1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
we have had working line kelpies (always 2 at a time) for about 20 years. we had never owned a show line kelpie until we adopted a young boy from rspca about 4 months ago, as a companion to a working line kelpie/dingo girl we adopted earlier this year.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
others have answered this better than I could, though you'll hear different stories from different breeders. some say fox, some say dingo, many say neither. I do know for a fact that some working dog breeders are putting dingo 'back in' because they don't like the dulling of the herding instinct that's happened in recent decades. it's highly likely that our dingo/kelpie girl was from just such a litter, but failed due to lack of bark.
3. How common is it in Australia?
doesn't appear to be very common in suburban areas, though far too common in country pounds.
4. What is the average lifespan?
see other posts
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
our dingo/kelpie girl seeks and gives affection freely and from everyone, family & stranger alike, whereas our purebred show line boy is quite aloof with strangers, and moderately affection seeking and giving with family. he is very loyal though, and will remain within a metre or two of me around the clock. our previous two males were both very affectionate, and showed equal affection to family and strangers.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
this is an interesting question. our kelpies have always been more interested in mental stimulation than in flat out running - though they certainly need that too. we find that so long as they have access to a backyard for self-exercise through play, and are included in most family activities, they manage very well. ours go everywhere we do. every trip in the car is stimulating for them, so that and a walk or two, and that's all they need. they want to feel as though they're participating in your day, more than anything. any activity in which they're included, even if it's 'helping' hang the washing or mowing the lawn, feels to them like work - and work is what they live for.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
yes, so long as that person understands that they require a great deal of mental stimulation, through play and inclusion and through training. and they need to be talked to .. alot!
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
we've never had a single kelpie for any length of time, so can't really answer this.
9. How much grooming is required?
nil, in working lines. just a bath when getting a bit whiffy. we're finding our show line boy needs stripping as he blows his coat.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
our kids grew up with kelpies and I've not seen a single incident to be alarmed about. they seem to instinctively respect people, and kids in particular.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
others can answer this better than I, but anecdotally, I've experienced no major health problems with our dogs, other than arthritis in old age.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
it would probably depend on whether you wanted a working line or show line dog.
cheers
