Australian Kelpies Owner’s Guide

Reviewed By Kyoko •  Updated: 03/18/21 •  5 min read
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Have you always wondered whether the Australian Kelpie is the perfect canine for your household? This furry friend has a working background and they are best for active households or where they can enjoy a job. Before adopting any dog, it is important to learn about their needs to see if they are a good fit for you and your family. So, let’s find out more about the Australian Kelpie.

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What can I Expect from the Australian Kelpie?

The Australian Kelpie was used for herding livestock. They were to have a lot of energy to thrive in the hot temperatures in Australia without the need for supervision from their owner. This means that they are used to working on their own.

You can expect the Australian Kelpie to be around 15 to 20 inches in height. They can also weigh around 25 to 46 pounds. The average lifespan of the Australian Kelpie is around 10 to 15 years when they are happy and healthy.

The coat color of the Australian Kelpie will vary. This could include having different shades of brown, red, fawn black and blue. They have a double coat, which means that they can stay warm in the winter and in colder climates.

Do They have a Good Temperament?

Remember that the Australian Kelpie was a working dog and they can still be used for this purpose. They enjoying having a job to do and they can be independent. While they will like to spend time with their owners they are also a canine that will not be glued to your side all day. But this does not mean that they should be left for long periods in the day by themselves. Otherwise, they can become destructive.

The great thing about the Australian Kelpie is that they are very intelligent. They can be trained a lot easier than other breeds, as long as you use positive rein enforcement. Short and regular training sessions are also beneficial for providing mental stimulation for your canine. You can test their brains, which can be more effective than physical exercise for tiring out your pooch.

It is always important to remember that the Australian Kelpie has a herding instinct. You have to be able to use this in work or channel it in another way. Otherwise, it can result in behavioral problems with your pup. For instance, they might begin to nip at the heels of people in the home, which can happen with small children. Therefore, you need to train your canine from a young age and ensure that your Australian Kelpie gets enough physical exercise during the day.

Do They Need a lot of Exercise?

It is important to remember that the Australian Kelpie is used as a working dog. Therefore, as a working breed, they are used to being active and this is when they are going to thrive and be happy. You will need to ensure that if you have an Australian Kelpie as a family pet that they enjoy several hours of exercise every day. This can involve playing fetch and running off leash. They will also be a good jogging and hiking partner and this can provide them with challenging environments to burn off extra energy.

Exercise is very important to the Australian Kelpie. If they do not get the exercise they need every day, this can result in undesirable behaviors. For instance, they can begin nipping due to their herding instincts, as well as barking, digging and chewing your furniture and belongings. They will also need mental stimulation during the day, which can be provided by toy and training sessions. Always make sure that you have this for the Australian Kelpie.

Do They Need a lot of Grooming?

When it comes to grooming, there is not a lot of work involved with the Australian Kelpie. They do have a double coat, which means that you will have to brush them several times a week. This is going to stop knotting and tangles that can become uncomfortable for your furry friend. There will be some shedding during the year but the most will happen around spring time. You may have to do some extra vacuuming.

Where Can I Find an Australian Kelpie?

If you like the Australian Kelpie and think that they will be the right fit for you and your family, you will want to know where you can find one. You should start your search for Australian Kelpie at your local animal shelter. They are not the most common breed to find here. However, you may be lucky and find a pooch that you love. It is a rewarding experience to rescue a dog and give them a forever home. What’s more, it can be an affordable way to find an Australian Kelpie.

It is possible that Australian Kelpie owners post adverts online to re-home their canine. You may be interested in adopting a pooch this way. Just be prepared to ask questions and find out more about the pup before you commit to rehoming them. This way, you can ensure they are going to settle into your home and you can fulfill all their needs. There can also be rescue organizations online that might be able to help you with finding an Australian Kelpie.

Would you like to raise an Australian Kelpie from a young age? This might be a preferable option if you want to start on their training and socialization from an early age. Therefore, you can purchase a puppy from an Australian Kelpie. The most important thing about going down this route is that you do your research. You want to ensure that you find a breeder that is experienced and reputable. The last thing you want to do is purchase an Australian Kelpie from a puppy mill as this might jeopardize their health. Therefore, take your time and find a breeder you are happy with. It is also recommended to visit the premises and request to see the parents.

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Kyoko

Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!

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