Australian Kelpie for Sale

About Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a sheepdog native to Australia. The breed descends from Collies, a type of British herding dog. They were first brought over to the continent of Australia in 1872 and have become famous for their skills in tracking and rescuing. They were named after kelpies, which were water spirits in Celtic mythology.

Over time, they have also been popularized in regions outside Australia, hence can be found in many other countries. It is also known as the farmer dog, barb, and kelpie.

The Kelpie’s Appearance

Australian Kelpie Temperament

1. Loyal- this breed is very loyal to its owner and attends to its duties eagerly.
2. Independent- these dogs are content with their own company, which comes in handy when herding.
3. Hardy- the kelpie can withstand the harsh climate in Australia with ease and can work long hours. 
4. High energy- this breed is very active and needs a lot of stimulation to remain healthy.
5. Sensitive- they do not respond well to harsh punishment or commands, so you should go for positive reinforcements using treats and compliments.
6. Territorial- they do not trust strangers, so they make good watchdogs. 
7. Separation anxiety- they get antsy when indoors for long periods of time hence should have someone to care for and play with them.

It is always wise to get two or more dogs to keep your pup company, and this is best done with an animal that shares a similar temperament, such as the American Foxhound.

Caring For An Australian Kelpie

1. The Kelpie’s Diet

The breed is medium-sized, so it does not need large amounts of feed. These needs change from puppyhood to adulthood. However, these foods are proven quality for dogs:

• Meat
• Bone marrow
• Eggs
• Cooked squash
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Dog flakes
• Fruits, e.g. avocado, banana, blueberries, and many others

Most of the time, they get 250g of meat, 125 grams of dog food, and 125 grams of vegetables daily. An owner may be tempted to give their dog as much food as they desire, but this breed has a large appetite and is prone to obesity, so caution is needed.

Water is also essential for gut health, so make sure that your pup has access to fresh, clean water. When choosing dog food, be sure to check if it has vitamin b12 and iron. Experts also recommend feeding your dog twice a day for adults and four times for a puppy. 

2. Exercise for Kelpies

Your kelpie should have at least 2 hours of exercise per day. For this, you will need to take them outside for a run, swim, and other forms of play to help keep them stimulated. You can also offer them toys for these sessions.

3. Proper Grooming for Kelpies

Since the Australian kelpie is not long-haired, grooming is relatively easy for owners. You will only need a bristle or slicker brush for this, which helps clear any shedding. Experts also recommend a bath in case your dog gets very dirty. There are many appropriate dog shampoos and conditioners you can use, and they range in purpose from medicated to anti-itch.

4. Common Kelpie Allergies

Just like other animals, the kelpie is prone to reactions when it encounters certain substances. They include flea saliva, certain medicines, mold, pollen, chocolate, soy, and gluten in some cases. When the dog is exposed to these substances, it may exhibit swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, sneezing, and coughing, so you should keep such substances locked up or out of reach.

5. Diseases and Vaccines

Your pup may be at risk of contracting illnesses such as hip dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism, canine influenza, heartworms, leptospirosis, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and more. It is important to take your dog to the vet regularly to spot any signs of illness before it gets out of hand. 

Over the course of your dog’s life, you should also get them vaccinated to prevent the occurrence of certain illnesses. As such, your dog should be vaccinated for rabies, DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and influencer), canine distemper, Lyme disease, and much more. 

Where To Find Australian Kelpies For Sale

With all this information on the care of this breed, you are likely going to search for “Australian kelpie puppies for sale in the USA” or, if you prefer adult dogs, “Australian kelpie for sale near me” to finally get your dog. You will come across several breeders, some of whom are shady and keep their pets in poor condition where they are at risk of contracting disease. 

As such, you should avoid these unethical sellers and find several Australian kelpies for sale or for adoption. Aside from Australian kelpie puppy for sale ads, we also host ads for other breeds, such as the Akita.

Pros and Cons of The Kelpie

Pros

1. Hard-working since they are working dogs
2. Very intelligent
3. Good watchdogs
4. Good for families

Cons

1. Separation anxiety hence can’t be left alone
2. High energy hence not good for apartments

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is an Australian kelpie?

If you are searching for an Australian kelpie puppy for sale, you will find the price of an Australian kelpie price to be $400 to $1600, while a full-grown dog may cost $2450.

2. Are kelpies aggressive?

No, unlike other breeds, they are docile and don’t attack without cause. However, they can still protect their family when the need arises.

3. Are kelpies easy to train?

Yes, this breed is highly intelligent and will grasp commands with ease.

4. How often should a kelpie bathe?

Since they do not have a heavy or fluffy coat, the kelpie only needs a wash at least every two months. This may differ for other breeds with different coats, as outlined in our other articles spotlighting other breeds like the Auggie.

5. What is the main thing kelpies should eat?

Kelpies especially love bone marrow, meat, eggs, and wet dog food.

6. How much sleep does a dog need?

Adult dogs need around 8 to 14 hours of sleep, while a puppy requires 18 to 19 hours for proper growth. Fewer hours could lead to stress and irritation.

In A Nutshell

The Australian kelpie is a muscular sheepdog native to Australia. It has a short and soft coat and comes in a variety of colors ranging from chocolate to fawn. The breed is known for its high intelligence and hardiness, as well as other traits such as courage and loyalty. It is, therefore, no surprise that many seek out Australian kelpie puppies for sale in USA, in search of a loyal companion. If you are one of them, check out our classified listings for your pick of these lovely pups.