The Kelpie came into being last century because Australian sheep farmers needed a special type of dog that could work sheep on the vast Outback properties, and under harsh conditions. This was a result of the various breeds of sheep dogs from Europe and the UK having proven too heavily coated to cope with the severe Australian climate.

This wonderful breed came from two black and tan, short-coated and pointed-eared Collies imported in the 1860s. The Australian Kelpie has been exported to Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, the USA, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands. These dogs have been successfully used to manage a variety of stock, including reindeer, goats, and cattle.
 

Average lifespan
Australian Kelpies can live up to 16 years of age.

Average size
43cm to 51cm
10kg to 20kg

Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
Kelpies have excelled in the areas of obedience, agility and tracking. They have participated in pet therapy programmes and have even been utilised as guide dogs for the blind. The finest characteristic of the Kelpie, however, is its irresistible personality. The breed is extremely alert and eager and highly intelligent.

Compatibility with other pets
Excellent.


Care requirements
As a companion animal, the Kelpie has few equals. Obedience provides a great way of getting to know and share the needs of this highly intelligent dog. The Kelpie is free from most inherited diseases and is a relatively low maintenance dog. The breed is quickly house-trained and is an easy dog to feed – eating almost anything it is given. It needs about the same amount of exercise as other healthy young dogs.
Please take note
If you are thinking of buying a Kelpie pup make sure that you are prepared to commit to the amount of time it deserves, as this breed will want to be your constant companion. Take time to learn about the breed, in particular its care and training requirements. It is important to ensure that your yard is fully fenced.

Ideal owners
This breed adapts well to being a family pet, a jogging companion, children's mate and guardian.



Click here for advice on adopting a rescue dog and finding a breeder. All information has been provided by the Dogs Club.

In the country from which the breed derives its name, the Afghan hound is regarded, though unofficially, as the ‘national’ dog. Native Afghans also uphold the belief that the Afghan is the dog portrayed on the cave walls in the northern province of Balkh, which is why the Afghan has also been called the Balkh Hound. The Afghan hound is a sight hound, rather than a hunter by scent. It has exceptional vision and great speed, both of which were used in the hunt for prey.

Its thick, luxurious coat protected it against the extreme cold of the upper snow regions, while also shielding it from the merciless sun as it roamed the desert. Its huge thickly padded paws and powerful hindquarters gave the Afghan hound equal ability to skim across hot desert sands or to scale rocky hilltops in mountainous terrain.

Average lifespan

Afghan Hounds will often live up to 13 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 15 years of age.

Average Size

A dog in good condition should be 60cm to 64cm for the female and 70cm to 74cm tall for the male.
In peak condition the female should weigh up to 25kg and the male 30kg.

Breed personality, characteristics & temperament

The breed is said to have a good, but aloof personality. These dogs are loyal and extremely manageable as adults, however, this is not to say that as puppies they do not have ‘their moments’. On the whole, though, this is a breed that is extremely good with children, whether introduced to the home as a puppy or an adult, and it will adapt readily to the household routine. Afghans should never be off the lead outside their own environment because once the eyes spot a target, the ears ‘switch off’.

Compatibility with other pets

As adaptable as Afghans are, they do need to be brought up among the animals they will spend time with. Remember they were bred as sight hounds and instinct will dictate their behaviour when confronted with strange animals they do not understand. Having said that, once accustomed to a situation, an Afghan will readily adapt.

Care requirements

Well-fenced enclosures are a must for this breed, as their keen sight will often get them into trouble otherwise. They require regular coat maintenance, bathing and exercise. They need appropriate feeding to cope with their growth patterns as youngsters and they should always have fresh, clean water available

Ideal owners

Anyone prepared to accept the dog's need for exercise and coat maintenance will be well rewarded with this breed.


Click here for advice on adopting a rescue dog and finding a breeder. All information has been provided by the Kennel Club.