Clodagh
Well-Known Member
Fantastic. Can't wait for pics. Is he in Scotland?
Working kelpies
- Thread starter Moobli
- Start date
Mightymax
Active Member
Hi,
Just seen this about Kelpies. I live on a farm and own a 7 y.o. solid red, male Kelpie. I only have experience of this particular dog which I've had since a pup, so by no means an expert on the breed, and wouldn't know if he is a typical Kelpie, but having also had other breeds of dog over the years including Collies and GSD's, there is no comparison!
He works as my partner, not my slave. He is very loyal and stays with me all the time, plus he's hugely intelligent with a terrific work ethic being very quick to learn things, usually only taking one 'explanation' to understand what is needed. Then that is it. That's how you do it. He just loves to work.
As an example, I started some agility with him, which was fine, until we had a change of trainer, who wanted to do things in a different way. Cue: huge vocal temper tantrums, as this was NOT the way we did it!
I also have sheep, but he shows no interest in herding them at all. This is probably my fault, as I did not let him see sheep until he was about 3 y.o. Although he comes from working stock and has Australian papers, he does not seem to be sheep savvy in the way a working bred Collie would be. (My Old GSD would automatically herd sheep having had no training.)
Following an injury that put paid to carrying on with agility, I now do tracking with him, which he loves.
To sum up, I would say that they are not really a pet, are hard tough, (but also sensitive, If that makes sense?) clever, independent and vocal dogs, needing a lot of mental stimulation. He can also sometimes be a bit sharp with other dogs. Given the chance, he can also be very demanding (bossy!) getting quite vocal if he doesn't get his own way.( My OH lets him get away with blue murder lol!)
He lives in the house with my other dogs, but unless in his indoor kennel he doesn't really have an off button. Give him his toy and he will amuse himself all evening by hiding it in the log basket, and then puzzling out the best way of retrieving it, or placing it very carefully on my knee for me to give it back to him!
He hates the very hot weather which is strange considering his Australian heritage and is quite noise sensitive. He also totally covers himself with his blanket at night, with maybe just his nose or a paw showing. Perhaps a throwback to his supposed Dingo blood?
Please don't ask me to post photos, as I haven't a clue how, however to get an idea, put 'Red Dog' into youtube as there was a film about a Kelpie. My boy is identical. Hope this essay has been of use to anyone else considering a Kelpie.
Just seen this about Kelpies. I live on a farm and own a 7 y.o. solid red, male Kelpie. I only have experience of this particular dog which I've had since a pup, so by no means an expert on the breed, and wouldn't know if he is a typical Kelpie, but having also had other breeds of dog over the years including Collies and GSD's, there is no comparison!
He works as my partner, not my slave. He is very loyal and stays with me all the time, plus he's hugely intelligent with a terrific work ethic being very quick to learn things, usually only taking one 'explanation' to understand what is needed. Then that is it. That's how you do it. He just loves to work.
As an example, I started some agility with him, which was fine, until we had a change of trainer, who wanted to do things in a different way. Cue: huge vocal temper tantrums, as this was NOT the way we did it!
I also have sheep, but he shows no interest in herding them at all. This is probably my fault, as I did not let him see sheep until he was about 3 y.o. Although he comes from working stock and has Australian papers, he does not seem to be sheep savvy in the way a working bred Collie would be. (My Old GSD would automatically herd sheep having had no training.)
Following an injury that put paid to carrying on with agility, I now do tracking with him, which he loves.
To sum up, I would say that they are not really a pet, are hard tough, (but also sensitive, If that makes sense?) clever, independent and vocal dogs, needing a lot of mental stimulation. He can also sometimes be a bit sharp with other dogs. Given the chance, he can also be very demanding (bossy!) getting quite vocal if he doesn't get his own way.( My OH lets him get away with blue murder lol!)
He lives in the house with my other dogs, but unless in his indoor kennel he doesn't really have an off button. Give him his toy and he will amuse himself all evening by hiding it in the log basket, and then puzzling out the best way of retrieving it, or placing it very carefully on my knee for me to give it back to him!
He hates the very hot weather which is strange considering his Australian heritage and is quite noise sensitive. He also totally covers himself with his blanket at night, with maybe just his nose or a paw showing. Perhaps a throwback to his supposed Dingo blood?
Please don't ask me to post photos, as I haven't a clue how, however to get an idea, put 'Red Dog' into youtube as there was a film about a Kelpie. My boy is identical. Hope this essay has been of use to anyone else considering a Kelpie.
Last edited:
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Don't worry I will post pics (if I can manage it now there is no poobucket!). He is on the Welsh/Shropshire border but a farmer in Cumbria is having a pup too, so I am hoping he will bring my pup as far as his home and I will collect him from there.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Thanks MightyMax for the insight into your own dog. He sounds a delight - other than his lack of interest in sheep of course 
My pup is coming from parents that work sheep and cattle and so I am hoping he will have the right work instincts and ethic. Your description of your dog's temperament does sound typical of the breed from what I have read.
I have the Red Dog film and love it.
My pup is coming from parents that work sheep and cattle and so I am hoping he will have the right work instincts and ethic. Your description of your dog's temperament does sound typical of the breed from what I have read. I have the Red Dog film and love it.
Mightymax
Active Member
Looking forward to hearing how you get on with your Kelpie, and seeing pictures too, of course!
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
The two red clouds I knew in Australia were both stockmenas dogs. They were with their owners all day and slept in the swag with them at night, so Mightymax description of loyal sounds true. They turned their paw to anything and were on the go all day, they didn't really round up sheep in an organised manner. Tough as old boots, both of them... and the dogs too!
Moobli
Well-Known Member
They sound like real characters Clodagh - men and dogs! I like the idea of having a hard as nails, go all day sort of a dog. My collies and WL GSD are full of energy and have good stamina, but I have a feeling that the kelpie will really outdo them all in terms of stamina.
Might need some help with a name and want something Aussie-related.
I like Aussie or Oz, but too common.
Sydney - Syd for short is a contender.
OH had a Bruce in the past so that is no go.
I quite like Rex but OH doesn't.
I like the idea of having a hard as nails, go all day sort of a dog. My collies and WL GSD are full of energy and have good stamina, but I have a feeling that the kelpie will really outdo them all in terms of stamina. Might need some help with a name and want something Aussie-related.
I like Aussie or Oz, but too common.
Sydney - Syd for short is a contender.
OH had a Bruce in the past so that is no go.
I quite like Rex but OH doesn't.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
One of the dog's was disembowelled by a kangaroo (not all that uncommon) and the man just pushed its guts back in and sewed it up. The vet wasn't really an option out in the outback, the dog made a full recovery but had an impressive scar. The only thing they really worried about was snakes - not so many of them in the Highlands, I don't suppose!?
I like Syd. Victoria Bitter is a popular beer over there - Vic?
I like Syd. Victoria Bitter is a popular beer over there - Vic?
ester
Not slacking multitasking
Tell OH you will call it Sheila instead then
Mightymax
Active Member
My boy is Ned after Ned Kelly (Australian Outlaw). Also, I believe the name a type of red wine....... Perfect!
Alec Swan
Well-Known Member
OH had a wonderful Huntaway about 20 years ago but hasn't be persuaded back to one since ... especially when the assistant shepherd bought one and spent most of his time yelling at it to shut up
Yes, I can just imagine, I'm glad that I'm not the only one!
The constant baleful barking would drive me round the bend! The one that I saw simply didn't stop!Alec.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
Where a huntaway would be useful though - when the shepherd mumbles to his collie in a mountainous area and asks the collie to go and fetch the sheep 3 hills over and bring them back, with a collie you wouldn't know how he was getting on, but with a huntaway it would be like fitting him with GPS!
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Ha ha that's true!
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
Have you been watching 'A Year on The Farm' it is on More4. We watched one last night (downloaded, not live) about sheep in the Lakes, Swaledales mainly. There was a fleeting glimpse of what I am sure was a kelpie, although the other dogs were nearly all your standard border collie. And for chicken people they had some nice silver laced wyandotte bantams, too.
It is a good program if anyone would like to see it, only four episodes I think, Norfolk Black turkeys was 1, a small organic Dairy Herd was 2, mixed smallholding in Wales 3 and then the Lakes.
Although it is aimed, obviously, at the general public it is not too dumb.
It is a good program if anyone would like to see it, only four episodes I think, Norfolk Black turkeys was 1, a small organic Dairy Herd was 2, mixed smallholding in Wales 3 and then the Lakes.
Although it is aimed, obviously, at the general public it is not too dumb.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
I watched the four programmes and really enjoyed it. Especially the Lakes one, as the farm is only 4 miles from where I was born and grew up. A lovely part of the country. I will have to watch it again (I recorded it) to see if I can spy a kelpie. I know a few Lakes shepherds who have the odd kelpie or huntaway, as well as the collies.
I am also really enjoying This Farming Life which is back for a second series.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Only a month to go. I am getting very excited
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
Oh very cute.
We love 'This Farming Life' too. It certainly won't be doing Scottish tourism any harm!
We love 'This Farming Life' too. It certainly won't be doing Scottish tourism any harm!
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Oh very cute.
We love 'This Farming Life' too. It certainly won't be doing Scottish tourism any harm!
Ha! Absolutely. If anyone fancies a Scottish holiday, the lovely couple on Mull also have holiday cottages on their farm
Moobli
Well-Known Member
After discussion and debate .... he has been named Oz (or Ozzy). Not very original, but a good short name and we all like it. He will be home at the end of the month.
Not something I have done before, but thinking of getting some Indian Runner ducks so I can start his training a little earlier than on sheep.
Not something I have done before, but thinking of getting some Indian Runner ducks so I can start his training a little earlier than on sheep.
ester
Not slacking multitasking
*sings* 'I see trouble.... up ahead.... '
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
How can you say such a thing? He has the face of a cherub!
Slightlyconfused
Go away, I'm reading
😍😍😍
You do realise that you will need to do a blog type post so you can keep us updated and i can get a kelpie fix 😎
You do realise that you will need to do a blog type post so you can keep us updated and i can get a kelpie fix 😎
Alec Swan
Well-Known Member
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Yeah of course he has and so did Rasputin, as a baby!
Alec.
Hey you lot!!!
Moobli
Well-Known Member
DabDab
Ah mud, splendid
Oh only just seen this thread - please please do some training updates. I used to have a kelpie, didn't work him, just enjoyed his batty persona
I trained him to do loads of wacky things though, he was great fun - a really bizarre combination of scared of his own shadow and phenomenally brave, daft as a brush but amazingly intelligent. All my other dogs have been terriers and it was an absolute delight to have a dog with perfect recall from 10 weeks old.
I trained him to do loads of wacky things though, he was great fun - a really bizarre combination of scared of his own shadow and phenomenally brave, daft as a brush but amazingly intelligent. All my other dogs have been terriers and it was an absolute delight to have a dog with perfect recall from 10 weeks old.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
Oh no. Sorry to everyone who was looking forward to kelpie updates. After some serious thought and long discussions with my OH, I have decided against this litter. I was third in line for one of three boys and I really liked the two bold pups (and one in particular) but sod's law meant that the quiet boy was the one left. I tried to convince myself it would be okay but kept having niggling doubts. I let the breeder know as soon as I'd made my mind up so that she still had a few weeks to find an alternative home.
TheresaW
Well-Known Member
He is gorgeous, but looks a bit cheeky!
Just seen your update. Sorry to read that.
Just seen your update. Sorry to read that.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
That is a shame but you need to be delighted with the pup you have. Another one will be found soon, and we can all get our kelpie fix.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
That is a shame but you need to be delighted with the pup you have. Another one will be found soon, and we can all get our kelpie fix.
Hmmm maybe. After deciding against this wee chap it has made me question whether I actually want another dog right now, and whether a kelpie is right for us as a working dog. I may just stick to my shepherds and work one or two of hubby's collies when need be.
We'll see.