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Kelpie Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Kelpie Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Australia flagAustralia
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Australian Kelpie and German Shepherd mix

Kelpie Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Kelpie Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Kelpie Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Kelpie Shepherd?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Kelpie Shepherd weigh? How much should a Kelpie Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Kelpie Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Kelpie Shepherd weight?
30-60 pounds (13-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Kelpie Shepherd?
45 pounds (20 kg)
Height
How tall is the Kelpie Shepherd? Kelpie Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Kelpie Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Kelpie Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Kelpie Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Kelpie Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Kelpie Shepherd?

Where to buy a Kelpie Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Kelpie Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Kelpie Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Kelpie Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Kelpie Shepherd? How many Kelpie Shepherd are there in the world?
Frequent: The Kelpie Shepherd is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Kelpie Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Kelpie Shepherd? Is the Kelpie Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Kelpie Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Kelpie Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Kelpie Shepherd?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Kelpie Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Kelpie Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Kelpie Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Kelpie Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Kelpie Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Kelpie Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
CuriousEnergeticAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyObedientLoyalRobustEagerWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Kelpie Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Kelpie Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kelpie Shepherd need? Kelpie Shepherd social needs:
Kelpie Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Kelpie Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Kelpie Shepherd roam?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Kelpie Shepherd have high prey drive?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Kelpie Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Kelpie Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Kelpie Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Kelpie Shepherd bark?
Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Kelpie Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Kelpie Shepherd in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Kelpie Shepherd indoors.

Kelpie Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Kelpie Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Kelpie Shepherd alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Kelpie Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Kelpie Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Kelpie Shepherd? How much bite force does a Kelpie Shepherd have? How strong is a Kelpie Shepherd bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Kelpie Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Kelpie Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Kelpie Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Kelpie Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Kelpie Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Kelpie Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Kelpie Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Kelpie Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Kelpie Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Kelpie Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Kelpie Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Kelpie Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Kelpie Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Kelpie Shepherd do?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Kelpie Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Kelpie Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Kelpie Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Kelpie Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Kelpie Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Kelpie Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseOsteoarthritisRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyCerebellar AbiotrophyCollie Eye AnomalyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Kelpie Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Kelpie Shepherd see the vet?
Average
The Kelpie Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Kelpie Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Kelpie Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Kelpie Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Kelpie Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Kelpie Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Kelpie Shepherd?

10-14 years
The average lifespan of Kelpie Shepherd: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Kelpie Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Kelpie Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Kelpie Shepherd?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Kelpie Shepherd need? How much exercise do Kelpie Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Kelpie Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Kelpie Shepherd breed need?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Kelpie Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Kelpie Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Kelpie Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Kelpie Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Kelpie Shepherd?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Kelpie Shepherd risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Kelpie Shepherd weight regularly.

Kelpie Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Kelpie Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FuzzyDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Kelpie Shepherd coats?
BlackTan Red Blue SilverBrownFawn Chocolate
Grooming
How to groom the Kelpie Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Kelpie Shepherd to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Kelpie Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Kelpie Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kelpie Shepherd? Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Kelpie Shepherd breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Kelpie Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Kelpie Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Kelpie Shepherd every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Kelpie Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Kelpie Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Kelpie Shepherd drool?
The Kelpie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Kelpie Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Kelpie Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Kelpie Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Kelpie Shepherd temperament with other people:
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Kelpie Shepherd temperament with children:
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Kelpie Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Kelpie Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Kelpie Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Kelpie Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Kelpie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Kelpie Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Kelpie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Kelpie Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kelpie Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Kelpie Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Kelpie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Kelpie Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Kelpie Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Kelpie Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

Kelpie Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Kelpie Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Kelpie Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Kelpie Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Kelpie Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Kelpie Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Kelpie Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Kelpie Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Kelpie Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Kelpie Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Kelpie Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Kelpie Shepherd give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Kelpie Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Kelpie Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Kelpie Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Kelpie Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Kelpie Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Kelpie Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Kelpie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Kelpie Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Kelpie Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Kelpie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Kelpie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Kelpie Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Kelpie Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthiness: Kelpie Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Kelpie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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