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Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie: BREED BOX
Country:	Australia
Size:	30-45lb(13-20kg),17-20in(43-51cm)
Temperament:	Intelligent, Hard working
Grooming:	Little
Recognition:	FCI,ANKC,CKC,UKC

History - Also known as the “cowdog” The Australian Kelpie originated for one purpose. To free the rancher or farmer from having to tend to his flocks or herds of livestock. The Australian Kelpie is an independent thinker and capable of determining the best course of action to follow with or without human direction.

Introduced in the 1870’s the Kelpies were not, as some still believe, a cross between a border collie and a dingo. Instead, the Kelpie is an offshoot of a breed known as the English North Country Collies, from the Rutherford line.

Appearance/Description - The Kelpie has the intelligence and the protective ability of the Doberman pinscher, but also the “eye’ that the Border collie is known for. The Kelpie’s signature move is to jump on the back of sheep that are tightly packed in an area and walk across the tops of the sheep to reach the other side and break up the jam, either working independently, or alongside his handler.

The Australian Kelpie will work tirelessly in all sorts of conditions. His coat endures the hardship of weather. He comes equipped with a double coat; the outer coat protects the skin and repels water. The Australian Kelpie is a vigorous worker and he needs a job to do! He is not a suitable “pet” for an apartment or mobile home, and he is capable of covering large areas of land with a very light foot.

The Australian Kelpie is highly intelligent and found its way into North America right after the turn of the century. The AKC is yet to acknowledge this breed but the breed’s popularity continues, especially among ranchers and farmers.

The Australian Kelpie is compact, with a broad chest and some people say it resembles a Doberman pinscher or a German shepherd. But the Australian Kelpie stands in a class all its own.

Ideal Owners: If the Kelpie is kept for its intended purposes then maintenance is low. However as a pet, the Kelpie requires daily extensive exercise.

Other Name: Australian Working Kelpie, Kelpie, Barb

Coat Color: Fawn, Red, Blue, Brown, Black/Tan, Black

Life Expectancy: 14 years

Australian Kelpie Reviews

Grooming (62%)

Exercise (78%)

Feeding (72%)

Temperament (88%)

Watchdog (68%)

Low/Unsuitable
High/Excellent

Number of reviews: 8

MCLG

Dingoes are the BEST!

9/3/2005

Rating: TBA (49vote/s)

We just adopted a 2 year old dingo two months ago, and she is the most perfect dog I could hope for! As expected, she is very shy and timid in new situations - nonetheless she will acclimate with repetition. She is shy with new people, but will approach tentatively when/if she is comfortable. She has gone from being frightened of us to being incredibly affectionate and playful.

Dingoes are family dogs that will love their "pack" but will always be timid of "outsiders". They are "watchdogs" in that they will certainly watch for intruders - but they will watch from a safe distance (under your bed) as the intruder carries out all your belongings! That is their nature - they will look to you, the alpha, for protection in reassurance in scary situations. It is important that people know that dingoes will most likely NEVER be able to be an off leash dog, and they do require secure containment (6" fencing at least), and they will never be an outgoing dog that licks all your friends. However, I find their intelligence, altheticism, beauty and loyalty to be so rewarding. I will hopefully always have dingoes in my life.

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Allison

dingodog

8/14/2005

Rating: TBA (19vote/s)

My baby, Gryffin, is a little over two and I couldn't have asked for a better dog. He's extreemly intelligent and eager to please, but not mischievious at all. He gets along with everyone and everything, except intruders and bumps in the night. He is a one person dog, so he protects me. He loves the beach, sprinklers, tennis balls, and walks. He learns tricks in less than 15 minutes, like bowing, crawling, and "gentle" for when he plays too rough. I think I will stick to dingos and dingo mixes for the rest of my doggy days.

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Kymbo

Love my fat dingo!!

7/15/2005

Rating: TBA (8vote/s)

I got Woofydog - age 4 from the pound in 2003 (she was 4) and came with a free cat (don't ask!). Woofy is a lab/dingo cross and is the most amazing, gorgeous, gentle souled, watchdog ever. She is loyal, hardly ever barks, makes friends with everyone (much more than her owner!!) and has never shown any signs of aggression unless she thinks I am in trouble. Unfortunately the previous owners had her fixed. I don't think I'd go for another breed now. I love her nature, colouring and intelligence!!

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Robyn

Dingoes

6/13/2005

Rating: TBA (7vote/s)

I have a female pure dingo aged 2 yrs. Up to 6 mths they are much like ordinary pups but as they get older they become more shy and this makes it difficult to take her out where she might meet people. She loves sleeping on the bed. But has learned to open the fridge as well as our cupboards, so we have child proof locks now. She is now sexually mature which has created tensions between her and our female domestic dog, to the point I would not leave them alone together. However much more affectionate to us as she gets older.

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kez

Dingo x Lab

5/4/2005

Rating: TBA (9vote/s)

Rescued from the pound 4 years ago. Intelligent and independant, he can also be stubborn. Very gentle natured, loves kids and being part of the family. Plays by chasing birds, riding the skateboard kicking a plastic bottle, jumping in the sprinklers etc. Constantly hungry and scavenging for nibbles. Loves to go to the beach but is content to stay curled up at home too. Would love another one to keep him company now he is ageing, if anybody knows of dingo x lab pups let me know! mary_p_poppins@hotmail.com

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shannon

dingo

3/31/2005

Rating: TBA (6vote/s)

My dog boffy was the best dog ever he was a dingo x staffy i have had about 3-4 dingos i find them one of the best natured dogs you could get. Well, my dog boffy was very protective over me one day i got into a fight and boffy bit him it was quiet funny he was a very very good guard dog but when i wanted to go for a walk i would put his collor on he was ok as soon as i put the lead on he went mental it didnt bother me because he would never leave my sight but sadly he got stolen about a 1 ago i miss him so much but i havent given up hope ill find him one day

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Australian Kelpie

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