Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does any one know anything about a kelpies?

I know a little bit. They are primarily sheep herding dogs, similar in herding style to the border collie, using crouch and "eye" to control sheep rather than upright style. They are very active medium size dogs, capable of running all day in rough terrain/harsh conditions. My dog could pass for a Kelpie in appearance and temperament, but I think he's a Belgian mix. I had looked up Kelpies after a stranger asked if my dog was one, and I was embarrassed that I didn't know anything about them.

Same thing happened to me LOL.
I found that their is a breeder of Kelpies near where I adopted Mya from.

please forgive me if I sound rude or offensive but it is pure opinion, but arent Kelpies those anal retentive dogs almost like border collies that constantly need something to do? You know like you cant sit down to catch your breath after a hard day without a ball rolling past your feet and a crouched figure tensing up for a game of catch? Ive noticed the herding dogs like border collies and aust. shepherds are all business! I go to the dog park and they walk past my dog like their ...stuff...doesnt stink and hes like: i just wanted to play! Maybe they play as puppies(never had one or seen one) but at the park its all about follow the master or run over here run over there and no time for you sunnie! Are all those breeds like that?

Kelpies will apparently play willingly, but they may play hard and may not get along with all dogs as they may need to herd and control them. Some dogs at the park may be treated like unruly sheep that need to be corrected. They are very, very active and are on the move alot, even indoors. They patrol.

Not the best breed for families with young kids or for someone who wants a dog to sit at home in an empty house or yard all day. They also crouch, stare, chase and nip heels like a bc. Kelpies may have bc in their ancestry - there is a lot of debate about their development, though, as in most of the natural type dogs. On the other hand, they are very loyal to their people and want to please them, and are excellent watchdogs. With proper training, as they are very smart, they are excellent pets for active families with bigger kids - emphasis on active. You have to take these dogs out with you and give them things to do or they will find their own fun which can be destructive.

Love your dog J.M. What a cutie!

Thanks! She was extremely active as a young dog but at 6 she would rather lay around. She has arthirtis in both of her hind legs.
I can see how people find the herding breeds to be hard to have in a family that isn't very active!

Best dog ever! She's smart, funny, very easily trained, active, willing to please...I could go on.

She's the best dog! Perfect size, perfect coat. Willing and ready to go everywhere I ask. She'll play with other dogs but won't let me out of her sight. When we go hiking and she's far ahead of me, I duck behing a tree or sagebrush to see how long it takes her to notice I'm "missing". Half the time, she sees me heading for a tree and she runs back to me before I can get there. I live in a small house, with a small yard. We go for one long off leash romp at least every other day, we try for every day. At home, she finds a ball or squeaky toy and plays with me or by herself. She's hilarious. She settles down when I tell her to. In fact, she does everything I tell her to. She's just so extremely well behaved, it baffles me still at times. Even at the vet's office, full of strangers and their pets (she's very timid around new people), She doesn't act out. Just goes and sits where I tell her to. I haven't really done much training, but she just loves to please.

I can see how I'd have to do alot more training with her if I had kids. She sees some things as threats and trys to save me from them. Swings at the park were a major no-no. She thought they were gonna kill me. At one point, I forgot about her swing phobia and had her on leash and sat down on a swing. She took the leash in her mouth (she NEVER does this) and tried to pull me off. When I didn't get off or let go, she tried to chew through it. I think she truly thought that if she couldn't save me, she could at least save herself. Next time we went to the park I let her off leash and sat down on the swing and threw treats to her. That worked, now she's okay with them.

Anyway, that's my take. I believe I have truly found the perfect dog .

Dawn (and Leah - the Kelpie)

fingers must be backwards today

lol