Australian Kelpie Facts for Kids

Australian Kelpie (red and tan color)

Kelpies are noted for sheep "backing" (walking on the backs of sheep to get across a herd)

The Australian Kelpie, often just called a Kelpie, is a type of sheepdog from Australia. The name 'Kelpie' comes from an old language called Gaelic. It means "water sprite." These dogs are amazing at herding and moving farm livestock like sheep, cattle, and goats. They can do this with very little help from humans. Kelpies are medium-sized dogs. They can have tan markings or be solid colors. Kelpies are now found all over the world, helping farmers with their animals.

What Makes a Kelpie Special?
- Working Kelpies
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What Makes a Kelpie Special?

Kelpies are known for being incredibly hard workers. They can do the job of several people on a farm! These dogs are very tough and can work all day, even in hot climates. A Kelpie can travel more than 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) in just one day.

Like the Border Collie, Kelpies use their eyes to control animals. They stare at an animal to make it move. But Kelpies also gently nip at the heels of the herd animals. This helps to get them moving and keep them going.

A typical Kelpie weighs between 11 and 20 kilograms (25 to 45 pounds). They usually live for about 10 to 14 years. Kelpies have natural oils in their skin that protect their coat from bad weather. Because of this, they should only be bathed when it's really needed. Too much bathing can dry out their skin. Just wiping them down with a towel usually keeps them clean.

Working Kelpies

A Kelpie walking across the backs of sheep

An Australian Kelpie competing in a cattle dog trial

A Kelpie moving sheep forward in a yard

Working Kelpies have three types of coats: smooth, short, or rough. Their fur can be almost any color. This includes black, light tan, or even cream. Some Kelpies have a white patch on their chest. A few might even have white paws. Sometimes, Kelpies have a double coat. This means they have an extra layer of fur that sheds in the spring.

Working Kelpies come in different sizes. They can be about 48 to 64 centimeters (19 to 25 inches) tall. They weigh from 13 to 27 kilograms (28 to 60 pounds). For stockmen (people who work with livestock), a Kelpie's working skills are much more important than how it looks.

A good Working Kelpie can save farmers a lot of money. They are like having extra helpers when moving livestock. These dogs have a natural instinct to keep animals from running away from the stockman. This is super important when moving animals in wild areas. A good dog will quietly go ahead and gather the animals until the farmer arrives. Kelpies are often the top choice for working with cattle. They can move a large group of animals over long distances, even in tough weather.

Kelpies are also known for a special trick: they can jump onto the backs of sheep! They walk across the tops of the sheep to get to the other side. This helps to break up a jam in the herd. A good working Kelpie is a very useful dog. They can work all day on a farm or ranch. On weekends, they might even compete in livestock trials. These trials show how well they can work with sheep, goats, cattle, or even ducks.

Kelpies are smart dogs and easy to train. This makes them good-tempered and wonderful pets, especially with children. However, they need a lot of exercise and things to keep their minds busy. If they get bored, they might start barking a lot, digging, or chewing on things. Taking them for long walks or playing fetch are great ways to keep them happy and well-behaved.