While most people mistakenly assume that Working Kelpie & an Australian Kelpie are the same breeds, there is one significant distinction.
A Working Kelpie has stayed loyal to his heritage and can accomplish all of the tasks he was bred.
An Australian Kelpie has shifted its focus aside from being capable to do the work for which he was crossed and toward conformation and homogeneity.
Working Kelpie History
Kelpie’s past is poorly documented, and numerous academics have attempted to discover his beginnings to develop ideas rather than facts. The Working Kelpie is thought to have evolved through three sets of work Collies brought to Australia by early landowners.
If these Collies are Border Collies and Scottish Collies is unknown. However, because the breed suffers from Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), it’s thought that all these working Collies are Scottish Collies.
A black & tan working Collie belonging to George Robertson from Worrock Station is acknowledged and well documented as one of the Kelpie breed’s foundations females. J.D.
“Jack” Gleeson was given or sold this female, and she was given the name “Kelpie.” Kelpie was learnt to work the sheep by Jack Gleeson.
Gleeson was given an all-black dog named “Moss,” bred from Scottish canines. Kelpie and Moss were bred together, and their descendants are credited with establishing a Working Kelpie breed.
The children of this marriage are supposed to have been bred to cattle puppies of diverse origins and dingoes. To set type, the kids were mated back to dogs similar to Kelpie & Moss.
On the other hand, the drovers were unconcerned about the dog’s appearance as much as he was capable of doing his job. Working Kelpies came in various hues, but the black and white Kelpies were Barbs.
Many Australians still refer to them as Barbs.
The current Working Kelpie may be dated back to the 1870s, and while further study is needed, it is clear from the breed’s appearance and genetic composition that he evolved from a Collie, Cattle Dog, and Dingo.
An Australian Kelpie and the Working Kelpie are both recognized by the United Breed Standard as one breed.
Working Kelpie Characteristics
Since producers are more concerned with function than aesthetics, a Working Kelpie’s overall look can vary greatly.
He’s a moderate, muscled canine who can exercise for longer periods without getting fatigued. He has medium-sized, oval-shaped eyes with a broad set. He must have a brisk and alert demeanor.
His eyes might be dark brown, & amber in hue, but dark brown is preferred. His nose must be black.
However, it might be brown based on his coat color. He has a weather-resistant short, straight topcoat. His fur can be significantly longer on the bottom of his tail, over his neck, & on the backs of his thighs.
He usually has a thick undercoat with a softer undercoat.
How Big Can A Working Kelpie get?
The Working Kelpie would most likely grow to be little more than 11 inches tall and weigh just under 15 pounds.
How Long Can A Working Kelpie Live?
The lifecycle of a Working Kelpie is between 12- and 15.
How Much Does A Working Kelpie Cost?
The cost of a Working Kelpie is 500$-1500$.
Working Kelpie Personality/Temperament
A Working Kelpie is vigilant and willing to work at all times. He is a very energetic dog who demands a portion of activity to stay happy.
The majority of Working Kelpies thrive on an estate and farmhouse where their abilities are put to decent use.
He is not suggested for those living in apartments or having inactive families. He must have a job or develop terrible habits that will make his family insane.
He’s simple to teach and genuinely tries to impress you. Speed, manners, herding competitions, dock driving, and even Frisbee are all canine activities that Working Kelpie would thrive at.
Canine sports are too a terrific bonding experience with him while allowing him to let off steam. If a Working Kelpie was no cast-off to working sheep and cattle, expect to spend a lot of time with him.
He’ll also require early bonding to make sure he fits in with a household. Coaching is also crucial working, and it should begin at a young age.
When the Working Kelpie is not working, he needs a sturdy wall to preserve his safe.
Working Kelpie Nutrition
Each day, a Working Kelpie requires only 2.1 cups of dog food, which should be full of protein & carbohydrates.
How Do You Groom A Working Kelpie?
Some Working Kelpies have double coats shed at different times of the year. He’ll have to be brushed every day if he’s shedding a lot.
However, brush him once or twice a week to minimize shedding & eliminate any dead hairs.
This will maintain his coat lustrous and healthy. Groom him using a slicker brush; if he’s shedding a lot, a de-shedder may be necessary.
He doesn’t have a strong odor unless he’s just returned after working with the herd, and he only needs a wash just a few times a year. When you smell a strong odor, refresh his coat with a dry shampoo in between bathing.
To avoid gathering dirt particles between his toes & creating lameness, the hair around his foot pads must be clipped.
Most Working Kelpies’ toenails will naturally wear down when working the stock, but it’s a good idea to inspect their nails every several weeks to ensure they aren’t getting too long.
Working Kelpie Activity Level
Frequent visits to the local park are a wonderful way to keep her well-socialized. If you go for walks or when a dog is not in a gated area, make sure she is leashed since she has a powerful prey drive or may run off to hunt a bunny, rat, cat, or another dog.
Working Kelpie Health Concerns
One of the most crucial variables to consider when purchasing a dog is the pet’s health. Crossbred dogs are typically less healthy than mixed-breed dogs, leaving them more susceptible to health issues.
On the other hand, the Working Kelpie is an outlier.
This breed is relatively healthy, with only a few small health concerns to be aware of. This breed is free of all diseases except for elbow and hip problems.
Similar Breeds To A Working Kelpie
Best Dog Food for Working Kelpies
The best dog food for Working Kelpie is Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This dog food is made of smoked salmon. It is a good source of protein that is beneficial for your canine’s muscle development and growth. It is free from ingredients like corn, grains, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial items like colors, preservatives, and flavors.
- Equipped with K9 probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics to support the immune system.
- Ensures healthy coat and skin through omega fatty acids.
- Promotes whole-body health with added minerals and vitamins.
Best Puppy Food for Working Kelpies
The best puppy food for Working Kelpie is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. This Purina Pro Plan puppy food has been crafted with lamb as the first ingredient. It does not contain any artificial colors and artificial flavors.
- Includes omega-rich fish oil to support vision and brain health.
- Builds muscles and makes them stronger.
- Enhances digestion through live probiotics.
Best Dog Crate for Working Kelpies
The best dog crate for Working Kelpie is Paws & Pals Oxgord Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has a dual door system that provides easy and convenient access and allows you to place it anywhere you want.
- Contains removable covers for adjusting size.
- Resistant against corrosion and rust and fade due to coated wires.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Best Dog Bed for Working Kelpies
The best dog bed for Working Kelpie is Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed has removable covers and a super comfortable design to enhance the sleeping experience of your pal. It contains double layers of foam to boost comfort level.
- Protective memory foam for higher comfort.
- Easy to clean due to zippered covers.
- Reduces accidents through the water-proof layer.
Best Dog Harness for Working Kelpies
The best dog harness for Working Kelpie is Chai’s Choice 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness. This Harness has high-quality material with a comfortable design that makes it cozy to wear during walks.
- Higher control through the built-in handle.
- O ring can be used for attaching a leash.
- Removes pressure from the neck.
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