Dogs of all nations / a complete work, profusely illustrated, bearing on the world's different varieties of the dog, grouped under their several nationalities, with descriptive matter explaining the characteristics and utility of each

Chapter 64: BARB (The Australian Sheep Dog, often called the Kelpie)

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About This Book

The work presents a comprehensive, illustrated breed handbook that catalogs dog varieties grouped by nationality, providing concise descriptions of appearance, coloration, proportions, and utility. Entries focus on measurable traits—size, head, ears, eyes, tail—and general conformation, often noting standard colors, typical weights and working aptitudes; bitches are noted as slightly lighter. The text favors practical identification over theory, aiming to assist enthusiasts and breeders with accessible breed standards and comparative notes rather than exhaustive pedigrees or histories.

BARB
(The Australian Sheep Dog, often called the Kelpie)

Color: All black.

Height: 24 in.

Weight: 54 lbs.

A well-built, medium-sized dog with a head like the Pomeranian or Schipperke. His almond-shaped, dark eyes convey an intelligent expression. The ears are pricked, neck long and well arched, back straight, chest deep but not too wide, and well developed loins. The tail is of medium length and carried rather high, and his coat is of fair length, straight and harsh.

This dog is extensively used by Australian and New Zealand shepherds in the work-a-day life on their sheep ranches. His intelligence and adaptability as a working sheep dog is said to be even more pronounced than the best English, Welsh or Scotch exponents. Furthermore, he has been bred in some quarters so that he cannot bark.