Australian Kelpie Breed Profile

Head: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderate in size and somewhat foxlike, shaped like a wedge in profile or from above. It is always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is fairly broad, being as broad (measured from one side to the other, right in front of the ears) as it is wide (from occiput to stop). The topskull is just slightly arched between the ears. The head is sufficiently muscled throughout, giving the impression of capability without bulk. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond shape, and gray, amber, hazel, or medium to dark brown color, all according to the coat. The eyes may be lighter in nonstandard color varieties. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.

Ears: The ears are moderate in size, with smaller ears preferred to larger ears. They are thick-leathered, triangular, held firmly pricked, and pointed. They should be set fairly high on the skull. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.

Muzzle: The muzzle is medium in length, broad, strong, well-developed, and slightly tapering to form a wedge shape. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. The jaws are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well pigmented according to the coat. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length to allow for excellent range of motion, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set somewhat low on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually in a relaxed neutral position, but never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.

Movement: The action is energetic, powerful, agile, tireless, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Australian Kelpie breed is eager to please, highly alert, energetic, independent-minded, and extremely intelligent. Once an Australian Kelpie understands their job, they become somewhat of a perfectionist with it. All of these traits make for an excellent working dog, but not always an ideal companion dog. If provided with an abundance of training and exercise, the Australian Kelpie can make a wonderful companion dog. However, behavioral issues can arise if they are not permitted to use their natural talents and exercise their high energy. For this reason, it is recommended that these dogs go to working farms and ranches or have active families. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.