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
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.