Australian Kelpie
Herding · medium

Australian Kelpie

Australia's premier stock dog — an extraordinarily intelligent, obsessive worker. Needs a real job or a serious sport (agility, herding, running partner). Miserable in apartments.

intelligenttirelessloyalfocused
Weight
14-21 kg
31-46 lbs
Height
43-51 cm
17-20"
Lifespan
12-15y

Traits at a glance

Energy5/5
Trainability5/5
Grooming needs2/5
Barking3/5
Good with kids4/5
Apartment ok1/5

Cost calculator

Estimated monthly
$419 AUD/mo
≈ $5,028 AUD/year · First year with setup ≈ $5,928 AUD
food$110
vet$80
grooming$70
supplies$35
training$40
insurance$80
registration$4
Upfront — buying the pup
$800–$2,500 AUD one-off
Typical pet-quality range from registered Australian breeders. Adopting instead? Rescues charge ≈ $350–$800 adoption fee.

Training tips for a Australian Kelpie

Practical, breed-specific advice tuned to a Australian Kelpie's temperament, energy and trainability.

Health & nutrition for a Australian Kelpie

What to watch for, how to feed, and how to keep a Australian Kelpie in top shape — tuned to this breed's size and build.

Ready to meet a Australian Kelpie?

Search animal shelters and rescues across Australia — and consider bringing a certified trainer to your first meet-and-greet.

Find shelters near me