Australian Kelpie

 🐾 Express story

The Australian Kelpie is a breed developed to meet the needs of sheep farmers in the vast expanses of New South Wales, Australia. Its purpose was to manage large flocks in challenging terrains and to withstand the extreme climates of the region. It likely originated from the crossing of short-haired Collies and the Dingo, the wild Australian dog, bringing to the breed great intelligence, exceptional endurance, and agility of movement.

 🐕 Portrait of the breed

The Kelpie is a medium-sized herding dog with a fine musculature and great flexibility. Its body is longer than it is tall, allowing it to move quickly and with agility. Its bright gaze and pointed ears resemble a fox, giving it a very distinctive appearance. This dog is made for action: it is energetic, fast, and highly intelligent. 

 🔍 In short

- Hypoallergenic: No  

- Weight: 13-22 kg (male), 11-20 kg (female)  

- Size: 46-51 cm (male), 43-48 cm (female)  

- Life expectancy: 10-14 years  

- Need for physical activity: 2 to 3 hours per day  

 ❤️ Personnality & compatibility

- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆    

- Protector: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Player: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Sporty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆    

Compatibility:  

- With the children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆    

- With the animals: ⭐☆☆☆☆  

- With the unknows: ⭐☆☆☆☆  

- In apartment: ⭐☆☆☆☆  

> Good to know: The Australian Kelpie is a dog that needs space and freedom to expend energy. It will not feel comfortable in an apartment. A house with a large fenced yard and regular walks are essential for its well-being. It is a perfect dog for active individuals and families with large spaces.

 🛠 Hygiene & care

- Maintenance difficulty: ⭐☆☆☆☆  

- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

> The Kelpie is relatively easy to maintain. Brushing 1 to 2 times a week outside of the shedding period is sufficient. During shedding, daily brushing is recommended to remove dead hair. Thanks to its short coat, it does not require much grooming.

 💰 Budget  

- Purchase price: €700 to €900  

- Average annual cost: €450 to €950 (veterinarian, accessories, food)  

💡 Fun fact: Due to its great endurance and constant need for activity, the Kelpie is a perfect companion for outdoor activities, such as hiking, jogging, and even dog sports.