Home • Avenpart Kelpies

Avenpart Kelpie Stud

We breed Australia’s most versatile working Kelpies.

Exporting worldwide!

2026 Newsletter

About Us

The Avenpart Kelpie Stud was founded in 1962, and is based on the famous Scanlon, Glenville, and Karrawarra bloodlines. Since then, Avenpart dogs have been used for mustering, yard work, and shed work all around the globe, with constant demand for these hard working and talented dogs.

Within the Avenpart bloodline, particular emphasis is placed on natural working ability from an early age, as well as temperament and conformation. Given that Avenpart Kelpies are used all around the world, certain strains within the Stud focus on different traits to meet the client’s needs, be it “eye”, bark or aptitude for cattle work.

The Avenpart Kelpies have experienced great success in countries where climatic conditions vary greatly to their native Australia. These hardy dogs have adapted well to their working environments and can be found mustering reindeer in the ice-capped fields of Norway, to unloading export wethers off the boats in the hot humid conditions of Saudi Arabia. The outstanding ability of Avenpart Kelpies is evident in the large volume of repeat orders received from satisfied clients.

Mary McCrabb has been breeding and training Kelpies since 1962. During this time she has won many three sheep, yard and utility trials, culminating in winning the Victorian Utility Trial Championships in 2000.

Our Featured Dams

Avenpart Zoe

Avenpart Ilka

Avenpart Flinne

Browse Dams

Our Featured Sires

Avenpart Dom

Nativehut Grippa

Avenpart Radical

Browse Sires

What We Do

We Export Worldwide

We have exported to: USA, Kuwait, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Mexico, Iran, England, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, Holland, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, USA & All States of Australia

We've bred movie stars

In 1982, Mary McCrabb was contracted to train all dogs and Dingoes for the movie Dusty. Mary worked with 15 dogs and 2 Dingoes, including the title character, a purebred Avenpart Kelpie.

we are pioneers

In 1996, Avenpart was the first stud to pioneer the export of Kelpie semen, in response to strict UK import laws. Today, semen is still exported to clients around the world.

The Avenpart Process

Kelpies have played an integral role in the success of our family’s 16,500-hectare properties, where their natural working ability is essential to the productivity and economic viability of our family business.

At Avenpart, we place great emphasis on developing natural ability from an early age, alongside conformation, intelligence and excellent temperament. Our dogs are bred to be practical, capable workers, successfully working across sheep, cattle, goats, reindeer and pigs in a variety of countries, from paddock mustering to yards and shearing sheds.

Over the years, we have developed different strains within our stud, each with its own strengths and working characteristics. Some dogs naturally demonstrate more “eye”, others more bark, while certain lines are particularly suited to cattle work.

This diversity is one of the strengths of Avenpart. It allows us to offer quality working Kelpies with different abilities and characteristics, catering to the needs of everyone from large-scale property owners seeking reliable working dogs to dedicated stock trial enthusiasts.

Litter's Due

See upcoming and current litters from the Avenpart stud.

Litters Due

Dogs For Sale

See working Kelpies currently available from the Avenpart stud.

Dogs For Sale

About Mary & Ken

Mary McCrabb has been breeding and training working Kelpies since 1962, alongside her husband Ken, who gifted her their first Kelpie shortly after they were married. Originally from England, Mary brought with her a strong foundation in working with dogs and horses. Together, she and Ken also established the Avenel Merino Stud and the Avenel Quarter Horse Stud.

Mary has enjoyed widespread success in three sheep, yard, and utility trials — including winning the Victorian Utility Trial Championship in 2000.

Both Mary and Ken were actively involved in the Deniliquin Three Sheep Trials, with Mary serving as President for several years and competing since 1968. The trial eventually folded during the decade-long drought due to the lack of available sheep.

In 1989, Mary founded the Deniliquin Yard Dog Association and led it for many years, including hosting a Championship Trial at the Peppin Heritage Centre. Now incorporated into the local Show Society, the Association stands as one of many lasting contributions Mary has made to the trialling community.

She played a pivotal role in establishing numerous yard trials across NSW and Victoria and contributed as both a course builder and judge — including judging the National Kelpie Trial at Tailem Bend, SA.

Mary has also conducted training schools internationally — in the USA, England, Sweden, Norway, and Holland — as well as offering private tuition from home at Avenel, Wanganella.

Together, Mary and Ken have travelled widely, observing Avenpart Kelpies working in diverse environments across the globe — a rewarding journey that continues to guide and inspire the Avenpart legacy.