Australian Kelpie
The
Kelpie was developed in Australia for herding sheep.
They are medium-sized dogs and come in a variety of colors. Kelpies
have been exported throughout the world and are used for herding
cattle as well as sheep and other livestock.
Kelpies are compact, enthusiastic, and tireless,
always ready to work.
.
The Kelpie's coat has a thick undercoat and a short weather resistent
outer coat. Coat colors include black, chocolate, red,
blue, fawn, red and tan,
and black and tan. The
dog's color has no relationship to his working ability, so
ranchers looking for working dogs usually disregard the dog's
color.
The
breed is most likely across between Scottish sheepdogs and old style
smooth-haired collies and with possibly a little dingo in the mix.
Kelpies use "eye" like a Border Collie
on gentle stock but uses
its nipping ability on stubborn cattle.
They can work unsupervised, relying on their own wits to locate and gather
cattle.
Kelpies make excellent watchdogs. They are an active, intelligent breed
which become easily bored and need
to be provided with lots of interesting things to do or they may develop
serious behavior problems.
A medium sized dog Kelpies stand between 17 and 21 inches at the
withers and generally weigh from 25 to 45 lbs.
