The Working Kelpie, originally bred from black and tan Collies, is a cattle dog assigned to the herding group. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Unlike most herding breeds, they were owned by wealthy and respected landowners rather than shepherds before they arrived and developed in Australia. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Because of their similarities with other cattle dogs, Working Kelpies can be difficult to distinguish, but they do have several unique traits. By recognizing what makes them stand out, this wikiHow will help you identify a Working Kelpie.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Observing the Structure
-
Take the dog's size into account. Working Kelpies are medium-sized dogs. They can weigh anywhere from 28 to 60 pounds (13 to 27 kg) and stand at 19–25 inches (48–64 cm). [3] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
-
View the head. A Working Kelpie's head is broad in the area between the ears. With a forehead that is rather curved, it appears somewhat rounded, as do the cheeks. [4] X Research sourceAdvertisement
-
Examine the ears. The ears of a Working Kelpie are rather wide apart, moderate in size, and of fine leather. Being pricked, they taper upward a bit from the strong base to a fine tip. They are carried slightly outward on a curved edge of the head and have hair inside. You may also notice the ears turning or rotating to hear sounds without moving the entire head. [5] X Research source
-
Check the eyes. Working Kelpies have medium-sized eyes that are somewhat oval in shape and capable of seeing the widest area possible due to their unique placement. They are wide apart from each other and have clear corners, giving the dog an expression of intelligence, kindness, and eagerness to work. [6] X Research source
-
Notice the muzzle. A Working Kelpie's muzzle is moderately long and gives an impression of being refined. With tight lips and teeth placed so that the top teeth are just behind the bottom teeth, the muzzle tapers to a point at the nose. [7] X Research source
-
Inspect the paws. The paws of a Working Kelpie enable them to have full thrust while working in different terrains. They are strong, deeply padded, and have both short nails and arched toes that are fairly flexible. The back paws are more elongated than those in the front. [8] X Research source
-
Spot the tail. Being let down a good amount, a Working Kelpie's tail is long enough to reach the hocks, sometimes slightly longer. When the dog is at rest, it curves a small amount while hanging. [9] X Research source
-
Look at the dog's overall build. Working Kelpies are strong in muscle, active, of supple limb, and lithe. They have a neck that forms a bit of an arch, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, curved and well-sprung ribs, parallel legs, and a raised topline. Their gait is effortlessly smooth and conveys freedom of movement, usually being in the form of a trot or stride. [10] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Viewing the Coat
-
Take note of the coat's quality. A Working Kelpie's coat lies flat against the dog's body, being comprised of straight and fairly short hairs. If an undercoat is present, it is dense to the touch and a short length. While the hair on the tail, neck, and backs of the thighs is longer than the rest of the coat, the hair on the feet, legs, head, and ears is especially short. The coat is also resistant to weather. [11] X Research source
-
Recognize the base color. The base color of a Working Kelpie's coat may be any that are related to the breed's development. These include black, blue, grey, red, fawn, and tan. These range from light to dark and include colors such as chocolate and cream. [12] X Research source
-
Find tan markings. Though not every Working Kelpie has tan markings, any besides those with solid tan coats, as these are already tan in color, may have them. They may vary in amount and may be cream, dark tan, or any shade of tan in between these. [13] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Checking Temperament
-
Notice energy. As herding dogs, Working Kelpies have an abundance of energy. They have high exercise needs and require activities such as walks or playtime to relieve their energy levels. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
-
See if the dog values companionship. Working Kelpies are companionable dogs that need people to stay by their sides. They can handle brief periods of time alone but excel when people are with them. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
-
Expect a herding instinct. [16] X Expert Source Toni Woods
Professional Dog Trainer Expert Interview Most Working Kelpies still perform jobs today, such as search and rescue or serving in the police force, because they retain their herding roots. Even one that is a family pet may attempt to "herd" through ways including chasing cars, so make sure they are well-trained to keep them safe. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceDid you know? Working Kelpies have a herding style where they run along their sheep's backs so they can maneuver the flock through areas of tighter fits. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
-
Check for keenness. Working Kelpies are a very keen, alert, and intelligent breed. These traits benefitted them while herding and can also benefit them as pets, making them typically responsive to training. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
-
Take note of gentleness. Overall, Working Kelpies are friendly and gentle dogs. Their gentleness can make them great with children, and they also tend to do well with other pets, allowing them to be good family dogs. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceAdvertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Consider DNA testing if you wish to know your own dog's breed. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Working Kelpie.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ http://www.wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/Charateristics-and-Confirmation.php
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ Toni Woods. Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working-kelpie/
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 685 times.
Advertisement
