On ranches in North America, as in the Australian bush, the Working Kelpie often go unsupervised, relying on their own wits to find and gather livestock. They have been credited with the success of the sheepherding industry in Australia and are considered one of the toughest working dogs alive! Besides being outstanding herders, Kelpies are also used in search and rescue and for drug detection. They weigh only 25 to 40 pounds but the weight is pure "blood and guts"! Kelpies come in both tan markings and solid colors though the tan markings seem to predominate. Although friendly and trainable, the Kelpie's high energy and great drive to work make them unsuitable as a housepet or apartment dweller. They prefer lots of exercsie and free run of wide-open areas. They are also very independent thinkers, which is necessary for the work they were bred to do. |
Australian Kelpie Breeders
