Australian Kelpie

In the 1860s, the first bitch that was used to create the breed was named Kelpie from a name from Celtic mythology. This bitch was later named Gleeson's Kelpie to differentiate it from its future daughter Kings Kelpie. The origin of the Kelpie, like that of many dogs around the world, is due to shepherds, here Scottish shepherds. The Kelpie comes from different strains of Scotland including the Bearded Collie, the Shetland, the old English Sheepdog, the Collie and the Smithfield. Rapidly, Australian cattle breeders realized that imported shepherd dogs were not capable of fully managing the country's sheep in their difficult local conditions (climate, territory expanse...). A few breeds had nevertheless improved well against these constraints, such as the Collies from the north of farmer Rutheford's county. Although these dogs were already very respected for their abilities, they were not well known in Australia until Kings Kelpie, a daughter of Gleeson's Kelpie, won a shepherd dog competition in Forbes in 1879. She is followed by two exceptional dogs that will allow the breed to develop: Coil, a blue male and Red Hope, a red male. Coil was the first dog to win a trial with the maximum points: 200 points. He achieved this performance at the Sydney trial in 1898. In the 1920s, Red Hop ranked first in nearly 52 shepherd dog championships and won 19.

It is intelligent and vigilant, with excellent adaptability. It loves open spaces and working with all domestic species: cattle, goats, sheep and even poultry. It is a good guard dog but since it hates being confined, apartment living is not ideal. Very energetic, it only asks to learn but must be channeled. The Kelpie is sociable, whether with its peers or other animals.

Size: male from 46 to 51 cm - Female from 43 to 48 cm Weight: male from 13 to 20 kg - Female from 11 to 15 kg Some colors of the breed: