AUSTRALIAN KELPIES

A little about Kelpies

Temperament
The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition, marked loyalty and devotion to duty. It has a natural instinct and aptitude in the working of livestock both in a confined area and in open country. An open, friendly, alert, but placid disposition is essential, with a good balance between keenness to work and ability to rest.

The finest characteristic of the Kelpie are their irresistible “Kelpie” personality. Study one and you will understand what we mean. Their character lights them up. It is their inborn sheepdog intelligence which puts them in a class above other breeds. They have a hard-to-define attraction which generates a warm feeling with those who get close to them.
An active alert dog, they lover their freedom, however this does not meant hhat they should be allowed to run the streets. They are one of the most social breeds of the canine species, and need companionship(almost) more than food. Providing they get adequate attention they do not need hard labour to enjoy life, their greatest joy is tender loving care, their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention. A breed with an exceptional high IQ will quickly get into mischief if they are always left to their own devices. This is no different from any intelligent human being who will get bored if they have nothing to do
Their expression and personality indicates their happy, energetic nature. They nearly knock strangers over with their enthusiasm and desire to give them the canine equivalent of a kiss. Yet, when needed, they can exhibit patience far beyond what we humans would expect. A true Aussie. they have spirit and courage to spare; also they can be headstrong. But they are not indomitable - their spirit can be conquered if they are bullied. Destroy their spirit, and you destroy the''Kelpie" in them. The Kelpie resents harsh treatment and is unable to concentrate properly if upset. If you mistreat them they lose their respect for you and will no longer wish to please you. This willingness and eagerness to please is a characteristic of the breed and, with their high IQ. they are exceptionally easy to train. They have a gentle nature. but despite some theories. they are not shy. Humble. devoted and flowing with sagacity. yes. but not shy or frightened. Their ability as a working sheepdog is legendary. They are equally easy to train for obedience, dog agility, tracking, show or simply as a pet. However, you need patience and understandin:: of your dog. for he frequently thinks he knows more than his trainer. Force them too much to obey you and you destroy their spirit and initiative. Instead. you need to "explain" things to them as you would to an intelligent child. They has an uncanny knowledge of what you are thinking and planning and often will act before you can give them the command. Their level of commonsense rivals that of human beings. This "savvy" and commonsense symbolises the breed.

Origin of the Kelpie
This wonderful breed came from two imported black & tan short coated prick eared Collies imported in the 1860’s to a station in the central west of NSW. From a litter born shortly after their arrival came several black and tan pups and one red pup. The red pup in some ways resembled a fox which was believed to be in the background of the breeding. The name KELPIE comes from the Gaelic word meaning water sprite. From these dogs we have the Australian Kelpie of today, the Kelpie is free from many inherent diseases that plague many other breeds of dog. He is an Australian dog bred for our conditions, hardy but with a soft sensitive manner, loyal and easy to train and adaptable to most suburban conditions. In recent years the Kelpies have been exported to a number of other countries, they adapt quickly and get on with the job of working sheep, sheep dog trials, dog shows, obedience trials and agility competitions, they take it all in their stride.

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