Comparison: Australian Kelpie and Dutch Shepherd Dog

Australian Kelpie and Dutch Shepherd Dog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Australian Kelpie
Photo: Pertti Kärppä, Public domain, source
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Photo: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Australian KelpieDutch Shepherd Dog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originAustraliaNetherlands
CategoryMediumLarge
Height at withers43–51 cm55–62 cm
Recognition features
  • Lithe, supple, muscular dog of medium frame with erect ears
  • Short, hard, close-lying weather-resistant coat
  • Almost inexhaustible energy and work drive
  • Medium-sized, well-muscled dog, always brindle (gold or silver)
  • Three coat varieties: short, long and wire
  • Intelligent, lively expression and erect ears
CoatDouble coat with a short dense undercoat; straight, hard, flat-lying outer coat, longer on neck and breeching; black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, smoke blue.Three types: short hard coat with a woolly undercoat, long straight coat without waves, or dense, harsh tousled wire coat; always brindle.
PurposeAn Australian sheepdog bred to work sheep on vast stations in heat and dust.A versatile Dutch herding dog, originally a farm shepherd, now used in service and sport, in three coat types.

Breed page: Australian Kelpie · Breed page: Dutch Shepherd Dog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.