The Kelpie

The definitive guide to the Australian working dog.

Set to become the classic work on the breed for many years to come, Tony Parsons' The Kelpie is the culmination of sixty-five years of experience in breeding and training Kelpies, while also researching their origins and promoting the breed worldwide.

This fully illustrated and authoritative work contains everything you might want to know about this renowned dog. Some of the many areas of Kelpie lore and practice covered include:

- The Kelpie's origins and evolution – theories and furphies
- The role of genetics and selection in breeding stock
- Practical advice on loyalty, temperament, obedience, commands and developing control
- Preparing the Kelpie for trialling
- The Karrawarra stud and the increasing popularity of the working Kelpie in the US
- Famous Kelpies of today and yesterday, as well as breeder profiles
- A section on health and nutrition by Dr Alistair Webb – from general care to emergency treatment
- Over 250 colour and black-and-white photographs, many of them rare and historic.

On virtually every page of this book Tony Parsons reveals his deep respect and affection for this great Australian dog. This major work will be an invaluable reference for Kelpie breeders, owners and enthusiasts throughout the world.

About the Author

A. D. (Tony) Parsons, OAM, has worked as a professional sheep and wool classer, an agricultural journalist, a news editor and rural commentator on radio, a consultant to major agricultural companies, and an award-winning stud breeder of animals and poultry. He owned his first Kelpie dog in 1944, and in 1950 he established 'Karrawarra', one of the top Kelpie studs in Australia. In 1992 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the propagation of the Australian Kelpie Sheepdog.

Since 1947 he has written hundreds of articles, many for international publications. His previous books include The Australian Kelpie, The Working Kelpie and Training the Working Kelpie, now regarded as classic works on the breed. He has also written four novels, including The Call of the High Country, Valley of the White Gold and Silver in the Sun.Tony passed away on 20 July 2022 at the age of 91.