Kelpies are known for being loyal and affectionate with their owners, but they can also bond with multiple people. They love to be part of your pack and will bond with everyone in the family. Usually, however, they will become more loyal to who they consider the pack leader.
Although the Australian kelpie is known to bond with one family member in particular, the breed gets along well with children if raised with them from a young age and responds very well to continued socialization. The breed is extremely loyal and naturally protective of its family and home when necessary.
Keep a Kelpie occupied and engaged, and they'll thrive. Their greatest joy is tender loving care, whilst their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention. Kelpies are 'velcro' dogs, so wherever their humans are, that is where they are…
Kelpies are loyal and devoted to their family as well as loving and affectionate. To be happy, they need big spaces with a yard they can play in. They are so friendly they'll hang out with other dogs and even cats. If trained and socialised, they are suitable for young children.
Kelpies are not one of those dogs that can be left alone for a long time because they can suffer from separation anxiety. They will also display many destructive behaviors when left alone. Kelpies are those dogs that love to walk. They run all day with you so they cannot leave alone.
Kelpies respond to kindness, and will willingly work (whether stock work, obedience, tracking or agility) for someone who rewards their efforts. Kelpies are loyal dogs to the point of being jealous.
But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie's bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie. A captive kelpie is said to have the strength of at least 10 horses and the stamina of many more, and is highly prized.
Kelpies love to cuddle with familiar people. They love to give out kisses. Even though they are very cuddly, you won't be able to keep them on the couch for long. They need their freedom and exercise.
Behavioural veterinarian Nicole Lobry de Bruyn said working dogs — including kelpies, kelpie crosses, border collies and German shepherds — were particularly susceptible to behavioural issues. "We tend to see an increase in anxiety in breeds that become popular," she said.
Your dog sitting on you may be his way of saying he loves you, he feels safe around you, or that you are his territory. As long as he isn't acting aggressively towards you, other people, or other animals, and as long as you're okay with it, this kind of behavior doesn't present a problem.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
It will sleep in its crate anywhere without any issues! You can even have him in there while traveling. Destructive behaviour When you are not around and your pup is loose in the house or backyard it canget into all kinds of mischief. But when your dog is crate trained, it will be sleeping for most of the time.
For example, grey hounds, Shiba Inus, Cairn terriers, and Basenjis often bond strongly with one person, while Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and beagles like to spread the love more equally.
Dogs often choose one person who they get attached to the most and share the deepest bond. While this person is mostly the primary caregiver, it can also be someone who matches their personality and energy.
Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Some people use tasty treats and other rewards to create strong bonds with pets, but the best way to build a healthy relationship with your dog is through play.
They also love to chat and have a high tendency to bark, which makes them ideal watchdogs. Kelpies often live up to 16 years of age and are known for being a naturally healthy breed.
It was believed the original kelpie breed was developed by crossing the Scottish collie with the dingo when it first came to Australia, to make it more resilient to the harsh climate.
Double-layer coats: Border Collies, Aussie Shepherds, Kelpies, most spaniels and terriers, and other dogs with a medium coat can all be washed about once every two to four months.
Kelpie Life Span & Health Problems
Their average lifespan is 10 – 15 years. Common Illnesses include; Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – Genetic conditions that cause abnormal development of the elbow and hip joints in young dogs. This can lead to early onset degenerative joint disease.
Australian Kelpie
They have exceptionally high IQ levels and, if left to their own devices, they can get into a whole lot of mischief. “Kelpies love receiving lots of tender loving care and become restless when there is a lack of attention.”
A dog's number one priority at bedtime is comfort and security. So, if they're choosing to sleep in the same space as you, it's a big sign that they trust you. "Sleeping with the owner in the same room helps minimize fear, anxiety and stress," said Christman.
The kelpie is a tough, independent, highly intelligent dog that is extremely loyal. They are very obedient and are exceptionally alert, they are eager to please and they make a devoted companion; however they have an inexhaustible amount of energy which makes them unsuitable for suburban living.