breed is famous for its habit of running across the backs of packed sheep in yards. There are two lines, the working Kelpie and the show Kelpie, with the working line noticeably more driven. This is the crucial point for anyone considering one: the Kelpie is not a suburban pet in most circumstances. It needs hours of genuine physical and mental work every day, and a Kelpie that does not get it becomes obsessive, destructive and hard to live with, often fixating on shadows, lights or moving objects. It suits farm life, or an owner deeply committed to herding, agility, canicross or another demanding dog sport. Given that outlet, it is a devoted, intensely loyal and highly trainable dog. It herds by instinct, which means it may try to control children and other pets by circling and nipping, so early training to redirect that behaviour is important. The short double coat is easy, needing only a weekly brush, and the breed tolerates heat exceptionally well. Health is generally excellent for a working dog; buy from a breeder who hip-scores and DNA-tests for the breed's inherited eye conditions and cerebellar abiotrophy. Working joints benefit from a lean weight throughout life.

• How much exercise does a Australian Kelpie need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a Australian Kelpie need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Australian Kelpie suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a Australian Kelpie a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Australian Kelpie live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Australian Kelpie?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cataracts. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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