Australian Kelpie Dog Breed

Thinking of getting an Australian Kelpie Dog and want to know if an Australian Kelpie is suitable for your household?

Use the Australian Kelpie information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Australian Kelpie and more.


Australian Kelpie Breed Facts

Australian Kelpie Facts

  • Name: Australian Kelpie
  • Other Names: Australian Sheepdog, Australischer Kelpie, Kelpie, Barb
  • Origin: Australia
  • Breed Group: Working, Herding (UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Australian Kelpie Dog Facts

Australian Kelpie Information

The Australian Kelpie, or simply Kelpie, is an Australian sheep dog successful at mustering and droving with little or no guidance. It is a medium-sized dog and comes in a variety of colours. The Kelpie has been exported throughout the world and is used to muster livestock, primarily sheep, cattle and goats. The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he is tall, the Kelpie has a broad chest and firm hindquarters that contribute to his flexible, energized appearance. The head is long and narrow. The medium length tail is low set. The short, compact feet have well arched toes. The double coat consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and weather-repellent outer coat. Color possibilities include black and red, each with or without tan and fawn, chocolate and blue. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed's working ability then its appearance.

The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition, marked loyalty and devotion to duty. It has a natural instinct and aptitude in the working of livestock, both in a confined area and in open country. An open, friendly, alert but placid disposition is essential, with a good balance between keenness to work and ability to rest.

What to do if you lose your Australian Kelpie

If your Australian Kelpie Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vets to see if anyone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Call the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Australian Kelpie

If you find a Australian Kelpie Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Phone the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet Clinic who usually scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.