12 Things to Know Before Getting an Australian Kelpie

Are you considering adding an Australian Kelpie to your family?

There are several important things to know before deciding, like their energy levels and care requirements. This article will cover 12 essential things you need to know before getting an Australian Kelpie!

Australian Kelpies are a highly intelligent breed.

The Australian Kelpie is a working dog breed that was bred on farms and ranches in Australia. They were ideal for herding animals and other farmwork due to their high intelligence and strong work ethic.

Because of this, they have an innate need for active movement and mental challenge to thrive. An Australian Kelpie who is bored may resort to destructive activity to pass the time. 

The Kelpie is happiest when it has something to do, so you shouldn't be surprised if it resorts to the following as means of amusement: 

• trash-tearing
• digging
• chewing
• escaping
• or even barking.

They are energetic and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

When it comes to keeping them happy and healthy, Australian Kelpies need a lot of work. Their high levels of energy make them great companions for vigorous pursuits like: 

•  running
• climbing
• and playing games.

Aussie Kelpies aren't the type to sit around all day. You must exercise your Kelpie for at least two to three hours daily.

Playing fetch or a puzzle game with your dog daily will help curb their strong herding impulses because they are intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation, too.

To wear them down, you might have to resort to innovative methods, such as weight vests or treadmills. You should also take them on the run or ride a bike with you because this vigorous activity will help tire them out and is something they really enjoy doing.

Ensure they are on a leash whenever you are outside because they could try to herd kids or cars when overstimulated, which is dangerous. Be sure they can't escape the confines of your fence and cause havoc in your neighborhood.

Australian Kelpies have a strong herding instinct.

The herding tendency of Australian Kelpies often manifests in the form of an attempt to herd other animals or even humans. This trait, which is innate to this breed, contributes to their success as working dogs.

Although this trait has many benefits, it can become a significant issue without the proper training and socialization. As an owner, you must provide your Australian Kelpie opportunities to use their herding impulses in healthy ways, such as via obedience training and herding trials.

To assist your Kelpie in learning the difference between helpful and harmful herding behaviors, socialization with other animals and people should begin at a young age, so your Kelpie can be a well-behaved, socialized family member.

They are not very good with children and other pets.

Because of their drive to herd, Australian Kelpies may have trouble sharing their home with younger children or other pets because they tend to nip. You may have a problem hosting playdates with other kids because of their natural aversion to strangers. 

Because of their long history of herding, Australian Kelpies may view any smaller animals and even children as a flock that must be kept in order rather than pals. 

Nonetheless, when properly socialized, these dogs are friendly to everyone. They are known to chase cats, so take your time and introduce them properly.

They require minimal grooming.

The short, dense coat of an Australian Kelpie requires occasional brushing, but more so when they shed heavily twice a year. The coat of an Australian Kelpie is shorter and sleeker than many other dog breeds, making it easier to care for. 

As their coat doesn't tangle easily, you won't have to spend much time or money keeping it neat. However, you should be prepared to do extra vacuuming twice yearly because they shed considerably then. 

There isn't a ton of maintenance and grooming involved with owning an Australian Kelpie. Their nails will naturally wear down as they walk, but you should check them for damage and clip them if required. Brush your pet's teeth once a week, clean their ears, and look for symptoms of infection, parasites, and other issues regularly. 

When necessary, administer a bath. It doesn't have the typical dog odor and must only be washed twice when they get filthy by herding animals.

Australian Kelpies are highly trainable and excel at various dog sports and activities.

Australian Kelpies do well in competitions for obedience, agility, and herding. That means they pick up new skills quickly and are eager to please their owners. 

They have a high level of trainability and must be mentally challenged to remain content and not develop bad habits. 

Despite their strong sense of independence, Australian Kelpies do best when they have many opportunities to interact with their human companions, especially when confined to the house. They have a sensitive side that doesn't respond well to harsh punishment.

They make excellent guard dogs since they bark at the first hint of trouble, but this trait also necessitates early and consistent socialization training.

Treating your Kelpie as an equal rather than an animal to command will strengthen your bond and make training much simpler.

They are loyal and affectionate with their families but can be reserved or aloof with strangers.

While Australian Kelpies are recognized for their devotion to their families, they might come across as cold or distant to new people. This means they might not immediately be very welcoming or cordial to complete strangers.

Although your Australian Kelpie may be wary of strangers initially, early socialization and exposure to various individuals can change that. But always remember that your dog may feel uncomfortable in some settings, and do your best to avoid them.

While they are naturally suspicious of strangers, these devoted canines excel as guard dogs. However, they tend to get overly excited very quickly, which can be a problem around young children, as they may accidentally knock them down.

They are generally healthy.

Australian Kelpies are a healthy breed with an average longevity of 12-15 years. Nonetheless, they are susceptible to a few other diseases, like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Although these disorders are cause for concern, it is crucial to remember that reputable breeders will perform health checks and genetic testing to lessen the likelihood of problems like these. 

Your dog's health and happiness depend on your attention to any warning signs of potential problems and the measures you take to prevent them. 

A nutritious diet and routine veterinary exams can help prevent and control these health issues. As highly active canines, Australian Kelpies need a diet that keeps up with their boundless energy levels.

You should provide them with food that has animal protein as its initial ingredient because it is one of their main priorities. Despite their high activity levels, these dogs tend to gain weight, so experts advise against giving them snacks or too many table scraps in favor of high-quality dog food. 

They can withstand hot weather.

The Australian Kelpie was initially developed to herd animals all day in the hot heat of Australia without much human supervision. This is due to their:

• high level of energy
• intelligence
• and self-reliance.

These dogs were made to withstand the heat and rugged conditions of Australia and work tirelessly all day to round up livestock, and they are still used for that purpose today.

Australian Kelpies have a high prey drive.

Australian Kelpies have a strong prey drive, which makes them inclined to pursue and kill smaller creatures. Although Australian Kelpies make lovely family dogs, owners should be aware of the breed's natural instincts and take measures to ensure the safety of smaller animals like cats and rabbits. 

This could involve isolating them or closely monitoring their interactions with one another. The predatory drive of a Kelpie can be mitigated via training and socialization. This instinct, however, is innate to the breed as a whole and cannot be trained away.

They are not the best choice for first-time dog owners.

Australian Kelpies, a breed known for its intelligence and natural herding tendency, benefit greatly from regular mental and physical stimulation. They respond best to owners who are prepared to invest time and energy into training and socializing them and use positive reinforcement techniques.

The energy and intensity of an Australian Kelpie can be too much for first-time dog owners or those who lead a more sedate lifestyle. Before deciding to bring one home, you should consider your lifestyle and whether or not you can provide for the unique demands of this species. 

They may have a tendency to bark excessively.

Insufficient exercise and mental stimulation can lead to excessive barking in some Australian Kelpies, who are already noted for their outspoken nature. Some homeowners, especially those who live in an apartment, may have an issue with this. 

This habit, however, can be controlled by training and physical exercise. It's crucial to be aware of this potential problem if you're considering an Australian Kelpie and to be ready to work with your dog to ensure they aren't barking too much.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australian Kelpies are a great breed with numerous perks, but you should think carefully about the commitment involved before bringing one into your household. Australian Kelpies are a wonderful breed with much to offer but they require a dedicated and knowledgeable owner. Understanding their unique characteristics and needs can give your dog a happy and healthy life! You'd be surprised to find a faithful and loyal companion!