The Working Kelpie Council of Australia

I have put this near the beginning because of its importance. Your selection should be based around the following:

• Your own temperament
• Your mode of transport when working the stock
• The type and number of sheep and/or cattle you run
• The size of your property and location re terrain and also temperature zone.
• Whether you have other working dogs or it is to be your only one
• Or its main purpose is for trialling

The following should be considered.

• Sit down and talk to the breeder and explain your situation re the above, then ask their advice re the best pup or dog to suit your needs.
• Kelpies are not just Kelpies. They vary in temperament and work style and there are many different work types within the breed.
• Arena trial types - quick covering, heading dogs.
• Mustering dogs - moderately wide workers with natural "break off'
• Mustering all-rounders - some width re work style, some steady force
• All-rounders - close workers, some tail end force
• Forcing dogs - as in shed and yard dogs, truck dogs etc, less heading, close workers with bark

Selection Is Important
Get your selection right and you are 90% of the way there; the young dog will teach you and these training notes will gather dust. Get it wrong and like many farmers you will consider yourself as a poor dog handler, not much good at all with dogs, and sheep work will be a struggle.