American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix

The American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the American Leopard Hound and the Australian Kelpie. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Leopard Hound, also known as the Leopard Cur is known for being affectionate, devoted, eager, and loyal. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the American Leopard Hound or the Australian Kelpie? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

American Leopard Hound History

The American Leopard Hound, Leopard Cur, is thought to have descended from dogs brought to the American by Spanish conquistadors and crossed with native dogs of Mexico. There were a lot of feral hogs in the States and it was brought by settlers to hunt them. It didn’t just hunt hogs and is known as one fo the oldest tree dog breeds in the Americas. In the early 1700’s it was pretty established in eastern NC and the Western smokies into Kentucky and Tennessee.
In 1998, the American Leopard Hound was recognized as the Leopard Cur by the United Kennel Club. The American Leopard Hound - Leopard Cur - is not formally recognized by the AKC, it has been in their Foundation Stock Service since 2012.

Australian Kelpie History

As one might imagine, the origins of the Australian Kelpie begin in Australia. Australia had large sheep farms and black Collies were imported from Britain as herding dogs in the 19th century. Of course, they were crossbred with other breeds and more than likely wild Australian dingoes. The result of this breeding was a hardy, tough dog that was able to work practically nonstop in a tough climate. They were independent and intelligent dogs that ranchers really liked. valued them for their intelligence and ability to work independently.

This interbreeding created the modern Australian Kelpie we know today. As it became a more popular dog and was known for it’s working capability it was later exported to other countries. Some parts of the United States have similar climates to Australia and it adapted well as a working dog. They have expanded their role from ranch working dog to detection work, service dog work, therapy, and sports performance. They still make great ranch hands and companions.

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix Size and Weight

American Leopard Hound
Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years

Australian Kelpie
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 46 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix Personality

The American Leopard Hound and the Australian Kelpie are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The American Leopard Hound mixed with the Australian Kelpie might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, hearing problems, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

American Leopard Hound Australian Kelpie Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

American Leopard Hound Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in