Collection: Personalised Australian Working Kelpie Gifts

Versatile, hardworking and fiercely loyal, the Australian Working Kelpie is Australia’s answer to the classic Sheepdog. These canines save farmers lots of money as they can carry out the labour of several men. They can cover 50 km in a single day! It’s no surprise that you can find these dogs all over the world as they are skilled herders, and their ability to detect firearms and drugs has made them valued border police dogs.

Kelpies may well be the farmers’ perfect companion, but their origins may surprise you. Their ancestors the Scottish Collie were taken to Australia by a wealthy, upper-class family in the early 1800s. Over time the Collies bred with dogs native (and therefore better adapted) to Australia. Kelpies, therefore, came about purely by chance. There was never an intentional breeding programme.

In the 20th century, the pooches were recognised as capable working dogs, herding anything from cattle and sheep to pigs and alpacas.

As these dogs are used to living an active, working lifestyle, they are intelligent and full of energy. One of the main things a prospective owner needs to consider is if they’re able to keep their Kelpie physically and mentally stimulated. Otherwise, they will get bored and become destructive. (Expect them to dig holes in your garden and destroy furniture if left alone for too long!)

Despite their prey drive they have a sensitive side and make great family pets. They have a love for children and will bond well with all family members.