The characteristics of a particular breed of dog give an overall picture of what the breed is like. Unlike the breed standard, which details the temperament and physical qualities that make the breed what it is, discussing the characteristics of a particular breed is a little more personal. For example, a breed may have a certain facial expression that makes it unique among all other breeds. Characteristics also include how the dog acts. The breed’s tendency to behave in certain ways in certain situations helps to define that breed and sets it apart from other breeds, especially similar breeds.
For example, in describing a Beagle, one would mention how the dog keeps his nose close to the ground to sniff out his prey. A Miniature Schnauzer may be described as having a tendency to bark either in excitement or as a warning of someone’s or something’s approach. These are essential breed characteristics and important information for those seeking just the right breed for their lifestyle.
In the case of the Kelpie, detailing breed characteristics helps to distinguish it from other similar Australian working dogs. For example, most Kelpie owners who are also familiar with other working dogs find Kelpies particularly fond of children. They will tolerate a very young child’s clinging to them, pulling on their ears and tails or even leaning on them as the child learns to walk. As for petting, most Kelpies are not “lap dogs,” but the degree to which they enjoy petting and cuddling varies from dog to dog.
A true medium-sized dog with prick ears, a wedge-shaped head, a long tail with a “brush” at the end and a low-maintenance coat, the Kelpie will fit into an appropriate home life as well as farm life. Kelpies are playful and fun-loving. They are also athletic, intelligent, courageous and extremely alert. Constantly aware of what’s going on around them, they are quiet companions yet brave and very protective when necessary. They are not guard dogs, but they are usually suspicious of strangers, remaining alert to activities around them and constantly watching their owners for signs of approval toward newcomers. Absent those signs of approval, the dog will defend his master and family with his life.
Although working ability is valued over beauty points in this breed, the Kelpie does have a range of striking colors, including solid black and all shades of red.
On the job, he is always eager to work and anxious to please. While he is an independent thinker, he does develop a good working relationship with a master who has established himself as the boss. Kelpies are much sought after by sheep farmers because they are noted for not pulling out wool or biting the sheep when working the flock. Pulling and biting are extremely undesirable traits in herding dogs and can prove costly to the farmer and painful to the sheep.
Some Kelpies are used for droving yearling cattle. In the US and Australia, they are known to ride atop the fuel tanks of their masters’ motorcycles as they round up the herds and drive them to new pastures. Once at the new grazing sites, the Kelpies jump off the bikes and race around behind the cattle to move them as one unit through gates and fencing into the pastures.
When used as sheep herders, some Kelpies will jump up onto the backs of the sheep to move them along. This behavior seems innate in some Kelpies while totally absent in others; it is not a behavior that can be taught. A dog either rides the backs of sheep or he doesn’t. Either way, he moves the herd efficiently and with seemingly little effort.
While we are on the subject of herding, let us mention again that the Kelpie is a herding breed. In a pet home, this can translate to the Kelpie’s viewing everyone and everything as part of his flock. Some Kelpies nip while her
