Australian Kelpies are exceedingly smart dogs with limitless energy to match! They’re a unique mix of tenacity, independence, and loyalty, making them ideal companions for active households.
Whether you’re already lucky enough to share your life with a Kelpie or thinking about bringing a pup into your home, this go-to guide has everything you need to know about parenting this athletic breed.
Our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of your pup’s health, from choosing the best food for Kelpies to supporting their physical and mental health.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
The Australian Kelpie is distinguished into two different types: the Working Kelpie and the Show Kelpie. Working Kelpies, as their name suggests, are bred to work. Show Kelpies are bred for form and don’t necessarily have the same stamina, drive, or energy levels as their working counterparts.
The breed originated in the 19th century from a mix of British collies brought to Australia and local working dogs.
The first dog to be called a Kelpie came from a Scottish man who named the breed after the mythical shape-shifting spirit that was said to inhabit Scottish lochs.
Over the years, the Kelpie’s endurance and strong herding instincts have made them invaluable to Australian farmers. Unlike other herding breeds, Kelpies work with minimal human direction, making them highly independent and resourceful. It’s for these reasons well-trained and instinctive Kelpies are in high demand and can sell for tens of thousands at auction.
Key characteristics
Kelpies are highly energetic and thrive in environments where they have a job to do. They’re clever and eager to please, making them excellent working dogs and competitors in agility and obedience sports.
Health considerations
Australian Kelpies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and oral health conditions.
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in phytonutrients and ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can support healthy joints and eyes and contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Appearance and size
The Kelpie has a lean, athletic build with a medium-sized frame designed for agility and stamina. They have a short, weather-resistant coat, pricked ears, a long muzzle and an alert expression that reflects their bright minds. Their coat can come in various colours, including black, chocolate, red, blue, fawn, or tan.
Kelpie personality and temperament
Intelligent, loyal, and highly driven, Kelpies have a strong work ethic. Their high energy levels mean they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, otherwise they can get up to mischief, like excessive barking, digging, or chewing.
They’re very loyal, forming strong bonds with their families, but they aren’t known to be overly affectionate.
With strong instincts to herd and protect, Kelpies can be territorial and may nip. These traits make them great watchdogs, but they’re not always desirable in a family dog. Early socialisation and consistent training are vital, especially if you have young children.
Despite their independent streak, they can be a sensitive breed, so always use positive reinforcement to bring out the best in your pup.
Kelpie size guide
A full-grown Kelpie weighs between 11-20 kg and can grow between 43-51 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics. They tend to stop growing in height by 12 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Kelpies live?
Kelpies have an average lifespan of 10-16 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
What does a Kelpie eat?
These sharp and lively pups deserve to be fuelled with the right nutrition.
The best diet for a Kelpie is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Kelpie’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Kelpie puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Kelpie puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Kelpie health issues
Australian Kelpies from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, responsible breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Kelpies can be prone to developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, which is an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip. Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidants to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Eye conditions
Kelpies can be susceptible to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in their eyes, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Kelpie coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
A well-groomed Kelpie doesn’t just look good; proper coat care plays a vital role in their overall well-being.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Kelpies have a short, double coat that’s weather-resistant, making them a resilient and hardy breed in hot and cold temperatures. They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding occurring seasonally.
Grooming
This breed is relatively low maintenance: all they need is a regular brush to help manage loose fur and keep their coat in top condition.
Kelpies only need a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Support your dog’s skin and coat health with skin-loving ingredients like chia seeds (containing zinc), and hemp seeds (containing omega fatty acids) You’ll find these in our Kangaroo and Lamb bowls.
Kelpie hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Kelpie to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of an ear infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Kelpie exercise requirements
Australian Kelpies are highly active dogs that require at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. Want to go on a long trek or explore your local state forest? No problem. With tireless stamina, the issue will be if you can keep up with them, not the other way round.
As you’d expect, this breed loves activities like running, hiking, agility, obedience training, and, of course, herding.
Their independent minds have given them an incredible ability to solve problems without guidance, making interactive games and puzzle toys an essential part of their day.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Kelpie
Kelpies are highly trainable and excel in structured routines like agility and obedience. They can be sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh commands, but they do need strong leadership to guide their independence. Positive reinforcement is always the gold standard and helps your dog to stay engaged and motivated.
Early socialisation and training are crucial to prevent unwanted behaviours like nipping or territorial reactions.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them mentally stimulated. For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Kelpie breeder
So, you’ve decided that a spirited Kelpie is the perfect fit. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Kelpie breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that often have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Kelpie puppy?
You can expect to pay around $1,000 - $4,000 AUD for a Kelpie puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
Adoption is also a wonderful option if you’re looking to give a Kelpie a second chance at a loving home. Try to find out as much information about them as possible but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got questions about Kelpies? Check out more facts about the breed in our FAQs below:
Are Kelpies hypoallergenic?
No, Kelpies are moderate shedders and are not considered hypoallergenic.
When should I desex my Kelpie?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Kelpie pregnant?
The Kelpie gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Do Kelpies experience anxiety?
If not adequately stimulated, Kelpies can become bored, frustrated, and anxious, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Do Kelpies smell?
Kelpies shouldn’t smell, except for a slight doggie odour common to most dogs. Maintaining a good grooming routine and feeding them a nutritious, real food diet can help to prevent strong dog odours.
Where should a Kelpie sleep?
Your Kelpie should sleep on a warm and comfortable bed away from cold draughts. Whether they sleep on their dog bed, in a crate, or your bed, is up to you. Just make sure that it’s easy for them to access with their short legs and long back, and that you’re being consistent in where you train them to sleep.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Kelpie comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Kelpies across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
