Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Australian Kelpie is a herding breed developed in Australia in the late 19th century for working with cattle and sheep in the harsh conditions of the continent. The ancestors of the Kelpie were English Collies brought by settlers, which showed excellent working abilities and adaptation to the hot climate. By crossing various working lines, breeders created a hardy, independent, and intelligent dog with excellent health and tireless energy. The breed's name originates from a legendary female dog named Kelpie, whose descendants became foundational to the breed. Today, the Australian Kelpie is highly valued as a working farm dog and as an active companion for sports and rural life.
General Appearance
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized, compact, and muscular dog, with a body that may be square or slightly longer than tall. The body is dry and strong, with a straight, firm topline and well-developed muscles in the chest and loin. The head is proportional to the body, wedge-shaped, with a well-defined stop, mobile high-set ears, and almond-shaped dark eyes giving an attentive and confident expression. The tail is of medium length, low-set, dropped when relaxed, and may rise slightly during movement. The coat is short to medium in length, close-lying, dense, and weather-resistant. The overall impression emphasizes the breed’s activity, strength, and working capability.
Important Proportions
The Australian Kelpie has a compact, well-proportioned build. The body length is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height at the withers, forming a square or slightly rectangular outline. The chest is deep and reaches the elbows; ribs are moderately sprung. The head is proportional, with the muzzle length roughly equal to the skull length. The neck is of medium length, muscular, and blends smoothly into the withers. The limbs are straight and strong, with clearly defined joints. The tail of medium length completes the body outline harmoniously. All proportions contribute to stability, agility, and endurance required for handling large livestock.
Behavior and Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is highly intelligent, energetic, and lively. It is a loyal, courageous, and attentive dog with a well-developed herding instinct. The Kelpie learns quickly, responds well to commands, and interacts actively with its handler. Although reserved with strangers, it is not aggressive without cause. This breed is known for its stamina, responsiveness, and confident movement. It requires regular physical and mental exercise and thrives in an engaging environment. At home, it is loyal, curious, and friendly; with proper training, it remains balanced, obedient, and an ideal companion for active families.
Head
The head of the Australian Kelpie is proportionate to the body, dry, and wedge-shaped. The skull is moderately broad, slightly rounded between the ears, with a noticeable but smooth stop. The muzzle is straight, of medium length, with a strong lower jaw and a black or brown nose, depending on coat color. Lips are dry and tight. Teeth are strong, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are moderately defined, highlighting the strength and musculature of the head. The expression is intelligent, alert, and confident, reflecting the breed's active nature and readiness for work.
Facial Region
The facial region of the Australian Kelpie expresses focus, intelligence, and energy. The muzzle is dry, of moderate length, tapering smoothly toward the nose without being pointed or coarse. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nose is well-pigmented, with color matching the coat — black in black dogs, brown in chocolate-colored dogs. Lips are tight and dry, with no loose skin. Cheeks are smooth but well defined. The chin is moderately visible, showing strength. The facial region must express attentiveness and readiness for action. Coarse, short, or overly long muzzles, loose lips, weak chins, or poor pigmentation are considered faults. A correctly structured facial region enhances the working type and functionality of the Australian Kelpie.
Eyes
The eyes of the Australian Kelpie are oval, medium-sized, set wide apart, and slightly oblique, giving the breed an alert, intelligent, and lively expression. Eye color generally ranges from dark brown to amber, depending on coat color. In lighter-coated dogs, lighter shades may be present, but the expression must remain warm and attentive. Eyelids are tight, well-pigmented, and match the nose color. Eyes should not be bulging, overly round, or too narrow. The Kelpie’s gaze is always focused, confident, and attentive, demonstrating high working ability, energy, and willingness to cooperate. Strabismus, excessive fearfulness, insufficient pigmentation, or unnatural expression are faults.
Ears
The ears of the Australian Kelpie are erect, high-set, and of medium size, triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips. They are mobile and respond sensitively to surrounding sounds, emphasizing the breed’s working alertness and concentration. The skin of the ears is fine and covered with short, dense hair, with moderate undercoat on the inner surface. When alert, the ears are directed forward, giving a lively and observant expression. Drooping, semi-erect, oversized, or low-set ears are unacceptable. Correct ear shape and placement are important for preserving the breed’s typical appearance, functionality, and expression as an energetic and dedicated working dog.
Neck
The neck of the Australian Kelpie is of medium length, strong, dry, and muscular, broadening gradually toward the shoulders and merging smoothly with the body. It is slightly arched at the top, enhancing the noble carriage of the head and allowing freedom of movement. The neck should not appear short, thick, or overly thin — it should demonstrate a balance of strength and flexibility needed for herding. The skin is tight and smooth, with no loose folds. The strong neck allows rapid response, agile direction changes, and stability at high speed. Correct neck structure is essential for functionality, endurance, agility, and the working nature of the breed.
Body
The body of the Australian Kelpie is strong, balanced, and functional, with well-developed musculature and moderate compactness. The topline is straight and firm, with a well-defined withers transitioning smoothly into a level back. The loin is short, firm, and slightly arched, providing powerful drive. The croup is moderately sloping, broad, and muscular. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with moderately sprung ribs allowing adequate space for the heart and lungs. The belly is slightly tucked, emphasizing the athletic appearance. The body must convey balance between power and agility, without coarseness or heaviness. Such structure enables the Kelpie to work efficiently, maintain endurance, and demonstrate agility during herding tasks.
Tail
The tail of the Australian Kelpie is natural, of medium length, reaching the hock or slightly below, tapering toward the tip, thick at the base but not coarse. When relaxed, the tail hangs naturally in a slight curve. During movement, it may rise but should not curl over the back or form a ring. A slight curve is acceptable and reflects the dog's alertness and readiness. Docking is not typical for the breed and is considered a fault. The tail is covered with dense hair, without excessive feathering. The tail complements the silhouette, emphasizing a stable topline and working type. Incorrect tail set, stiffness, excessive height, or curling are faults.
Front Limbs
The forelimbs of the Australian Kelpie are straight, strong, and well under the body, balancing strength and lightness. The shoulders are long, close-fitting, well laid back, forming an approximately 90° angle with the upper arm, allowing free and extended movement. The upper arms are muscular but not coarse. The forearms are straight, with moderate but strong bone, proportional to the dog’s size. Pasterns are slightly sloping, resilient, and strong, supporting movement across uneven terrain. The feet are oval, compact, with thick pads and short nails. Forelimb placement must not be narrow or cow-hocked. Correct structure enhances endurance, agility, and movement efficiency, essential for long hours of work. Incorrect angulation, weak pasterns, turned elbows, or weak bone are faults.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs of the Australian Kelpie are strong, well-muscled, and properly angulated, providing powerful propulsion and agility during work. Thighs are long and broad, with well-developed muscles indicating strength and endurance. The stifles are well defined, with correct angulation matching the forequarters, and the lower thighs are strong, transitioning smoothly into firm hocks. The hocks are low-set, neither straight nor excessively close. Rear pasterns are short and vertical, not turning inward or outward. The feet are oval, compact, with thick pads and strong nails. Hind movement must be powerful, even, and correspond to the front. Incorrect posture, sickle hocks, cow hocks, weak joints, or insufficient angulation are faults.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Australian Kelpie is light, springy, free, and efficient, reflecting its natural working ability. Movement is direct, enduring, with good reach in the forelimbs and strong drive from the hindquarters. As speed increases, the stride becomes longer, maintaining balance and stability. The topline remains steady, and the tail follows the motion naturally. The Kelpie must move effortlessly, without tension, demonstrating readiness for long herding tasks. A short stride, looseness in joints, crossing limbs, or high-stepping forelegs are unacceptable. Correct gait demonstrates structural harmony, endurance, agility, and functionality — key traits of this working breed.
Coat
The Australian Kelpie has a double coat, close-lying and well-suited for work in various climates. The outer coat is short, straight or slightly harsh in texture, protecting against moisture and abrasion. The undercoat is dense, soft, and insulating. The coat is uniform across the body, slightly shorter on the head, ears, forelimbs, and below the elbows. Moderate feathering is present on the back of the thighs but should not be excessive. The tail is well-covered, without long feathering. The coat must not be long, curly, or silky — such traits compromise functionality. Lack of undercoat, sparse coat, or overly soft coat are faults. A correct coat provides protection, endurance, and working adaptability.
Permissible Colors
The Australian Kelpie comes in a variety of solid and bi-color coat patterns, emphasizing breed utility and type. Main colors include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, chocolate, smoky, and blue. A dark mask on the muzzle is allowed, especially in tan-pointed dogs. White markings are permitted only on the chest, toes, and small patches on the underside, but must not exceed 10% of the body surface. Tan markings must be clearly defined and symmetrically placed, typically over the eyes, muzzle, chest, limbs, and under the tail. Nose and eye rim pigmentation must match the coat color. Blue eyes or lack of pigmentation are disqualifying faults. The coat color should be rich, even, and must not interfere with working ability. Correct color reflects the breed’s natural endurance and functionality.
Size
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog, with a dry and strong build, ideal for active herding work. Height at the withers is 46–51 cm for males and 43–48 cm for females. Weight is proportional to height and typically ranges from 13 to 20 kg, provided the dog maintains a fit condition without signs of obesity or emaciation. Proportions must be balanced: the Kelpie should not appear too heavy or too light, preserving strength and endurance. Deviations from standard height, especially too small or too large size, may negatively affect working ability. Correct size and body condition reflect functionality, agility, and readiness for prolonged physical activity.
Faults
Faults are evaluated based on their degree and impact on health, working ability, and breed type. Minor faults include insufficient muscle, weak bone, shallow chest, or slightly soft topline. Serious faults include incorrect body proportions, coarse or overly fine build, incorrect bite (with complete dentition), insufficient nose or eye pigmentation. Faulty coat structure such as excessive length, lack of undercoat, or overly soft texture are unacceptable. Excessively timid or dull temperament, incorrect limb structure, weak joints, or instability in movement affect working functionality. Faults that affect the Kelpie’s ability to perform as an active working dog are considered significant deviations from the standard.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include major deviations that impair breed type, health, or working ability. Complete lack of pigmentation on the nose, lips, or eyelids in adult dogs. Incorrect bite: overshot, undershot, or missing key teeth such as incisors or canines. Fully drooping or semi-erect ears significantly differing from the standard. Blue eyes or heterochromia in colors where it is not permitted. Lack of undercoat or excessively long, curly, or soft coat affecting functionality. White markings covering more than 10% of the body, especially on the head or above the chest line. Aggressive or excessively fearful temperament affecting normal working ability. Cryptorchidism in males, visible physical deformities, and any behavioral or genetic abnormalities affecting health or suitability for work are disqualifying. Such dogs must be excluded from breeding.
Important Notes
The Australian Kelpie is an intensely intelligent, energetic, and enduring working breed that requires constant physical and mental activity. Lack of stimulation, inadequate training, or poor socialization can lead to behavioral problems. Breeding selection must focus not only on exterior but also on preserving working traits such as herding instinct, endurance, stability, and handler focus. Coat color combinations must be controlled to avoid genetic issues like deafness or pigmentation defects. Puppies with atypical coat structure or weak temperament must be excluded from breeding. Adhering to the standard, ensuring health, temperament, and sound pairings are essential to preserving the true nature of the Australian Kelpie as a functional and versatile working breed.
Conclusion
The Australian Kelpie is an exceptional working breed combining intelligence, endurance, agility, and a strong desire to work with humans. With its natural herding instinct, high trainability, and endless energy, the Kelpie excels in complex farm tasks, canine sports, and service roles. This breed requires an active lifestyle and close interaction with its handler; otherwise, its potential may remain unfulfilled. With proper training, physical conditioning, and adherence to breed standards, the Kelpie’s unique qualities can be maintained. The Australian Kelpie is not only an efficient working partner but also a loyal companion valued for its confident temperament, loyalty, and learning ability — ideal for active individuals ready to work in harmony with an intelligent and energetic dog.
