Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog and Puppies

Information, Facts & Origins of the Australian Kelpie Breed
The Australian Kelpies originate from Italy and was bred originally for Herding and guarding sheep. The Australian Kelpie is primarily imported and bred by farmers for use as a herding dog. The word "kelpie" is Gaelic for water sprite which seems to fit the character of this lively dog. The descendents of the Kelpie are believed to be Border Collies which originated on the Borders of Scotland. It's origins can be dated back to the 1800's. This dog is classified as one of the Herding Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Australian Kelpie Sheepdog is not currently Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is therefore in the category of dogs termed Unrecognised & Rare Breeds. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is commonly mis-spelt as Austrailian Kelpy or Kelpys. It is also known as the Barb and the Australian Sheepdog ( Australian Sheep Dog ).

Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog Names

Description of the Australian Kelpie Character and Temperament
The Herding dogs, such as the Kelpy, are medium to large in size. They are intelligent, active, courageous, and determined dogs who make excellent companions and respond well to firm training. Their instincts are very strong and given half a chance they will try to herd, or round up, the family. They enjoy work and look to their owners to provide tasks to enable them to meet their instincts and be rewarded accordingly.

Description of the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Australian Kelpies Dog's coat comes in shades of black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue. The coat is normally straight and hard with a longer, denser undercoat.

Dog & Puppies Health information - potential problems of the Australian Kelpies
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

Hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog Breed
The Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Australian Kelpie Sheep Dogs.

Life Expectancy information of the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.

Age comparison between the Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
Exercising requirements for the Australian Kelpies Dog breed
Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family - child suitability
Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Herding Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Herding Group ( sometimes referred to as the Pastoral Group ) include the Australian Kelpie, were developed to perform a variety of tasks relating mainly to the herding of livestock. The types of livestock that these dogs are associated with are quite diverse and include sheep, cattle, reindeer and any other cloven footed animals. The Herding groups of dogs are eminently suited to these pastoral tasks as many of the breeds have a weatherproof double coat to protect them from the elements when working in severe weather conditions. Their natural abilities have been fully recognised and the initial livestock herding function have been extended to include police work and Search & Rescue amongst other duties.

Herding Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Herding Dogs, including the Australian Kelpie, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Herding Group dogs share the amazing ability to control the movement of other animals. They also have great stamina reserves which allow them to work from dawn to dusk. The dogs are tenacious creatures who have the ability to herd animals such as cattle which are many times their size. They leap, run around frantically and nip at the heels of any animals that they are herding. Add this behaviour to aggressive barking and steely eye contact and their ability to influence much larger animals is fully understood.

Thus, the various Herding breeds, including the Australian Kelpie, were bred and introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
Police work
Tracking
Providing a service to handicapped owners
Performing Search & Rescue
Acting as sentries and couriers for the Armed Forces

In this day and age not every Australian Kelpie might be called to undertake herding tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Australian Kelpie breeding program successful.

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