Australian Kelpie Country of Origin: Australia General Appearance The general appearance shall be that of a lithe, active dog showing hard muscular condition and conveying the capability of untiring work. Movement and action shall be smooth and effortless, with good length of stride. Size, Proportion, Substance Measured at the withers, males are generally 20-23 inches in height; females 17-20 inches. The length of the dog from the point of the breastbone in a straight line to the buttocks should be greater than the height at the withers, as 10 is to 9. Strong, but refined bone. Head The head is in proportion to the size of the dog. Expression The eyes should be almond shaped, of medium size and widely spaced. Clearly defined at the corners. The color of the eye should be tawny-gold ranging to brown, harmonizing with the color of the coat. In the case of blue of light colored dogs, a hazel eye is acceptable as is eye color matching the tan markings immediately above the eye. The ears should be widely spaced, pricked and running to a fine point at the tip, the leather fine, but strong at the base, inclining outward and slightly curved on the outer edge and of moderate size. The skull is slightly rounded and broad between the ears; the forehead curves very slightly towards a pronounced stop. The cheeks are round to the foreface, which is cleanly chiseled and defined. The muzzle, equal in length or slightly shorter than the skull, tapers towards the nose and is refined in comparison to the skull. The teeth should be a full complement of strong, white, evenly spaced teeth conforming to a scissors bite. Dogs displaying broken or extracted teeth due to herding injury should not be penalized. Undershot or overshot are serious faults. Neck, Topline, Body The neck should be of fair length, strong, slightly arched and showing quality, gradually molding into the shoulders and free from throatiness. The topline should show a pronounced rise at the withers to allow for sufficient action of the forequarters. Any tendency toward a level topline is undesirable. The chest should be deep, rather than wide; ribs well sprung. Strong and well muscled loins, sloping to the butt of the tail. When viewed from the side, the breastbone should show ahead of the shoulder curve downward to a point below the elbow and continue in a gradual upward curve towards the flank. During rest the straight tail should hang in a slight curve reaching to the hock. During movement or excitement it may not be raised past a vertical line drawn through the root. Forequarters The shoulders should be clean, muscular, well sloping with close set withers, the upper arm slightly angulated in the forearm, the elbows set parallel to the body. The forelegs should be muscular with strong, but refined bone, perfectly straight when viewed from the front, but pasterns should show only a slight angulation to the forearm when viewed from the side. All feet shall be strong, deep in the pads, with flexible well arched toes and strong short nails to allow the dog maximum thrust under differing ground surfaces. Hindquarters These should show breadth and strength. The rump rather long and sloping; the upper thigh set into the hip socket at the pelvis at a corresponding angle to the shoulder blade. The stifles well turned, the hocks fairly well let down and placed parallel with the body when viewed from behind. The overall upper line of the rump and tail should form a smooth curve when the dog is standing at rest. Particular emphasis should be placed on the turn of the stifle. Any tendency toward straightness should be considered a very serious fault. Cow hocks and bow hocks are serious faults. Coat The outer coat should be moderately short, flat, straight and weather resisting with dense undercoat. On the head, ears, feet and legs the hair should be short. The coat can be longer at the neck, showing a fair amount of ruff, and the rear of the thighs, forming a mild breeching; the hair on the tail sufficient to form a brush. Color Black, with or without tan markings; blue (gray) ranging from dark to light, with or without tan; red ranging from chocolate to light red, with or without tan; fawn ranging from dark to light, with or without tan; tan ranging from dark to cream. Tan markings ranging from dark tan to cream. Minimal white markings such as a spot, strip or at most a blaze on the chest are acceptable. White stockings are a serious fault. Gait It is essential that the Kelpie be perfectly sound, both in construction and movement. The gait smooth, free and tireless with the tendency to single-track becoming evident just before the dog breaks into a trot and becoming more pronounced as speed increases. There must be ability to turn suddenly at speed, and the capability of crouching, stealthy movement demanded by its work. Temperament The Kelpie is extremely alert, eager and highly intelligent, with a mild, tractable disposition, marked loyalty and devotion to duty. It has a natural instinct and aptitude in the working of livestock both in a confined area and in open country. An open, friendly, alert, but placid disposition is essential, with a good balance between keenness to work and ability to rest. Summary All Kelpies should be selected based on working ability and soundness. Any deviations from this standard shall be considered faults.