Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie, also known as the ‘Kelpie’ or ‘Barb’, is named after the mythological kelpie, a shape shifting horse from Celtic folklore. By some theories the Australian Kelpie is actually of British origin, descending from the Collies of Northern England. Others believe the Australian Kelpie descends from black Australian Collies bred with the Australian dingo. By the latter theory, owners of pet dingoes registered them as Australian Kelpies because dingo ownership was illegal, later crossing their dingoes with genuine Australian Kelpies. Some physical similarities and breeding records lend credence to this theory. In either case, the Australian Kelpie in its modern form began in Australia in the 1860’s, when ‘King’s Kelpie’ was bred widely after winning a major herding competition. The Australian Kelpie is an adept herding dog, able to work with sheep, cattle, and poultry. The Australian Kelpie is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club because it is more of a working dog then a show dog. It is a fairly popular herding breed, particularly in its native Australia.

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In the USA, the Kelpie is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).The North American Australian Kelpie Registry, which promotes the dog as a working breed, does not want the breed to be promoted by the AKC. Kelpies are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the United States and may compete in UKC events. The Svenska Working Kelpie Klubben also does not permit Working Kelpies to be shown.

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Australian Kelpie Club Dog Directory
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Australian Working Kelpies UK Registry

- Aiming to form a register of working or breeding dogs in the UK. Contact information, a list of available studs, and links.

North American Australian Kelpie Registry

- Breeder's referral list and general information on the breed.

Working Kelpie Council of Australia

- History of the breed, list of available dogs and puppies, breeder directory, and a membership application form.

Callicoma

- Breeding for the show ring, obedience, agility, tracking and work - but most importantly, pets. Dog care tips, photographs and pedigrees of dogs, and information on available puppies. Grafton, New South Wales.

Carter's

- Training and producing dogs for work. Information on their services. Nyngan, New South Wales.

Clan Kelpies

- Breeding versatile dogs to work sheep and cattle. Kennel history, photographs, including of the dogs working, and profiles.

Heel Nippin' Ranch

- Breeding for a natural herding instinct with a strong desire to work any breed of livestock coupled with an excellent temperament. Photographs. Groesbeck, Texas.

Hid-N-Hills Farm

- Breeding border collies and kelpies for herding cattle and sheep. Photographs of dogs and contact information. Goldthwaite, Texas.

Keldapark

- Breed history and standard, photographs, pedigrees, information on available activities, and litter announcements. Queensland.

Ledge Rock

- Farm history, breed information, profiles of their dogs, and information on buying a puppy. Muscoda, Wisconsin.

Milburn

- Breeding for yard and utility trial. Stud service, puppies, and started dogs. Kennel information, trial results, profiles, photographs, and links. Woodstock, New South Wales.

Noonbarra

- Breeder of arena, utility and yard winners. Stud service and puppies for work and companionship. Detailed information about the breed and the kennel, photographs, and videos. Manildra, New South Wales.

Rangeline

- Started dogs occasionally available and puppies once in awhile. Photographs of the dogs at work and information on their training program. Bluejacket, Oklahoma.

Spinifex

- Breeding for natural ability that can handle all types of sheepwork. Kennel history, bloodlines, pedigrees, photographs, and articles on colouring and obedience. Manildra, New South Wales.