Origin:
(on Canadian Kennel Club Miscellaneous list) 'Kelpie' was the name bestowed on a pup from the mating of two black-and-tan Smooth Collies imported to Australia. She was eventually mated to a pup produced by two more imported sheepdogs, and a female pup from that litter went to C.B.K. King of Wollongough Station, New South Wales. This pup was dubbed 'Kelpie,' Gaelic for 'water sprite,' after her mother. An impressive win in the first Australian sheepdog trials in 1872 made her famous. Her offspring were known as Kelpie pups, which gave rise to the breed name.
Temperament:
The standard calls for a dog that is alert, eager and highly intelligent, with an inexhaustible energy, loyalty and devotion to duty.
Activity Level:
Tireless by nature, this breed thrives on activity and delights in the challenge of flock control.
Height/Weight:
Medium in size, the Kelpie stands from 17-20 in (43-51 cm) at the shoulder.
Coat:
The coat is short and smooth.
Colour:
The coat may be black, black-and-tan, red, red-and-tan, fawn, chocolate or smoke-blue.
Grooming:
As befitting a hard-working dog, the coat requires little care. A brushing now and then and the occasional bath will suffice.
