Breed profile

Australian Kelpie

Explore the care, lifestyle and household factors that matter before making a commitment.

Australian Kelpie
SizeMedium
ExerciseVery high
GroomingLow
ChildrenModerate
BarkingModerate
HealthModerate
What this means

Source-linked data has been researched to help you make an informed decision about life with this breed.

Read how evidence is handled

At a glance

Key facts

Size classMedium
Adult weight16 to 22.7 kg
Exercise needVery high
Energy levelVery high
BarkingModerate
Grooming effortLow
Health burdenModerate

Breed profile

Life with this breed

Home and lifestyle

Flat suitability
Poor fit
Alone tolerance
Low
Energy level
Very high
First-time owner fit
Limited fit

Care and training

Minimum daily exercise
90 minutes
Mental stimulation
Moderate
Trainability
Good
Grooming effort
Low
Professional grooming
Low maintenance
Shedding
Moderate

Household fit

Children
Moderate
Dogs
Moderate
Cats
Moderate
Prey drive
Moderate
Visitors
Moderate

Health and evidence

Health burden
Moderate
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Good

Health-burden evidence confidence: Medium.

Recorded health considerations

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Cerebellar abiotrophy

These are breed-level considerations, not a diagnosis or a guarantee that an individual dog will be affected.

Children and pets need supervision and careful introductions. Individual behaviour varies.

Sources for this breed