Australian Kelpie

Developed in Australia for stock work; related historically to Collie-type herding dogs selected for heat and vast paddocks.

Often more “eye” and gather than pure heel-biting. Agile enough for yards, trucks, and rough country. Style varies widely between show and working lines.

Intense focus, sensitive to handler cues, and high energy. Can be softer than ACDs with people when well bred and socialized — still not a couch potato.

Typically lighter and more rangy than ACDs — often in the mid-30s lb range for working dogs, with variation by line.

• Operations wanting a gather/heading style dog
• Handlers who train with precision and daily mental work
• Mixed sheep–cattle properties (depending on line)

• Working vs show lines differ dramatically — buy for the job
• Needs serious exercise and training outlets
• May not grip cattle as hard as heelers; match dog to stock type

• Trial the dog on your class of cattle before committing to a breeding program
• Use clear verbal/whistle cues consistent with your crew
• Combine dog work with safe alleys and gate plans from the Manage tools

• All cattle dogs
• Fence calculator
• Stocking rate