The German Shepherd Cross Kelpie mix is a beautiful breed created by a mix of the Australian Kelpie and the German Shepherd.
This breed is often known as the German Australian Shepherd, and such dogs are known to be highly intelligent while also being immensely energetic.
A German Shepherd cross Kelpie might come across as an aloof animal but is quite warm and affectionate. The breeds it comes from, namely the German Shepherd and the Australian Kelpie, both have strong and distinct characteristics, all of which blend in wonderfully into the German Shepherd cross Kelpie.
If you’re planning to adopt a dog from this breed, it’s crucial to know its temperament, health facts, grooming requirements, and history. So, let’s delve deeper to learn further about this adorable dog breed.
History and Facts
The Australian Kelpie and German Shepherd crossbreeds are still quite new. Since both its parent breeds are intelligent, the combination of these breeds results in the creation of smart dogs as well.
If you’re looking for a furry member to join your family, this breed proves to be a fabulous companion, especially if you have kids.
Here’s a glimpse into the history of the parent breeds, the German Shepherd and the Australian Kelpie.
About German Shepherd
Having emerged in Germany in the late 1800s, the German Shepherd came from breeding the most obedient, sharp, and receptive local shepherd dogs.
This breed was not considered a companion or pet back then, but they were seen as animals working for the farmers.
The responsibility of a German Shepherd in those days was to keep the flocks safe from predators, along with herding sheep, with the latter being due to their acute sense of smell, strength, and speed. The farmers they worked for provided these dogs with shelter and food.
By the time of the First World War, German Shepherds began to gain popularity across the globe and were loved by everyone due to their bravery and loyalty.
The combination of their characteristics made them fit to be guide dogs for visually challenged individuals and police dogs, too.
About Australian Kelpie
In the late 1800s, the number of sheep increased exponentially in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. Due to their population, herding was not possible, and they were allowed to run free on the vast grounds after the creation of wired fences.
To control the situation, a dog breed needed to be developed that could manage the sheep and work efficiently in Australia’s ambience. This is how the Australian Kelpie was born, handling conditions such as dust storms, heat, vast distances, and rough terrains.
The breed of Kelpies was able to perform the job of multiple workers, striding through the dustiest and hottest of days. While the story of their origin is still cloudy, they did come from dogs that were imported from Scotland, resembling Collies.
About Australian Kelpie X German Shepherd
An Australian Kelpie X German Shepherd crossbreed is extremely easy to train, as these dogs constantly look to grasp new techniques.
They serve as great watchdogs owing to their keen senses, which is one of the reasons why you might want to have them as a pet.
1. Physical Attributes of German Shepherd Cross Kelpie
German Shepherd cross Kelpie dogs are large, having a height of about 20 to 24 inches. Their weight is between 50 to 80 pounds.
The coat of these dogs is usually black and sleek, containing tan markings on their legs and around their eyes. Their leg power is notable but less than that of German Shepherds.
| Height | 20 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Breed type | Designer |
| Coat colour | Black |
| Best suited for | Experienced dog owners and active families. |
2. Personality and Temperament
Due to the mix of its parent breeds, an Australian Kelpie X German Shepherd does not have a wild personality. Instead, they are aware of their surroundings and are tremendously trainable. In addition to being loyal, these dogs look forward to fulfilling their purpose in life.
A crossbreed such as this one is good with kids, and they protect the ones around them from strangers, be it humans or other animals. It is easy to teach them how to behave, and they also learn new skills pretty quickly.
3. Grooming and Health
When it comes to grooming, one doesn’t need to take excessive stress with a German Shepherd cross Kelpie since all they require is occasional bathing and brushing. Being easy to maintain, one should just pay attention to trimming their nails and cleaning their ears to avoid infections.
Depending on the exact parent dogs used for breeding, the density of the coats of these dogs could differ, and with daily brushing, it gets easier to maintain the appearance of their coat. They can either be moderate or semi-regular shredders, and the level of shedding depends on how prominent the German Shepherd is in the mix.
Since these dogs are high on energy, they need to be fed accordingly to maintain their activity levels. Therefore, ensure that the dry food they consume contains a lot of protein. As they are prone to obesity, watch the quantity of food you give, and do not overfeed them.
4. Training and Exercise
Since its parent breeds are extremely active dogs, the resulting hybrid, too, likes to stay engaged at all times. If left alone for a long time, it could resort to barking or slightly destructive behaviour.
They are agile and obedient beings and need the right amount of exercise to maintain their sharp mind.
People who get these dogs might want to invest in toys that can keep them both physically and mentally fit. You can note down these pointers to enable a smoother training session:
- Taking them on regular walks is a must.
- Make sure to maintain consistency with your rewards and commands.
- While training them, it is crucial to remain calm and patient.
- Attempt not to resort to punishments as it could lead them to behave aggressively.
- Utilise positive reinforcement, such as praising and giving them treats for their good behaviour.
5. Health Issues
Most German Shepherd cross Kelpie dogs have common health issues, such as Von Willebrand disease, allergies, and hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur commonly in dogs of large sizes, and if an Australian Kelpie X German Shepherd suffers from it, the end result could be arthritis.
Another health problem this breed experiences is the blood disorder known as Von Willebrand’s disease. It causes excessive bleeding, and if your dog injures itself, it’s imperative that you take them to the vet instantly if they suffer from this disease.
The German Shepherd cross Kelpie dogs are usually allergic to many things, such as dust, pollen, and grass. Whenever your dog displays signs of allergies, please bring them to the doctor and get them checked as soon as possible.
Although certain medical issues are common among this breed, most of them go on to live happy and healthy lives, and the families who get them earn loving companions through them.
Final Words
If you’re thinking of making a German Shepherd cross Kelpie a part of your family, ensure that you read about them beforehand.
Then, train them well and help them exercise every day. Once they receive proper training, these dogs make for splendid companions.
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