What breed of dog is pictured?
Correct answer: Australian Kelpie
mitch
It DOESN'T have a high PREY drive. It has a high herding drive. Young pups are often tried out for their herding ability on small flocks of ducks. In sheepdog trials any barking or snapping by the dog results in instant dismissal.
Miss Sue
Wish I had a wonderful lovely dog like this one.
Player Teresa611
mitch, Exactly. I had a red kelpie pup many decades ago. Her name was Brown Betty. She used to run up and down the beach trying to herd the people into a big mob, like sheep. She’d never had any herding training. It’s a pure instinct.
Sheriffe
I have a black and tan who tried to herd the chooks as a puppy. Gave up after the alpha hen beat her up.The only time she goes near them now is to retrieve her ball. I haven't met a pet (as opposed to working) kelpie yet that hasn't had a ball fetish. There is no specific physical requirement for kelpies to be bred to, they are not listed by the Kennel Club as show dogs. Breeder's are registered as Working Dog breeders and all pups are sold under that designation.