If pressed to identify the breed name associated with the nickname, “water sprite,” we daresay that most would not guess that it’s the Australian Kelpie, a ridiculously hardworking, tenacious breed that some say is the backbone of Australian sheep stations.

The Scots gave the name, “Kelpie,” to a shape-shifting water spirit that resides in the pools and lochs of Scotland. It’s thought that the breed that excels at mustering and driving sheep got this nickname because owners thought it fit the character of this breed: Lively, busy, active, and courageous.

Australian Kelpie by Pieter Zaadstra
www.zaadstra.com.au
www.facebook.com/PieterZaadstraArt
www.redbubble.com/people/tzaadz