In a nutshell: The ultimate agility dog!
Description:
The Australian stock dog supreme - versatile and athletic. The equal of any dog in
performance arenas - stock work, agility, flyball, whatever. Medium-sized, short haired,
varied colours, most commonly black, red or blue +/- tan, although fawn/cream/sable also
seen. Lean and athletic, built for speed and endurance.
In recent years, split into two distinct varieties (a
controversial divide)- the 'Show' kelpie (the only ANKC-recognised version)- shorter
legged, stockier, generally chocolate/red, although also acceptable '~and tan' varieties,
and the Working Kelpie, bred primarily for working ability, come in a wide range of colours
(but commonly B/T or R/T), generally taller and longer-legged, leaner.
Temperament: Amazingly clever! Tales abound of legendary kelpie
intelligence, courage and drive- such as Quinn's Coil, who won the 1898 Sydney Royal
sheepdog trial on a perfect score, despite a broken leg sustained the night before.
Kelpies perform well in sheepdog trials (yard, utility and arena), but really excel as
working dogs where they can use the independent streak that sets them apart from the
average stock dog. They are increasingly popular outside Australia, and are commonly
exported as far as the USA and Scandinavia. Like most working dogs, they can suffer without
adequate mental stimulation, but as long as they have human company and work to do, they
make fantastic suburban pets and ideal agility dogs.
Advantages-
Disadvantages:
- Fast
- Enthusiastic
- Intelligent
- Independent!- think for themselves!
Rating out of 10: 10/10
Examples of dogs that have done well
in agility: There are many Kelpies trialling at the highest level in agility in
Australia and the breed is increasingly popular in Europe and the USA.
Source: Samantha Weaver
