Related articles
Share with friends
Introduction and History
The Kelpie has roots in Scotland, from where farm collies were imported into Australia in the 1800’s. It has been said that the Australian Kelpie was developed through cross breeding Australian Dingos with black collies, however research on the DNA of the Kelpie doesn’t support that theory.
Appearance and Personality
It’s easy to see why people may have thought that Kelpies were Dingos crossed with black collies as they do share similar features, notably those big, upright ears! Kelpies are a medium sized dog, around 38 to 51cm in height and weighing around and 11 to 21kg. They have a life expectancy of around 11 to 13 years.
They have a short thick coat, with an undercoat. They do shed fur, particularly with the change of seasons. Brushing at this time is particularly beneficial, however brushing with a pin brush two to three times a week will help to keep the coat healthy. It also gives you a great opportunity to check your Kelpie’s skin for any signs of redness or infection.
Kelpies are famous for athleticism, intelligence, and stamina. They are generally loyal and protective family members. They have a high exercise requirement and are well suited to agility and other sports if they aren’t formally working. Keeping the Kelpie’s body and mind busy is vital to avoid destructive behaviour which can arise out of boredom. The breed also has an independent streak and are best suited to a household of experienced dog people. Socialisation with other dogs, people, and animals as well as training from an early age will help to ensure a well-mannered pup later in life. Looking for more tips on how to raise a well-rounded pooch, click here.
Common Health Concerns
The Kelpie’s active nature is revealed in the top reason for visiting the vet in 2020, which was for bone fractures. Fractures can occur after exercise or play, secondary to motor vehicle or other accidents. All fractures require immediate veterinary attention.
Arthritis is also common, which can occur as a degenerative change, or secondary to an injury.
The five most common reasons for an Australian Kelpie to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data from the 2020 calendar year include:
| Rank | Condition | Average cost for single treatment (average pet insurance claim amount) | Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) |
| 1 | Traumatic fracture or laceration | $436 | $7,048 |
| 2 | Skin conditions, including allergic skin disease, dermatitis, pyoderma, acral lick dermatitis | $217 | $2,362 |
| 3 | Gastrointestinal conditions including diarrhoea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, gastritis | $325 | $2,842 |
| 4 | Arthritis | $169 | $4,540 |
| 5 | Eye conditions, including conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers | $150 | $1,121 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
For the same period (2020 calendar year), the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for from PetSure data were:
| Rank | Condition | Highest Cost of treatment for condition (average pet insurance claim amount) |
| 1 | Traumatic injury | $16,630 |
| 2 | Adenocarcinoma (cancer) | $13,507 |
| 3 | Heat stroke | $7,558 |
| 4 | Pelvic fracture | $7,048 |
| 5 | Pelvic fracture | $6,792 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
Most popular Australian Kelpie names, PetSure data 2020
Most popular names:
- Nala
- Rocky
- Archie
- Buddy
- Dusty
- Koda
- Max
- Scout
- Bella
- Billie
Most popular female names:
- Nala
- Bella
- Billie
- Luna
- Willow
- Chilli
- Coco
- Holly
- Indie
- Koda
Most popular male names:
- Rocky
- Archie
- Buddy
- Max
- Dusty
- Reggie
- Rusty
- Scout
- Dexter
- Hugo
Did you know?
A kelpie called Red Dog has his own monument in Dampier, Western Australia. He was well known in the area, where he travelled extensively but always returned home. He sadly passed away in 1979 with presumed poisoning. Red Dog inspired a novel and two films.
References
- Wikipedia, Kelpie, accessed on 16 October 2020 and available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Kelpie
- Dogtime.com, Australian Kelpie, Accessed on 21/10/20, available at: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/australian-kelpie#/slide/1
- Monument Australia, Red Dog, accessed on 21/10/20, available at: https://www.monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/culture/animals/display/60364-red-dog
- Fowler, K, ABC Rural, Kelpie DNA study unravels mysterious origins of Australian working dog, but finds no dingo, 28 June 2019, accessed on 10/11/20, available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-06-28/kelpie-study-finds-no-detectable-dingo-dna/11250106
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
