The Kelpie is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices. They require plenty of exercise, and may become bored if cooped up for long periods of time. Keep a Kelpie occupied and engaged, and they'll thrive.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dogs are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are a true working dog, bred to herd cattle on outback farms. Their hard work has led to the growth of the Australian livestock industries. Pet Australian cattle dogs are eager to please their owners and do well at agility.
Border collie
According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man. Need proof? Chaser, a linguistically gifted border collie from South Carolina, could recognize over 1,000 words.
There are subtle differences between the two breeds, but both are energetic, intelligent, generally friendly, and fiercely loyal. The Border Collie is considered very intelligent, and the Kelpie from mid to high intelligence.
The Australian Kelpie is a lithe, active dog, capable of untiring work. He is extremely intelligent, alert, and eager with unlimited energy. As a herding dog, the Australian Kelpie is intensely loyal and devoted to duty.
Although the Australian kelpie is known to bond with one family member in particular, the breed gets along well with children if raised with them from a young age and responds very well to continued socialization. The breed is extremely loyal and naturally protective of its family and home when necessary.
Kelpies love to cuddle with familiar people. They love to give out kisses. Even though they are very cuddly, you won't be able to keep them on the couch for long. They need their freedom and exercise.
Can the kelpies be left alone? Kelpies are not one of those dogs that can be left alone for a long time because they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Are Kelpies suitable for families? They are great family pets, loyal companions and excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence and obedience make them easy to train and behave best when provided with plentiful exercise. Their hardiness makes them most beloved by farming families.
Kelpies are 'velcro' dogs, so wherever their humans are, that is where they are… whether it's going for walks or on the lounge watching television.
4. Golden Retriever: Intelligent and eager to please. Bred as a hunting companion; ideal as a guide and as assistance with search-and-rescue operations.
The list of the world's smartest dog breeds, according to a survey of 122 veterinary professionals conducted by Vetstreet, probably comes as no surprise. Border collies, German shepherds, poodles, Australian shepherds and golden retrievers all have a reputation for being intelligent dogs.
(Dogs) 1: Cavoodle
Get used to coming across Cavoodles, while walking down inner-city streets for this is the country's most popular dog. The species was first bred in Australia in the late 1990's to make the perfect companion dog. They are a cross between a cavalier king charles spaniel and a poodle.
Golden Retriever
But in addition to being some of the friendliest dogs alive, they're also among the smartest. It's why they make excellent service and therapy dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, hunting dogs, and champions in field and obedience competitions.
But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie's bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie. A captive kelpie is said to have the strength of at least 10 horses and the stamina of many more, and is highly prized.
In Scottish folklore, a kelpie is a dangerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse. The kelpie appears to their human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back, then carries them down to a watery grave.
It was believed the original kelpie breed was developed by crossing the Scottish collie with the dingo when it first came to Australia, to make it more resilient to the harsh climate.
Kelpies respond to kindness, and will willingly work (whether stock work, obedience, tracking or agility) for someone who rewards their efforts. Kelpies are loyal dogs to the point of being jealous.
The Australian kelpie is not a breed that does well when it's cooped up indoors alone. Its lively nature requires activity and work. Though independent and not particularly needy of human companionship to the excessive extent that some dogs are, these dogs do need supervising or they're apt to chew and make a mess.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe.
For most kelpies it is really hard to relax and shut down without a den: they feel they have to be alert all the time and any movement will trigger their instinct. When a kelpie (pup) is in a crate, covered with a towel or sheet so it cannot see out, it feels safe and secure and will go to sleep.
Ideally, adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours.
Kelpie Life Span & Health Problems
Their average lifespan is 10 – 15 years. Common Illnesses include; Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – Genetic conditions that cause abnormal development of the elbow and hip joints in young dogs.