Image by @denna_and_django
The Kelpie is a working breed, first and foremost. As they were bred for the harsh Australian climate, they are fairly independant and have an extraordinary tolerance for heat and water deprivation. In fact, first time Kelpie owners are often concerned at how little they appear to drink. Kelpies are also vastly intelligent, incredibly energetic, and easy to train.
Kelpies are extremely active and perform well in dog sports such as agility or rally training. With endless energy, they will persist until their job is done. They are natural livestock herders and if their energy is pent up they may start herding birds, other pets, or even children! Always be sure to provide your Kelpie with sufficient exercise. In addition to a large yard, Kelpies require heavy levels of daily exercise, such as running, swimming, or extended games of fetch. Simply leaving them to run around your yard is not sufficient exercise for a Kelpie, and can lead to boredom and compulsive personality disorders.
Kelpies are extraordinarily intelligent and have an excellent memory, which is great for training but can be detrimental if they have experienced trauma in the past. Once a Kelpie has been hurt, it never forgets. Sadly, they are prone to developing phobias of certain owner demographics (such as men), or objects they have associated with trauma in the past (such as rolled up newspapers). If rescuing a mistreated Kelpie, be prepared to dedicate time, kindness, and lots of patience to their rehabilitation.
That said, Kelpies are notoriously stoic and 'not likely to complain' - in fact, they may not show they are in pain until an ailment has become quite serious. If your Kelpie seems unwell or injured, always take them straight to your vet for investigation.
When it comes down to it, the Kelpie is loving, obedient, and eager to please. They are fiercely loyal and will form a very strong bond with their family. If you can commit the time and energy into proper training, and provide your them with satisfactory daily exercise, your Kelpie will be the greatest pet you've ever had!
