Established in 2018 by a group of like-minded Working Kelpie enthusiasts, the British Association of True Working Kelpies (BATWK) is a not-for-profit, impartial organisation dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Australian Working Kelpie throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Australian Working Kelpie has earned a worldwide reputation as an intelligent, versatile and highly capable stock working dog. BATWK was founded to ensure these qualities continue to be recognised and preserved for future generations through responsible breeding, accurate pedigree recording and the promotion of genuine working bloodlines.
Our registration database provides a trusted record of pedigree information and allows members to record health test results alongside their dogs’ registrations. By encouraging transparency and supporting health testing, we aim to help breeders make informed decisions that protect the health, soundness and longevity of the breed.
Today, Working Kelpies are an invaluable part of livestock farming throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. From the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to the Welsh hills, across the Yorkshire Dales, throughout England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, they continue to prove themselves as adaptable, hardworking dogs capable of excelling in a wide range of farming systems and with many different types of livestock.
BATWK is more than a registration society. We are a community of breeders, handlers and farmers who share a passion for the Australian Working Kelpie and its future. Through our registration services, educational resources, health initiatives, training events and member network, we aim to support both experienced handlers and those discovering the breed for the first time.
Whether you are looking for your next working partner, researching bloodlines, registering a litter or simply learning more about the breed, we hope you’ll find BATWK to be a welcoming, knowledgeable and trusted resource.