I will start off by saying that I have a rescue. Gwen is PROBABLY a Kelpie. As far as I've read she identifies with the breed and I think most people have no qualms with me saying she's a Kelpie. But she's not from a breeder, so take everything I say with a grain of salt, I guess.
I will agree with what others have said about the breed.
Gwen LOVES to have something to do. She is a Velcro dog. They are extremely loyal. She follows me everywhere and likes to know where I am and what I'm doing at all times. She is wary of other dogs and strangers. She loves to chase things. She perfers to be with me rather than playing with other dogs. She will play, she'll just be aware of where I am and make sure no one else is getting my attention. :rofl1:
She doesn't really bark. I taught her to bark when she wants outside and occasionally she'll bark if she sees something outside/at other dogs. She whines a TON. I have never met a dog that is more vocal (besides barking). She scoffs at everything, sighs constantly and whines like a big baby. (She also does this weird boofing thing?)
She wants a lot of attention, but after a few nudges and expectant stares, she'll be happy to lie down by my feet.
I think she would be amazing at several dog sports, if I had the time/money/interest to do them. She's an extremely quick learner and aims to please. Also pretty food motivated, as well as attention motivated. The few things I've taught her, she's excelled at. But she also knows how to work the system and can be pretty sneaky.
She's a little crazy but I love her
And, again, I'm not sure how much is just Gwen and how much is the Kelpie in her.
I don't know much about ACDs but from what I've heard/seen ACDs tend to be a bit more mouthy than Kelpies. Gwen doesn't bite. Even when she's chasing something (trying to herd?) she doesn't try to 'motivate' the chasee by her mouth. (Also not very vocal.) She WILL bark when she has something cornered or stopped, though. She gets frustrated and isn't sure what she should do next, so she barks and paces. Pretty sure that's from lack of training, though. I'd love to get her on some livestock.