Are Australian Kelpies good pets?

Yes, Australian Kelpies make great pets for active families looking for a smart and lively companion. If you have the time to provide daily exercise and mental stimulation, you’ll find the Australian Kelpie personality to be a unique delight.

Are Australian Kelpies rare in the US?

Yes, Australian Kelpies are rare in the U.S. It’s unlikely you’ll see a Kelpie out and about at the dog park.

Can Australian Kelpies be house dogs?

Yes, an Australian Kelpie can be a house dog as long as you’re committed to giving these dogs the physical and mental exercise they need. “They are not usually lazy, layabout-type dogs,” Sansom says, noting the dogs have long-lasting energy.

Australian Kelpie

Updated July 24, 2025

Alert and eager, the Australian Kelpie is a medium-size dog with great enthusiasm for any adventure—as long as you’re there, too. These herding dogs love to spend time with their people and, while they enjoy wide-open spaces in the country, are adaptable enough for life in the suburbs.

Temperament

Enthusiastic, Loyal, Worker Bee

Weight

35–50 pounds

Height

17–20 inches

Life Expectancy

10–13 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Black, Black and Tan, Blue, Chocolate, Fawn, Red, Red and Tan

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Make friends with an Australian Kelpie, and you’ll have a partner for life. These loyal dogs are game for going and doing whatever you’ve got planned.

The dogs are well-known for their outstanding smarts and stamina: traits that came in handy when moving large herds of livestock across the Australian Outback. Today, the Australian Kelpie has found their niche as a superstar pet for active families.

Australian Kelpie Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Australian Kelpie Appearance

An Australian Kelpie is a medium-size dog who, while sturdy, has an aura of agility and alertness. These dogs are slightly longer than they are tall and have a short, smooth coat that covers the body, with a longer ruff around their neck.

Ears
Upright, pricked ears are a trademark of the Australian Kelpie.
Eyes
An Australian Kelpie’s eyes are almond-shaped and vary in color. They can be light gray, amber, hazel, or dark brown.
Nose
The nose may be black or pigmented according to coat color. For instance, a chocolate Australian Kelpie may have a brown nose, and a red Kelpie might have a pink nose.
Coat Length
A double coat provides protection from the weather. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is short and straight.
Coat Color
The coat can be a solid shade of tan or blue, black, chocolate, or red—with or without tan markings.
Tail
The medium-length tail hangs down at rest but may be carried horizontally when a Kelpie is excited or working.

Australian Kelpie Temperament

Australian Kelpies are always ready to work, and approach any activity with great interest and intensity. A real go-getter, these dogs are an “energetic, happy breed that wants to please,” says Kim Frazier, an experienced Australian Kelpie breeder and the owner of Walkabout Australian Kelpies.

Historically used to herd sheep and cattle, Australian Kelpies are natural-born herding dogs who can channel their drive into a wide range of activities, including canine sports, hiking, or being your running buddy.

A Kelpie’s stamina is impressive but not surprising: These dogs need a high level of endurance to do their historic job (move livestock over long distances), so they’ll easily keep up with you on your morning run as long as they receive proper conditioning.

Kelpies love to be busy, but they’re not always on the move. At home, these dogs will settle down for some quiet time with their favorite people. Just be forewarned that not all Kelpies will want to share your attention and affection.

“They are so devoted to their [pet parents]—to the point of sometimes being jealous with other dogs,” says Mandy Sansom, a Kelpie owner and breeder at Callicoma Kelpies.

Early socialization can help an Australian Kelpie puppy learn how to get along with other dogs, but they won’t object to being the sole recipient of your time and attention.

When it comes to other pets, like cats, be forewarned that a Kelpie might make it their personal duty to herd smaller animals around the house or yard. But introducing your dog to a cat slowly, properly, and (ideally) when your Kelpie is young can help them live together peacefully.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Australian Kelpie

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How to Care for a Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpies are hardy dogs who don’t require a lot of fuss when it comes to grooming, but you should expect to devote considerable time to training and exercising these high-energy dogs.

With the appropriate care and training, versatile Kelpies can be happy in a working environment or as a pet for a more-active-than-average family.

The Australian Kelpie’s double coat is water-resistant and protects these pups from extreme heat and cold. Though short, their dense coat sheds moderately, with heavier shedding twice a year as seasons change.

Brushing: A weekly brushing with a versatile brush, like the Four Paws Magic Coat Dog Brush, will help reduce loose hair (and therefore shedding) and distribute natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat. Frazier recommends a more frequent brushing routine during spring and fall coat changes.
Bathing: Regular bathing isn’t usually necessary unless your Kelpie becomes especially dirty when running around outside. When your dog does need a bath, use dog-specific shampoo so you don’t dry out their skin.
Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth every day to reduce the risk of dental disease. Use a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.
Ear care: The Australian Kelpie’s upright ears aren’t prone to harboring moisture that leads to infection, but you should regularly check the ears for any redness, irritation, or discharge. Call your vet if you notice these signs of an ear infection.
Nail care: Whenever you hear your Kelpie’s nails clicking on the ground as they walk, it’s time to trim them. You’ll probably cut your dog’s nails every month or so.

The loyal, attentive Australian Kelpie personality means this breed is quick to pick up on training cues.

Sansom says Kelpie dogs have a strong desire to please you, so they’ll work hard to be the star student when you teach them. This means this breed is often compatible with first-time dog parents who are committed to forging a strong partnership with these smart dogs.

“With their intelligence, they can’t be left to their own devices, or they will acquire bad behavior,” says Frazier.

Start training your Australian Kelpie puppy right when you bring them home. Early and consistent obedience training will set you and your puppy up for success. It’s also important to socialize your puppy early so they are comfortable, confident, and well-behaved, no matter the situation.

Keeping your Kelpie busy and engaged with training, exercise, and mental stimulation is also essential for this brainy breed.

An Australian Kelpie needs a well-balanced dog food diet that’s appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Look for a dog food diet that meets AAFCO standards.

Because Kelpies are active dogs, they may benefit from a protein-rich food, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance High-Protein Dog Food.

Australian Kelpie pups may need a more frequent feeding schedule, but adult dogs should be fed twice a day—usually once in the morning and again in the evening. Make sure your Kelpie always has access to fresh water, and keep their food and water dishes clean.

Regular exercise is a must for a Kelpie, and a short walk around the block won’t be enough.

Australian Kelpies need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. They’re happy to join you on a walk, but Kelpies also thrive with activities that are a bit more fast-paced, like agility, dock diving, rally, or FastCAT.

While keeping an exercise routine is ideal for your dog, you don’t have to sweat it if you skip a day.

“Missing the occasional day is not going to cause problems, but they will become naughty (barking, digging, being destructive) if not given enough exercise,” Sansom says.

And while it’s good to give your Kelpie an outlet for physical energy, don’t overlook the importance of challenging a Kelpie with mental exercise, too. Brain games, learning tricks, and puzzle toys will give these dogs much-needed mental stimulation.

If you want a companion to take on weekend camping trips or need a buddy for marathon training, a Kelpie is a great match. As long as you keep these dogs busy, Kelpies can fit into almost any type of home—although a fenced backyard where your Australian Kelpie can burn off some energy playing fetch or herding a soccer ball is a major plus.

Kids and Kelpies can be a great match, too, if training and supervision are provided. “Their wonderful temperament makes them suitable for families with children if introduced as puppies with children that have a respect for dogs,” Frazier says.

Introduce your Kelpie to children of all ages, but make sure that you keep a close eye on the interactions to ensure no one plays too rough.

Australian Kelpie Health

The Australian Kelpie lifespan is typically 10–13 years. In general, the breed is very hardy with few health considerations. But some genetic diseases can occur within the breed.

Neurological disorders: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) and cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) are two genetic neurological disorders that have been noted within Australian Kelpies. These conditions progressively hinder the dog’s normal movements. There’s no cure for either condition.
Intestinal lipid malabsorption (ILM): This condition hinders the dog from properly absorbing long-chain fatty acids. As a result, dogs with ILM will often have stunted growth, increased appetites, and large stools with a greasy appearance. The condition can typically be managed with digestive enzymes and a specialized diet.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint problems, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, are conditions characterized by a loose joint. The best way to mitigate the problem is for a dog to maintain a healthy weight.
Collie eye anomaly: Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a congenital condition that can lead to impaired vision or blindness. There is no treatment, but dog DNA tests can identify if your dog is at risk.
Mitral valve disease: MVD in dogs leads to congestive heart failure. There is no cure, but medical management can help reduce symptoms and prolong your dog’s life.

Australian Kelpie History

The Australian Kelpie is a herding breed descended from smooth-coated Collies imported to Australia from Scotland in the late 1800s, according to the University of Sydney.

The Kelpie dog breed eventually became divided into two types: Working Kelpies and Australian Kelpies (also sometimes called Show Kelpies or Conformation Kelpies). It’s important to note that the two types of Kelpies are not one and the same. “The lines are separated in their country of origin and cannot be crossbred,” says Frazier.

The Australian Kelpie dog is largely popular as a show dog or a pet, and has a more relaxed temperament compared to the focused, intense personality of a Working Kelpie.

Australian Kelpie dogs don’t have AKC recognition quite yet, but the breed is part of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, which is a preliminary step towards full breed recognition.

The dogs are relatively uncommon in the U.S., so research ethical breeders and prepare for a waitlist if you’d like to bring home an Australian Kelpie puppy.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Hannah Hart, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie