About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 66.0-84.0 cm

Height range  : 41.0-51.0cm

Weight range : 14.0-23.0kg

Coat : short double coat|dense weather-resistant coat|soft or dense outer coat|low-maintenance coat

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: black|black and tan|red|red and tan|chocolate|fawn.

Activitity Level : high

Origin: Australia

Similar Breeds : Border Collie|Australian Cattle Dog|German Shepherd|Belgian Malinois|Australian Shepherd

 

History

The breed emerged in Australia in the late 19th century to help farmers manage sheep over vast and difficult country. Sources describe British herding dog or collie ancestry with reports that Dingoes may also have contributed. By the 1880s Kelpies were winning sheepdog trials and the breed developed along working and show lines.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

extremely intelligent , alert and eager|loyal and devoted to family|independent but responsive|reserved or cautious with strangers|needs purpose and guidance

Personality

intelligent|alert|active|loyal|eager|independent thinker|highly trainable|work-driven

Needs

daily vigorous exercise|mental stimulation|job or purpose|space to run|structured routine|secure fencing|early socialization

Social Needs

bonds closely with family|velcro-like with owners|may be reserved with strangers|can suit active families|does not like being left out or left alone too long

Grooming 

weekly brushing|more brushing during shedding seasons|bath every 6 to 8 weeks or when dirty|check and clean ears weekly|trim nails every 4 to 6 weeks|brush teeth once or twice weekly or more

Nutrition

high-quality diet matched to age and activity|protein-rich food with healthy fats|portion control to prevent obesity|puppies often need 3 to 4 meals daily|adults often do well on 2 meals daily|fresh water always available

 

Breed Standard

medium-sized , athletic , muscular herding dog|slightly longer than tall|prick triangular ears|keen expression|short weather-resistant coat in multiple accepted colors|built for stamina , agility and responsive work

Did you know?

The breed name Kelpie is linked to a Gaelic water spirit and the breed became famous in Australian sheepdog trials while remaining valued in both working and show lines.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Collie Eye Anomaly, Periodontal Disease

 

Symptoms

1. lameness or stiffness may appear
2. bunny hopping gait may occur
3. reluctance to jump or climb may occur
4. pain may appear with joint movement
5. muscle atrophy may develop

1. night blindness may appear first
2. reluctance to go out at night may occur
3. bumping into things in dim light may occur
4. dilated pupils may be seen
5. cataracts may develop later

1. wobbling or drunken gait may occur
2. head tremors may appear
3. exaggerated stepping may occur
4. poor balance may appear
5. distance misjudgment may occur

1. mild cases may show no outward signs
2. vision loss may occur if retinal detachment develops
3. structural eye defects may be found on specialist exam

1. bad breath may occur
2. excessive salivation may occur
3. bleeding gums may appear
4. pain on chewing may occur
5. loose teeth may develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may appear in growing dogs around 5 to 12 months
2. or later in middle to senior age as arthritis progresses

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate to high
2. provided breed health text indicates around 15 percent hip dysplasia and around 6 percent elbow dysplasia in evaluated Kelpies
3. another provided Kelpie source cites about 8.5 percent hip dysplasia in screened dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. signs may begin in adulthood
2. often around 3 to 6 years
3. late-onset forms may show night blindness around 5 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate because it is a recognized inherited disorder in the breed

Cerebellar Abiotrophy

1. signs usually begin in puppies
2. often between 6 weeks and 6 months
3. some sources note 6 to 16 weeks

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be low but significant because it is a serious inherited disease in Kelpies , especially working lines

Collie Eye Anomaly

1. present at birth
2. may be diagnosed at about 5 to 8 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks by ophthalmic exam

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate because the condition is documented in the breed

Periodontal Disease

1. signs may emerge gradually over time
2. disease commonly warrants intervention in many dogs over 3 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may increase with age and inadequate oral hygiene

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a hereditary and conformational joint disorder
2. natural joint-support compounds may not keep pace with chronic cartilage damage

 

Cerebellar Abiotrophy:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic neurologic degeneration

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a hereditary and conformational joint disorder
2. natural joint-support compounds may not keep pace with chronic cartilage damage

Cerebellar Abiotrophy:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic neurologic degeneration

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic retinal degeneration

Collie Eye Anomaly

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a developmental eye defect present from birth

Periodontal Disease

  1. 1. no single chemical lack is identified
    2. plaque accumulation and inflammatory destruction are the key factors

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve x-rays , palpation and screening
    2. management may include keeping the dog lean , controlled low-impact exercise , physiotherapy , NSAIDs and possible surgery such as THR or FHO
    3. forced repetitive high-impact activity is not recommended

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. there may be no cure
    2. management may focus on stable surroundings and helping the dog adapt
    3. breeding affected dogs or risky pairings is not recommended

 

Cerebellar Abiotrophy

  1. 1. there may be no cure
    2. supportive care may focus on safety and quality of life
    3. breeding affected or carrier-risk pairings is not recommended

 

Collie Eye Anomaly:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require veterinary ophthalmology examination
    2. mild cases may need no treatment
    3. severe retinal detachment cases might require specialized management

 

Periodontal Disease:

  1. 1. treatment may include dental scale and polish , root debridement and home oral hygiene
    2. extractions may be needed in severe cases
    3. delayed dental care is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation
    3. green-lipped mussel can,might be helpful for joint support
    4. MSM can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory support
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. antioxidant eye formulas can,might be helpful for supporting overall eye health
    2. omega-3 fatty acids especially DHA can,might be helpful for retinal support
recommend product

Cerebellar Abiotrophy

  • 1. no supplement may halt or reverse cerebellar cell loss according to the text
recommend product

Collie Eye Anomaly

  • 1. no supplement may correct this congenital developmental defect according to the text
recommend product

Periodontal Disease

  • 1. oral care chews can,might be helpful for plaque control as part of home care
recommend product