| This dog breed is very active along with great | | | | They are shaped like almonds and are dark in color. |
| stamina and suppleness. Standing only18-20 inches, he | | | | The eye color may be light in some cases which will |
| has the strong and solid look of a Shepherd. The | | | | create a mean looking appearance. |
| female Australian Kelpie should stand from 17 to 19 | | | | The Kelpie's neck is thick and strong and the |
| inches in height. Most dog owners prefer a larger and | | | | shoulders are narrow that slope downward. The |
| longer version of this breed. | | | | chest runs deep. His Hindquarters should show |
| The Australian Kelpie is considered to be a very | | | | breadth and strength with a longer than short haunch. |
| tough herding dog and is a quiet worker capable of | | | | The tail bends in a slight curve, raised when excited. |
| moving any livestock, though chiefly suited toward | | | | Coat is moderately short, flat with a good undercoat. |
| sheep and cattle. They are athletic and live mostly | | | | Colors include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, |
| independent. The Kelpie has too much energy to be | | | | fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue. |
| kept solely as a pet, though they are notably | | | | Health and Life-span |
| affectionate, especially with children. | | | | When it comes to the Australian Kelpie's health he is |
| The Kelpie must be kept very busy and so if you | | | | one of high stamina. |
| plan on being an owner of this breed then you must | | | | An amazingly athletic and adaptable dog, he does not |
| take into account this dog's strong herding instinct | | | | suffer from any prominent genetic or hereditary |
| and realize he will not be happy if you and your | | | | conditions. This dog also possesses a strong defense |
| family are all he has to herd. And though he is a | | | | against diseases. However, the one thing that will |
| tough dog that has an intimidating look for a small | | | | stress this dog's mental as well as physical health is |
| breed, he is not well suited as a guard dog. | | | | lack of activity. Plenty of exercise and mental |
| Physical Description | | | | stimulation are extremely important. |
| The head is broad between the ears and the skull is | | | | If the Kelpie is not able to move about and exercise |
| flat which tapers to the muzzle. The ears should | | | | regularly then the stress resulting from being |
| stand perky and be moderate in shape without | | | | sedentary will literally cause him to self-destruct. The |
| spooning over. His eye spacing is considered to be | | | | average life span is about ten years. |
| wide for his face structure. | | | | |