The harsh, unaccustomed environment of Australia forced settlers from England and Scotland to select working dogs that fit the land's conditions—much larger spaces, great numbers of merino sheep, plus the intense heat. The mob (Aussie lingo for a flock of sheep had to be brought to the pens every night. That required areal workaholic or gathering-style type dog, rather than sheepherding type from the old country. An estimated 70,000 to 80,000 Australian kelpies are in services on Australian ranches today, still the top herding doh in that country.
The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition and an almost inexhaustible energy, with marked loyalty and devotion to duty. It has a natural instinct and aptitude in working of sheep, both in open country and in the yard. The general appearance is that of a lithe, active dog of great quality, showing hard muscular condition combined with great suppleness of limb and conveying the capability of untiring work.
Photo courtesy of hundund (hundund.de)
Coat
The coat is a double coat with a short dense undercoat. The outer coat is close, each hair straight, hard and lying flat, so that it is rain-resisting. Under the body, to behind the legs, the coat is longer and forms near the thigh a mild form of breeching.
On the head ( including the inside of the ears), to the front of the legs and feet, the hair is short. Along the neck it is longer and thicker forming a ruff. The tail is furnished with a good brush.
Color
Black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue.
Size
The height at the withers is for the dogs 18-20 inches and for the bitches 17-19 inches.
Adapted from:
1. FCI-Standard # 293 /21.04.1997./GB
2. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World Bonnie Wilcox, Chris Walkowicz
Australian Kelpie Puppies for Sale
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