Kelpie diggies

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vieshot

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My BC type is starting to get a bit arthritic so after having a mini emotional breakdown I had a think about what dog will be my next riding partner when it becomes a bit much for her anymore, or after she's gone depending on how much toleration she has for youngsters at that time!!

I would take my partners rough collie but he's just to laid back for it and worry that he would overheat under all that furr in the summer!!

I like the look of a Kelpie and would like to think we would get along fine. I love my herding breeds. Only thing is the only main breeder I come across will not sell to 'pet homes'

I would like to think I don't offer an average 'pet home' as dogs are out at the stables a good few hours a day, long forest walks and challenging rides out with the horses etc but then I lack knowledge on Kelpies so perhaps they really are no good for anything other than a constant working home?

Anybody had one or know anything more about them?

Thanks
 
I don't know a lot about kelpies but I do know someone who has one and does working trials with him. She has had dogs all her life and is an experienced trainer but she says he has been the most challenging dog she has ever had, it has taken him around 7 years to settle down. That said she is shortly getting another pup so must have enjoyed the experience.:p
It does sound as if the breeder is being responsible as she knows how much her breed needs,but if you haven't already try having a talk with them and seeing if they feel the life you are offering would maybe be suitable.
 
I had a kelpie and she was lovely. Yes she was very active - they bred them in Oz as the border collie had too much coat and not enough stamina! They aren't quite as trainable as a BC, IMO, but not difficult dogs.
If you look in the back of Farmers Weekly there are quite often ads with them for sale, but just looked and none this week. They may have online ads, or if you remind me next week I will keep looking.
 
We've got a 11 year old Kelipi cross. She has been no problem at all. She used to come out with the horses and is still very active. I know a lot of breeders don't sell them as family pets. I think a lot go to agility people. I don't know if they have changed it or not. But they never used to have any on the crufts breeds area as they didn't want to encourage them as family pets
 
Used to see some in my old agility classes, no one had anything bad to say about them, but having said that they were very active people and completely dedicated to their dogs!

How about ringing up some breeders and see if you can go and visit them for a talk & walk to see if it's really the dog for you?
 
I *think* my rescue may be some kelpie cross as she has the correct markings and a lot of their traits. She is only 15mths (I got her aged 9mths) and has had a fair few homes so has been a bit unsettled in her life I guess. However, she is a very loyal dog and can also be quite protective of me and is very reactive with other dogs when she's on the lead so i guess is quite 'challenging' in that respect but I don't think that's an unusual trait for a nervy dog that's been passed round a bit.

I took her to dog training as she needed/needs a lot of socialisation. The trainers actually have kelpies themselves and said they are quite often quite nervy and protective of their owners (in my mind that's a bit like border collies anyway) so I guess the main thing to do is socialise them with people and dogs at a young age. Mine is very very intelligent though and picks up things really quickly. I am looking to try agility with her - they definitely need a lot of stimulation - mine's very much ball/stick obsessed and will run forever!!!
 
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