Description:

The general appearance shall be that of a lithe, active dog of great quality, showing hard muscular condition combined with great suppleness of limb and conveying the capability of untiring work.  It must be free from any suggestion of weediness.
Although many still believe the Kelpie is a Dingo crossed with the Border Collie, more accurate documentation reveals the breed's development from English North Country Collies of the Rutherford strain. These hardy British working herders, like many sheepdogs, were imported to Australia during the latter half of the 19th century. Today nearly 100,000 Kelpies are employed on that continent. Despite their relatively small size, Kelpies are without limitations, capable of working cattle, goats, poultry and reindeer. They will excel in competitive obedience. The name "Kelpie" comes from the water kelpie mentioned by Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer, in the novel Kidnapped. This breed has been known since 1870. The Australian Kelpie has a compact body and well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he is tall, the Kelpie has a broad chest and firm hind quarters that contribute to his flexible, energized appearance. The head is long and narrow. The medium length tail is low set. The short, compact feet have well arched toes. The double coat consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and weather-repellent outer coat. Color possibilities include black and red, each with or without out tan; and fawn, chocolate and blue. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed's working ability then their appearance.

Behavior/Temperament:
The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition and an almost inexhaustible energy, with marked loyalty and devotion to duty.  It has a natural instinct and aptitude in working of sheep, both in open country and in the yard.  Any defect of structure or temperament foreign to a working dog must be regarded as uncharacteristic. A compact, robust, enthusiastic, and tireless working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a house or apartment existence. Their easy trainability and keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the Australian work force. They are ready to respond immediately to any signal given by its master, even from a great distance. They are good with children when they are raised with them from puppyhood. Kelpies will try to herd other dogs, pets and animals whether they want to be herded or not. This workaholic will work until it drops. They are independent and in business for themselves rather than for pleasing a handler. Boredom is the breed's doom and the owner's as well. In their native country of Australia, Kelpies work all day even in intense heat, covering 1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. The breed uses "eye" similar to the Border Collie's on the tractable stock, but utilizes its nipping ability to turn more stubborn cattle. Kelpies can muster thousands of sheep from pasture to pen to truck. When a flock of sheep is packed as tight as Times Square on New Year's Eve, they will look for the shortest way to the other side, which is usually in a straight line. This very clever Kelpie will jump on the back of the nearest sheep and run lightly across the flock to reach the other side. They make excellent watchdogs and can also be trained as seeing-eye dogs. The Australian Kelpie is not an aggressive dog, but he can be protective when needed, and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary, regardless of the risk to himself.

Coat:
The coat is a double coat with a short dense undercoat.  The outer coat is close, each hair straight, hard and lying  flat, so that it is rain-resisting.  Under the body, to behind the legs, the coat is longer and forms near the thigh a mild form of breeching. On the head ( including the inside of the ears), to the front of the legs and feet, the hair is short.  Along the neck it is longer and thicker forming a ruff.  The tail should be furnished with a good brush.  A coat either too long or too short is a fault.  As an average, the hairs on the body should be from 2 to 3 cm (approx.3/4² - 1.1/4²) in length.

Colour: Black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue.

Height: The height at the withers shall be for the dogs 46 to 51 centimeters (approx. 18-20 ins.) Bitches 43 to 48 centimeters  (approx. 17-19 ins.)  

Weight:  25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.)

Health: Beware of PRA= Progressive Retinal Atrophy - retinal degeneration causing partial to total blindness.

Life Expectancy: About 10-14 years

Grooming: This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing is all that it needs. Bathe only when necessary as it will remove the natural oils in the weather-resistant coat and dry out the skin. This breed is an average shedder.  

Good with children: yes

Good with dogs: yes

Good with other pets: yes