Around 1870 in Australia, a black and tan herding dog named Kelpie gave birth to a historical litter. One of the pups, also called Kelpie, won the first herding trial ever held in Australia, and her puppies became known as kelpie-pups, forming the breed that entered the show ring in 1908 as 'Australian kelpie'.
The kelpie is brave, highly trainable and impossible to tire out, and an invaluable helper on australian farms. It should be lively and strong, robust and agile.
The head is somewhat rounded with a marked stop and a muzzle somewhat shorter than the skull and lively eyes. It should appear fox-like. The neck is of medium length and should have a well developed ruff. The body is deep with a strong topline and should be clearly rectangular. The tail is held in a curve and should be covered with a brush of hair. The coat is double, short and thick.