Working Kelpie vs Australian Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Australian Shepherd
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Australian Shepherd Overview
Australian Shepherds showcase a medium-sized, muscular build with distinctive merle coats and striking eye colors, often heterochromatic. Their agile frame supports remarkable herding abilities, while their alert expression and medium-length double coat reflect their working heritage. Athletic and well-proportioned, they move with fluid grace and purpose, demonstrating the perfect blend of strength and agility needed for their herding duties.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Working Kelpies are less energetic than Australian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Working Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Australian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Working Kelpies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Australian Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Australian Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Shepherds adapt better to apartment living, while Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Working Kelpie and Australian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm | 18-23 inches 46-58 cm |
| Weight | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Eager, Intelligent | Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is known for being alert, eager, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is characterized by being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Working Kelpie and Australian Shepherd, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Australian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- CEA
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Australian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Versatile abilities
- Strong protective instincts
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense herding instinct
- Heavy shedding
- Can be too energetic
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Working Kelpie and Australian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.