Home DogsAustralian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie

Loved by 78% of pet parents

Energetic, intelligent, and fiercely loyal, this breed thrives on having a job to do. Agile and eager to please, it forms strong bonds and excels in active households.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

46–51 cm (male)

43–48 cm (female)

WEIGHT

18–21 kg (male)

16–19 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–15 years

Australian Kelpie: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Australian Kelpie isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Australian Kelpie's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Australian Kelpies are alert, loyal, and hardworking dogs with a strong herding instinct. They are typically friendly but may be reserved with strangers.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Generally sociable with people and familiar dogs

Intelligence

Highly intelligent, learns new tasks very quickly

Energy Level

Extremely energetic, needs constant physical activity

Playfulness

Enjoys interactive games and active play sessions

Adaptability

Adapts moderately to new environments and routines

Strengths

Highly intelligent and quick to learn
Exceptional stamina for long work periods
Strong herding instincts and drive
Generally healthy with few genetic issues
Loyal and forms close bonds with owners

Challenges

Needs extensive daily physical activity
May develop destructive behaviors if bored
Can be wary of strangers or new situations
High prey drive may chase small animals
Requires consistent training and mental stimulation

Protect your Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Australian Kelpies are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Highly trainable

Overall rating

This breed is highly intelligent, quick to learn, and very responsive to training. Consistent guidance and mental stimulation are essential to keep them engaged and well-behaved.

Trainable Tasks:

Sheep herding commands

Off-leash recall training

Agility course navigation

Scent detection work

Advanced fetch and retrieve

Trick training routines

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

90–120 minutes daily

recommended per day

Australian Kelpies have high energy and require significant daily exercise, including both physical activity and mental challenges, to prevent boredom and maintain optimal health.

Recommended Activities:

Herding trials participation

Agility competitions

Long-distance running

Obedience training classes

Flyball team sports

Interactive treat puzzles

Is this breed right for you?

Australian Kelpies are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Australian Kelpie would fit well in your home.