Border Collie x Kelpie - Everything You Need to Know

“Dogs are our link to paradise!”- Milan Kundera

These adorable creatures are one of the most impactful living beings on earth that leaves their paw prints on our hearts. In this selfish world, dogs are a pack of social animals that only thrive on attention and unconditional love. Dogs exhibit a unique blend of attributes and characteristics, which makes them worth calling ‘man’s best friend’.

There are approximately 360 breeds of dogs worldwide, including original as well as cross-breed dogs. Border Kelpie is a unique breed of dog that boasts amazing features and physical traits that are ideal for herding livestock.

But before we explore more about this super-active border collie cross kelpie breed, let’s understand what’s all about cross-breeding!

What is cross-breed?

Cross-breeding is the process of hybridizing or mating two different species to produce offspring that possess the qualities of both the parents.

If you think the world of dogs starts with British Bulldog or ends with French Poodles, then you might be missing out on various other breeds all across the globe. Though the World Canine Federation has registered over 300 dog breeds, about 40% of the world's dog breeds come from Great Britain, France, and Germany.

Border Kelpies are one of the excellent cross-breed dog species that are not just a strong herding animal but also ideal for the harsh Aussie climate. Wondering, what makes this cross-breed dog so efficient? Let’s discuss their purebred parents and the differences in their features.

Border Collie Vs Kelpie: Differences between Border Collie and Kelpie

Border Collies and Kelpies are much different from each other and both possess unique qualities. It is considered that Kelpies are much better and smarter than Border Collies, which can withstand the rugged outback conditions of Australia. Be it, handling extreme heat and long distances without water or guarding herds of sheep, Kelpies are truly the king of the mob.

History of Border Collie and Kelpie

Do you also feel that your little Kelpie has a bit of dingo in them? Even if you feel that way, there is no genetic evidence in them as per the researchers of the University of Sydney. Though these iconic Kelpies do not bear a canine ancestry with the Dingos, both these types have landed from different geographical locations. Kelpies hail from Scotland that was brought to Australia in the early 1800 and the Dingos are believed to have arrived more than 4000 years ago with Asian seafarers. Moreover, Kelpies in Australia are of two types- working Kelpies and Conformational Kelpies.

On the other hand, Border Collie originated on the England-Scotland border, which later came to Australia to herd sheep. Their ability to cope with the harsh Aussie climate makes them stand out from other breeds.

Border Collie Kelpie mix came to Australia in the 19th-century, which is excellent in herding sheep. They prefer big open spaces due to their strong athletic nature and boast behavioral brilliance to a great extent.

Border Collie x Kelpie = Border Kelpie

If you adore small and friendly dogs that are a bit easier to control, while very energetic and can be quite aggressive if needed, then get yourself a Border Collie Kelpie mix. These bundles of joy are great both for your home and farm. They never fail to surprise you with their incredible physical traits and intellect.

Let’s check out their features in detail!

• Appearance: These unique-looking pairs of dogs have a height of around 50cm and weigh between 14 and 21kg.
• Temperament: These cross-breed dogs are intelligent, super energetic, friendly, and fiercely loyal. They are calm yet proactive and alert when around the herd of livestock.
• Intelligence and Trainability: Border Collie and Kelpies are working dogs that can work without a shepherd. But as the cross-breed species are immensely intelligent, they understand what you want from them. They need a bribe of treats to get things done. It might be challenging to train these dogs, hence, it's advised to deal with patience. They are quite sensitive to training, and to ensure effective communication you must establish relationships with full respect.
• Diet: It's best to offer these border collie cross kelpie breeds a diet rich in animal/whole prey ingredients. Avoid feeding them with species-inappropriate ingredients, which might cause indigestion and will likely take a long-term toll on organ health. Also, keep a check on the amount of food intake, as over-eating might put their overall wellbeing at needless risk.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of Border Kelpie is between 10 to 17 years.
• Health issues: Like many other hybrid breeds, they also have some genetic health issues. But these can be cured if dealt with in time. Some of the common health issues are:
  1. Renal failure and eye issues like the formation of cataracts
  2. Skin problems like untimely shedding, itching, etc.
  3. Bloat and weight gain problems
  4. Hip dysplasia and joint problems

Are Border Collie mixes good family dogs?

Kelpie cross Border Collies are immensely energetic and friendly dogs that make them great family pets. They are loving and tolerant towards children and are always willing to play around with their owners. Their strong herding instant and amazingly jovial nature offer you the best of both worlds.

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Conclusion

No matter, whether you have a farm full of cattle or not, if you wish to have a loyal and friendly companion, then it's best to get a Border Collie cross Kelpie dog. They love being outdoors and would be your perfect partner during long runs. They are always ready to learn new tricks and would give you wonderful and adventurous memories every day.