The Australian Kelpie Club of Victoria Inc.: Australian Kelpie: Temperament

The Australian Kelpie Club of Victoria Inc.

The Australian Kelpie

Temperament

Kelpie working goats The finest characteristic of the Kelpie is his irresistible Kelpie personality. The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent with a mild tractable disposition, a marked loyalty and devotion to duty.

Although bred primarily for working sheep, the Pure Bred Australian Kelpie has proved himself to be a very adaptable and versatile dog. Contrary to some uninformed opinion he does adapt to being a family pet, jogging companion, children's mate and guardian.

He is one of the most social breeds of the canine species, and needs companionship (almost) more than food. As a companion animal, the Kelpie has no equal.

They are loving, gentle and kind. Easily house trained, they would rather die than make a mistake in the house. His greatest joy is tender loving care; his greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention.

A true Aussie, he has spirit and courage to spare. Although not being an aggressive dog, he can be protective when needed and will guard his family and their belongings when necessary, regardless of risk to himself.

However, he is not indomitable - his spirit can be conquered if he is bullied. Destroy his spirit and you destroy the Kelpie in him. The Kelpie resents harsh treatment and is unable to concentrate properly if upset. If you mistreat him, he loses respect for you and will no longer wish to please you. This willingness and eagerness to please is a characteristic of the breed and, with his high IQ, he is exceptionally easy to train for obedience, tracking, agility, show or as a pet. They learn quickly and love to work, but must be taught by persuasion and gentleness. Forcing a Kelpie will result in passive resistance, which is a total disaster.

Obedience provides a great way of getting to know and share the needs of this highly intelligent breed of dog. After all, he has developed for some form of work, so if you haven't the facilities for him to work livestock, then his energies could be channelled into the very rewarding field of obedience.

| Back | Next |