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Pet Insurance for Australian Kelpies

Find out all about Australian Kelpies and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$400–$2,500+

Height

43cm - 51cm (standard size)

Weight

11kg - 20kg

Personality

Energetic, loyal, intelligent

Coat length

Short, waterproof

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes, but older children only

Life expectancy

11 - 15 years

Australian Kelpie

Overview

The Australian Kelpie is an agile and energetic herding dog with its roots in Scottish Collie-type dogs. They were named in 1872 after the kelpie, which is a mythological water sprite in Scottish folklore. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and hard work ethic, and will drove and muster sheep for hours on end without tiring.  

Kelpies have a short, weather-resistant coat that requires minimal grooming. It makes this dog ideal for working in wet conditions. These dogs also excel in various dog sports and working roles, making them a highly versatile breed. They are very intelligent but can have an independent nature, requiring consistent on-going training and mental stimulation. Kelpies are best suited for very active individuals or families who can provide them with regular exercise and challenging activities. They may not be suitable for suburban city living due to their high energy level and exercise requirements. 

Common diseases and conditions of Australian Kelpies

  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA): Cerebellar abiotrophy has been reported in working kelpies. Dogs affected by CA can show head or neck tremors, problems with their balance, exaggerated or erratic leg movement and problems eating or drinking from a bowl.
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss. Initial signs include night blindness, leading to reduced day vision.

Breed-specific issues:

The Kelpie's strong herding instinct may lead them to chase and round up other small animals or even children. Proper training and supervision around children is always necessary. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Kelpie?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Kelpie, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Australian Kelpies

What's the difference between a Kelpie and a Cattle Dog?

While both breeds are Australian herding dogs, Kelpies are often faster and more agile, and suited for long-distance herding of sheep, whereas Cattle Dogs are stockier and better at close-range mustering of cattle. They can be a bit too rough with sheep, and their nips can cause wounds which can lead to flystrike.  

Can Australian Kelpies be trained to be family pets?

Kelpies are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. However, they thrive with lots of exercise and mental stimulation and consistent, positive reinforcement training. They may not be so suitable as an indoor family pet.  

Do Australian Kelpies shed a lot?

Kelpies have a short, double coat that is waterproof but sheds moderately. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. 

Are Australian Kelpies valued as working dogs?

Yes, in 2022 a one-year-old Kelpie named Eve set a new Australian sales record of $49,000 when she was bought from a well-known Kelpie breeder. They have been exported all over the world to be used as muster dogs.  

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Australian Kelpie

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