Updated recently
Caramel
Meet Caramel! DOB: August 2025Weight: 20lbsDisposition: Sweet, Affectionate, PlayfulHistory: Caramel was rescued from the street in very poor conditio…
The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA
Australian Kelpie Dogs for Adoption
151 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 151 below.
About adopting a Australian Kelpie
Kelpies are Australia's workhorse herding dog, built to move sheep across vast paddocks in heat that would flatten most breeds. In the United States they appear in shelters mostly as mixes with cattle dogs or Border Collies, often from ranch country. A Kelpie is lean, tireless, and brilliant, and it needs a job more than almost any breed.
This is not a dog for a quiet household. Young Kelpies want to run for hours and think for hours, and they will herd children, nip heels, and pace if underworked. Agility, herding trials, long trail runs, and complex training all help. Puppies are intensely focused and learn fast, for better and worse. Adults from working backgrounds may be unfamiliar with indoor life but adapt quickly with structure.
Kelpies are generally hardy. Hips, eyes, and a hereditary nerve condition are the topics to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. They bond closely to a person or a small family and can be reserved with strangers. Active people with land, a sport, or a farm are the natural match. Ask the shelter or rescue what this dog has been doing with its days and what training or work it has already learned.
151 Australian Kelpie dogs available — page 1 of 6
Updated recently
Updated recently
Goldpaws
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
Updated recently
Rizzo
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Hanna
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
Updated recently
Fonda
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Fonda and I weigh 17 LBS. ~I’m playful, affectionate, curious, goofy, and just mischievous enough to…
Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Bean
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
Updated recently
Karma
I am currently in FOSTER CARE. Please email fosterquestions@adcogov.org or fill out an adoption survey for me here. This sweet and friendly gal is a b…
Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO
Updated recently
Updated recently
French Vanilla
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
August
August is an adorable puppy born in Puerto Rico where there aren’t enough homes for the number of dogs in need. This sweet little guy had been abandon…
Island Dog Adoption Network • Virginia Beach, VA
Updated recently
Chelsea
Meet Chelsea! A spirited three-year-old Kelpie/Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix currently in Denver, CO, whose tricolor coat comes wrapped arou…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Updated recently
Updated recently
A432438
Montgomery County Animal Service Center • Conroe, TX
Updated recently
Ube
Meet Ube Sweet, Social, and Ready for a Lifetime of Adventures Breed: Australian Kelpie / Border Collie Mix Gender: Female | Age: 09/14/2025 | Weight:…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
Updated recently
Blue Moon
Meet Blue Moon Outgoing, Adventurous, and Ready to Shine in Her Forever Home Breed: Australian Kelpie / Flat-Coated Retriever Mix Gender: Female | Age…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
Updated recently
Gum Drop
Meet Gum Drop A Happy Little Adventure Buddy Ready to Find His People Breed: Australian Kelpie / Border Collie Mix Gender: Male | Age: 09/14/2025 | We…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
Updated recently
Coyote
Coyote is a very social and friendly boy who is about 4 months old. He is expected to be a medium-sized dog when fully grown. Coyote has a medium ener…
Sunshine Dog Rescue • Cave Creek, AZ
Updated recently
Frenchie
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Stark
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Graham
Meet Graham! This sweet Australian Kelpie mix is ready to find his furever home! Graham is an energetic, intelligent boy who loves having something to…
Northwest SPCA • Oroville, CA
Updated recently
Ladybug
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Updated recently
Shakira
Available for Adoption — Meet Shakira! Shakira is a sweet and amazing pup who was surrendered due to homelessness, and we have been so pleasantly surp…
Ghost Town Dog Rescue • Mesa, AZ
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Danny
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Luciano
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Britney Spears
Stanislaus County Animal Services • Modesto, CA
Updated recently
Harry Styles
Stanislaus County Animal Services • Modesto, CA
Australian Kelpie dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a Australian Kelpie — FAQ
Is an Australian Kelpie a good family dog?
For an active, outdoorsy family, yes. Kelpies are loyal, playful, and gentle with their own people. The risk is herding behavior, where the dog nips at running children or circles them. Training and enough real exercise reduce it. A sedentary household will frustrate a Kelpie badly.
How much exercise does an Australian Kelpie need?
A great deal, more than a walk around the block can provide. Young adults need vigorous daily running plus mental work, and many thrive on a sport or farm chores. Without an outlet, they become anxious and destructive. Adults slow somewhat but remain high-drive dogs for life.
Can an Australian Kelpie live in a city?
It is possible with a very committed owner who runs, bikes, or trains with the dog daily, but it is rarely ideal. Kelpies were built for open space and long days of work. An apartment Kelpie without an outlet will find its own, usually involving noise or destruction.
How do I adopt a Australian Kelpie?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are Australian Kelpie dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Australian Kelpie dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a Australian Kelpie?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are Australian Kelpie dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a Australian Kelpie instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Australian Kelpie gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Australian Kelpie?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
