Australian Kelpies

The Ultimate Working Stock Dog

Why Australian Kelpies?

The Australian Kelpie is a working dog bred for one thing: moving livestock. Unlike Border Collies that rely heavily on eye and stalking behavior, Kelpies use a combination of eye, bark, and movement to control cattle. They're built for endurance, not just short bursts of intense work.

What makes them ideal for Texas ranching is their heat tolerance. Developed in the harsh Australian outback, Kelpies thrive in conditions that would exhaust other breeds. They can work all day in summer heat and still be ready to go the next morning.

At EC Ranch, our Kelpies earn their keep daily on our 300-head cattle operation. We breed for working ability first—dogs that can gather, drive, and hold cattle in real ranch conditions. The best puppies come from parents that prove themselves in the pasture, not just the trial field.

Working Traits We Select For

Natural Ability

Instinct to gather and control cattle without excessive training. The best dogs are born knowing their job.

Heat Tolerance

Bred for Australian conditions, our Kelpies thrive in Texas summers. All-day stamina when you need it most.

Trainability

Smart and willing to learn. Responds well to direction while still thinking independently when needed.

Our Breeding Dogs

Meet the dogs behind our breeding program. Each one works cattle daily on our operation.

Ruby

Ruby

Dam

Color: red

Weight: 38 lbs

Reg: WKC

About Ruby

Ruby is the foundation of our Kelpie program—a tireless worker with the kind of natural ability that makes cattle work look effortless. She came to EC Ranch as a started dog and quickly proved herself invaluable on our 300-head Red Angus operation.

What sets Ruby apart is her combination of drive and sense. She has the stamina to work all day in Texas heat, but she also knows when to push and when to back off. She reads cattle well and rarely puts unnecessary pressure on the herd.

Working Style

Ruby is a classic gathering-style Kelpie with excellent cast and fetch instincts. She naturally works at a comfortable distance from cattle, using eye and presence rather than bark or bite to move stock.

Key traits:

  • Wide, smooth casts around the herd
  • Steady, patient drive toward the handler
  • Quiet worker, rarely uses voice
  • Clean heel bite when needed, no grip
  • Outstanding stamina in Texas summers
  • Takes direction well but also thinks independently

Offspring

Ruby has produced two litters of exceptional working puppies. Her pups have gone to working ranches across Texas and Oklahoma, with owners reporting the same trainability and work ethic that make Ruby such a valuable part of our operation.

Puppy Availability

We have occasional litters available throughout the year. Our puppies are raised in the house and started on livestock exposure before going to their new homes.

If you're interested in a puppy from EC Ranch, please contact us to be added to our waiting list. We can discuss what you're looking for in a working dog and whether our breeding program is a good fit.

What's Included:

  • First vaccinations and deworming
  • Health certificate from veterinarian
  • Early livestock exposure
  • Lifetime breeder support

Interested in Our Kelpies?

We're happy to answer questions about our dogs and breeding program. Let us know what kind of work you need a dog for and we'll help you determine if a Kelpie is right for you.

214-476-5224 Send a Message