About us

Who are we?

Hawkesbury Working Kelpie Stud located in the South West Slopes of New South Wales is dedicated to breeding, training, and promoting the true Australian Working Kelpie. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the livestock industry, we’ve built our reputation on producing reliable, intelligent, and hardworking dogs that excel in both farm work and competitive trials.

From sheep stations to sale yards, our Kelpies have proven themselves time and time again. Whether it’s rounding up livestock, competing in trials, or captivating audiences through our working dog demonstrations, our passion remains the same—preserving the integrity of the Working Kelpie.

Anthony Attard | Kelpie Handler, Trainer & Commentator
With over 30 years of experience, Anthony is a skilled working dog trainer and handler, specialising in Yard Dog Trials and Three Sheep Trialling. His expertise in training working dogs has helped countless farmers and dog owners develop a better understanding of their Kelpies.

As the lead commentator at our Working Dog Demonstrations, Anthony shares valuable insights into the training process while showcasing the incredible abilities of our Kelpies.

Jenny Sant | Stud Manager & Client Support
Jenny oversees the day-to-day operations of Hawkesbury Working Kelpie Stud, ensuring that our dogs receive the highest level of care and training. She works closely with clients, helping them select the right pup or training program to suit their needs.

History

Our journey with Kelpies began decades ago, working in livestock carting, sheep and cattle feedlots. Over the years, we’ve owned, trained, and worked with countless dogs—some good, some great, and some truly exceptional.

Livestock Carting – Our Kelpies played a key role in our transport business, efficiently unloading pigs and guiding them through abattoir laneways.
Sale Yards, Sheep & Cattle Feedlots – We relied on our dogs for smooth livestock movement, developing a deep understanding of what makes a truly outstanding working dog.
Competitive Trialling – Our Kelpies have excelled in Yard Dog Trials and Three Sheep Trialling, proving their natural talent and trainability at the highest levels.

Breeding top-quality Working Kelpies isn’t just about genetics—it’s about consistency, temperament, and real-world performance. Every dog we breed comes from a carefully selected lineage designed for endurance, intelligence, and instinct.

Hawkesbury Kelpies

We don’t just breed Kelpies—we live and work alongside them every day. That firsthand experience ensures we produce dogs that are:

Bred for Work – Our dogs are raised in real working environments, ensuring strong natural instincts.
Trainable & Reliable – We select for intelligence, focus, and temperament, making them easy to train and work with.
Proven Performers – Our Kelpies have excelled in trials, working dog demonstrations, and on farms across Australia.
Ethically Bred – We prioritise health, genetics, and sound temperament to produce top-tier working dogs.

Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

At Hawkesbury Working Kelpie Stud, we believe in a kind, respectful approach to both our dogs and the livestock they work with. Our Kelpies are bred and trained to be calm, intelligent, and controlled, ensuring they move stock efficiently without unnecessary stress.

We use ethical, positive training methods, building trust and confidence in every dog. A well-trained Kelpie is not just a worker but a trusted partner, and we are committed to raising, training, and handling our animals with care and respect.