Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie

A red Australian Kelpie
Other names	Kelpie, Barb
Common nicknames	Farmer Dog
Origin	Australia
Patronage	Farm dog, smart, mature, good at training
Traits Weight 14–20 kg (31–44 lb) Height 39–51 cm (15–20 in) Coat short double coat Colour black, black and tan, red, red and tan, blue, blue and tan, fawn, fawn and tan, cream Life span 12 -15 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 1, Section 1 Sheepdogs #293 standard AKC (Working Kelpie) The AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) is an optional recording service for purebred dogs that are not yet eligible for AKC registration. ANKC Group 5 – Working standard CKC Group 7 – Herding standard NZKC Working standard UKC Herding Dogs standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Australian Kelpie, or simply Kelpie, is an Australian sheep dog successful at and droving with little or no guidance. It is a medium-sized dog and comes in a variety of colours. The Kelpie has been exported throughout the world and is used to , primarily sheep, cattle and goats.

The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the Show (or Bench) Kelpie and the Working Kelpie. The Show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and is selected for appearance rather than working instinct, while the Working Kelpie is bred for working ability rather than appearance.

The Kelpie is a soft-coated, medium-sized dog, generally with prick ears and an athletic appearance. Coat colours include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, blue, blue and tan, fawn, fawn and tan, cream, black and blue, and white and gold. The Kelpie generally weighs 14–20 kg (31–44 lb) and measures 41–51 cm (16–20 in) at the withers.

Robert Kaleski published the first standard for the Kelpie in 1904. The standard was accepted by leading breeders of the time and adopted by the Kennel Club of New South Wales. Contemporary breed standards vary depending on whether the registry is for working or show Kelpies. It is possible for a dog to both work and show, but options for competition in conformation shows might be limited depending on ancestry and the opinions of the kennel clubs or breed clubs involved.

In Australia, there are two separate registries for Kelpies.Working Kelpies are registered with the Working Kelpie Council (WKC) and/or the Australian Sheepdog Workers Association. The WKC encourages breeding for working ability, and allows a wide variety of coat colours. Show Kelpies are registered with the Australian National Kennel Council, which encourages breeding for a certain appearance and limits acceptable colours. The wide standards allowed by the WKC mean that Working Kelpies do not meet the standard for showing.