Australian Kelpie
Also called Kelpie, Barb (black Kelpies), Working Kelpie
From Australia, bred on the big sheep stations of New South Wales and Victoria from Scottish working collies.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives about 13-19 kg for show-type Kelpies and 13-27 kg for working Kelpies.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short double coat
A short, dense undercoat under a close, straight and hard outer coat that sheds rain, about 2-3 cm long on the body. Lithe and muscular without looking heavy.13
Personality what they are like
Alert, keen and very bright, yet mild-mannered and easy to guide. It is known for deep loyalty and a strong sense of duty, and it can switch off and rest once work is done.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Built for long days in heat and rough country, it needs a lot of daily exercise and mental work; herding, obedience and agility suit it well.134
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, weatherproof coat needs only simple regular brushing.13
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with room to run and a job to do; a working farm or a very active home suits it best.13
The story where it all began
The breed grew from Scottish working collies brought to Australia in the 1800s. Around 1872 Jack Gleeson acquired a black and tan pup called Kelpie, and after a dog of that name won the Forbes sheepdog trial the name stuck to the whole breed. Today there are separate working and show lines.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from the kelpie, a shape-shifting water spirit of Celtic folklore.2
- 2
Kelpies are famous for running across the backs of tightly packed sheep to get to the other side of a mob.2
- 3
A working Kelpie named Hoover sold for $35,200 at auction in 2021.2
- 4
A 2019 genomic study found no proven dingo ancestry, contrary to popular legend.2
- 5
Kelpies have featured on TV, including in the cartoon Bluey and in McLeod's Daughters.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 293, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 08.10.2012, country of origin Australia.1
- UKC
- Herding Dog Group; standard revised 1 January 2008.3
- AKC
- Eligible for AKC herding events since 2015 (not a fully recognised breed).2
- ANKC and Canadian Kennel Club
- Recognised.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Australian Kelpie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Australian Kelpie, and at what times?
Feed your adult Kelpie at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.5
What should an Australian Kelpie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Kelpie's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.6
How often should I bathe an Australian Kelpie?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Australian Kelpie need brushing?
Brush your Kelpie every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Its short double coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep it clean.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Australian Kelpie's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Australian Kelpie need?
This breed needs a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as herding, obedience, or agility. Plan for long walks and active play every day to keep your Kelpie happy and healthy.134 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Australian Kelpie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Kelpie's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution; never push anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Australian Kelpie live?
An Australian Kelpie typically lives around 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, your Kelpie can enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is an Australian Kelpie good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Kelpie is alert, keen, and mild-mannered, often forming deep bonds with family. It can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized, but its herding instinct may need gentle guidance.13
Can an Australian Kelpie be left alone?
This breed is happiest with a job and company, so being left alone for long periods may lead to boredom. If you must leave it, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 293 Australian Kelpie fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Australian Kelpie - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, lifespan (2024 UK study average), history, recognition, fun facts
- UKC Australian Kelpie ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, history, characteristics
- AKC Australian Kelpie akc.orgused for temperament, activity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.