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German Koolie

History

For many years the "Coolie" has been known as the "German
Coolie". Many generations of people believed the Coolie was a German bred dog. There is much controversy concerning the time and origin of development of the Coolie breed. The Coolie breed was selectively bred from various herding bred dogs for the purpose of working livestock.
In May 2006, Mike Bryant, Chair, Australian Shepherd Club of America, Stockdog Committee stated that the German Coolie was added to the list of ASCA-accepted herding breed . Australian Koolies are also known as German Coolies/Koolies. Not much is known about the history of the breed although there are many theories circulating throughout the Coolie community. It is generally believed the Coolie was imported from Germany to Australia by early European immigrant farmers. It should be remembered that there is no concrete evidence of the breed’s origin and until any claims are proven with out a doubt; any information is conjecture and should be understood as theory not fact.
The Koolie/Coolie breed is one of the oldest breeds of working dogs in Australia, unfortunately records were never kept regarding parentage. (In order for a breed to be officially recognised by the Australian National Kennel Control Council, stud and breed records must be kept for a minimum of seven generations.) Attempts have been made to line breed to a standard type, but a lack of proper records and the inability to substantiate bloodlines, plus the occasional introduction of new blood have prevented official recognition of the breed. They are extremely active and intelligent with a naturally strong herding instinct. They are renowned for their biddable and friendly nature and their easy going fun-loving personality makes the breed a great choice for a lively family or active individual. They are responsive to command and easy to train, loyal to his owner and accepting of other pets and children. Koolie/Coolie are readily used in sports such as agility and obedience and are also making a name for themselves in positions such as television, Search and Rescue and as ‘Pets as Therapy’ dogs.

General Appearance German Coolie The Koolie is a medium‑sized dog native to Australia, resembling a cross between a Border Collie and a Kelpie. Their coat usually comes in a merled pattern (a bluish gray color mottled with black), although they can also have white bibs and face markings. Their coats can be either smooth, short, or medium. Long-haired Koolies are not common. The Koolie can quite often have eyes of different colors, with one of tem being blue, the other either blue, brown or black. The Koolie Club of Australia defines the breed on its ability to work, rather than on its conformation.

Colour: Predominantly red and blue merle. Solids are permissible. Dark merle is encouraged. Careful thought must be put into breeding certain coloured dogs together due to possibility of deafness and other birth defects. Coat: The coat can be short medium or long with short being far more common and usually the preferred coat type.** Coolies are eye catching, well balanced, medium sized dogs, with unusual markings in form of patches and flecks of colour. The two main colours are red and blue merle and some people believe solid and black and white varieties are acceptable. Eyes can be blue, brown, green or black or a combination of blue and brown. Ears are moderately sized, triangular shaped and are usually pricked or semi-pricked.

Grooming The smooth, short and medium coat need minimal attention. Koolie's do shed. Exercise- These dogs are primarily a working dog and require plenty of exercise to keep their bodies fit and minds occupied. Regular exercise is extremely important and should preferably be off the lead in a safe environment.

Health- a good diet is important, see the Health/Nutrition link at the top of the page. This breed generally have very few health problems. Dogs with predominately white heads are likely to suffer hearing and sight problems. Sun damage to white skin can also be an issue. Coolies usually live beyond 15 years.

Temperament Graziers, stockmen and dairy farmers across Australia since the days of the earliest settlers to their present day counterparts have typically selected breeds which display the abilities required to meet their working needs. The temperament found in a Koolie is an example of this much sought after ability. The optimal worker possesses a combination of working skills and bonding temperament. There are times when an uninitiated dog owner or a new enthusiast mistakes the Koolie as a shy, reserved or even a timid animal. The Koolies temperament needs to be understood in proper context when one seeks an optimal match of skills and demeanor. The Koolies are intelligent animals and most experienced handlers know well that they need guidance instead of merely being pushed and given praise instead of assigning blame. A steady and supportive approach will be productive, proving the Koolies adaptability in diverse situations when given time. Such is the hallmark it bears and owners will be rewarded through the Koolies diligence in varied roles such as in work situations, sporting activities, loyal service or the time honored role of companionship. Known to be patient, temperate, dedicated, with a strong drive for willingness and devotion, the Koolie is not naturally aggressive but can demonstrate dominance, an untiring enthusiasm to work, and an admirable hardiness when the job or circumstance requires.

Herding technique Koolies are much sought-after in rural Australia, and interest is now being shown in America,Canada, Germany, New Zealand and Tasmania. According to Geoff Broughton, president of the Koolie Club of Australia for 7 years, the Koolie will head, (move to the front or head of the stock to push them back towards you), heel or drive, (push the stock from behind), cast, (move out and around the stock), block, (hold the stock or block them from in front, in three sheep trials this action is called the pick up) and back, (literally jump onto the backs of their charges to herd them if necessary). Koolies have a reputation for being upright workers with a good eye, who can easily shift their focus from holding the group to casting around a flock or gathering breakaways. They are not known for having "sticky eyes" (focusing on the sheep in front only). Unlike other working breeds, which are noted for their crouched form or style and preference for either yard or field work, Koolies are just as much at ease working in closed surroundings such as yards or trucks as being out in paddocks and droving. As well as working anything from ducks to bulls, like all dogs of their kind they will herd family members and children in the absence of other charges.

Height, Weight Height: 15-22 inches (38-56 cm.)
Weight: 21-44 pounds (12 - 20 kg.) Health Problems Merle Gene may produce blind or deaf pups, recommend only breed strong colors or Merle to solid to avoid this problem. They can occasionally suffer joint problems due to their extreme athleticism. If they do a lot of jumping on and off things or after Frisbees and balls they can damage cartridge and ligaments, particularly as they get older. These dogs are active and fun-loving for many years.

Living Conditions This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. ExerciseThis energetic working dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or better yet, some real work to do. They need to be taken on a daily, long walk or jog. It will not be happy laying around the house all day long. This is a breed you will have to schedule in come good exercise sessions daily, or have a job for it to do.Grooming .The coat is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrottum.