Australian Kelpie Characteristics: The spirited and faithful Australian Kelpie is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Herding (Rare Dog Breed). The Australian Kelpie, is characterized by its agile, muscular appearance with an eager, alert expression. Other characteristics include a well defined muzzle; dark, medium sized, almond shaped eyes; wide spaced, erect, pointed ears; a long, thick, curved tail and an active, fluid gait. The temperament of the Australian Kelpie can be described as Energetic, Friendly, Loyal. The coat type of the Australian Kelpie is described as hard, straight coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Australian Kelpie demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Herding and guard dog and is known by its nick name the "Australian Sheepdog". The origin of the Australian Kelpie dog breed was in Australia where it was developed in the late 1800's. Fast Facts about the Australian Kelpie: The following facts provide fast information about the Australian Kelpie breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Herding (Rare Dog Breed) *** Nick name: "Australian Sheepdog" *** Origin: Australia *** Male Height: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) *** Female Height: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) *** Male Weight: 14-21 kg *** Female Weight: 14-21 kg *** Coat Type: hard, straight coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4 - 7 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12 -15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Australian Kelpie Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding (Rare Dog Breed): The Australian Kelpie is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding (Rare Dog Breed). Other names for the Australian Kelpie: The Australian Kelpie is known by the nickname of the "Australian Sheepdog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Kelpie, Australischer Kelpie and Barbs. Black Kelpies became known as Barbs and for many years were considered to be a different breed to the Australian Kelpie. Origin of the name Australian Kelpie: The origin of the name "Australian Kelpie" derives from its country of origin and the Gaelic word "Colpach" meaning a 'heifer, steer or colt' in reference to their role of working cattle. Australian Kelpie History and Origin: The country of origin of the Australian Kelpie breed was in Australia during the late 1800's. The Australian Kelpie evolved from the 'Collie' dogs that accompanied the first pioneers to Australia (the word 'Collie' became synonymous with any sheepdog). There are also theories that the Australian Kelpie also evolved from the Dingo, some of which had been domesticated by native Aborigines and were known to be ancestors of the Australian Cattle Dog. The highly versatile and tireless Australian Kelpie was capable of working sheep, cattle, goats and even poultry. The hardy Australian Kelpie breed is able to work in the hottest and dustiest of climates and have high levels of endurance and been known to travel over 30 miles (50 kilometres) in just one day. Kelpies were first exhibited at the Melbourne Royal Show in 1908 and the Breed Standard was adopted by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1963. The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) recognised the Australian Kelpie in 1989. Australian Kelpie Height: The Australian Kelpie breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 18-20 inches (46-51 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm). Australian Kelpie Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 14-21 kg. The weight of the smaller female dog is 14-21 kg. Australian Kelpie Coat Type: The coat type is described as hard, straight coat. Australian Kelpie Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Blue, Brown, Chocolate, Fawn and Black & Tan. N.B. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Australian Kelpie Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Australian Kelpie are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Australian Kelpie are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Australian Kelpie Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4 - 7 puppies. Australian Kelpie puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Australian Kelpie puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Australian Kelpie Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Energetic, Friendly, Loyal and Faithful. Australian Kelpie Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Australian Kelpie requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has an active, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Australian Kelpie Diet: A fully grown Australian Kelpie should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Australian Kelpie Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Australian Kelpie breed include Hip dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Australian Kelpie dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Australian Kelpie Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Australian Kelpie breed is 12 -15 years. Australian Kelpie Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Australian Kelpie breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Australian Kelpie names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Oz *** Frank *** Outback *** Perth *** Olivias *** Newton *** Hunter *** Noah *** Lucas *** Hudson *** Logan *** Riley. Australian Kelpie Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Australian Kelpie names are Sheila *** Evie *** Paige *** Ellie *** Ivy *** Zara *** Lucy *** Ella *** Layla *** Mila. Fast Facts about the Australian Kelpie: The following facts provide fast information about the Australian Kelpie breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding (Rare Dog Breed) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Australia *** History / Date: late 1800's *** Male Australian Kelpie Height: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) *** Male Australian Kelpie Weight: 14-21 kg *** Coat Type: hard, straight coat *** Litter Size: 4 - 7 puppies *** Australian Kelpie Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Australian Kelpie Lifespan: 12 -15 years *** | 