Australian Koolie

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Australian Koolie (also known as German Kolie) is an eye catching and well balanced native working breed of Australia. It is used to herd sheep and cattle. The dog is medium in size with longish triangular shaped pricked or semi-pricked ears. The eyes can have one of many colours like blue, brown, green, black or a combination of blue and brown. Coat of this dog is short or medium in size. Koolies with long hair coats are rare. Coat colours include red and blue merle with solid colours permitted. The Australian Koolie can have a height of 15-24 inches and weight between 21-44 pounds. They differ in height and weight in different regions of Australia as some will be taller in a certain part of the country it originates like in north of New Southwells and Queensland while medium sized Kolies are seen in Hunter Valley region and snowy mountains of New South Wales and smallest Australian Koolies are found in Victoria. They are bred to meet the requirements of the Stockman, grazier and farmer.

The Australian Koolie is not recognized by AKC however it is recognized by KCA, APRI and DRA.

Color

The Australian Koolie is found in many different colours. Common colours for this dog are red merle, blue merle, solid red, solid black & Tricolor (solid red or black with white markings normally with brown points). White or predominantly white Kolies can be deaf or blind.

Coat

Most common coat types for this dog are short to medium and smooth with long coat dogs being very rare. Short/medium coat is more preferred over long coat Koolies as short and smooth coats are easy to maintain.

Personality

Highly energetic, loyal and devoted, the Australian Koolie has been used to perform different tasks for hundreds of years now. It has a lot of stamina and more importantly willingness to do a job no matter what. These dogs are tireless workers with amazing work endurance. They can work for long hours without getting tired. The dog is used in herding sheep, cattle, goats, horses and fowl. They have the ability to back(jump on back of) sheep and cattle. This working breed have a strong instinct to herd anything that moves. Besides its amazing ability to work limitless, this dog also has all the much sought after qualities which make it a great working and companion family dog. The Australian Koolie is very intelligent, eager to please, willing to learn, docile, happy and devoted. Very friendly and easy-going, the dog is suitable for families with children. It generally gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family specially if it is raised with them or properly socialized. This wonderful dog makes a great working and family dog for active families and individuals.

Care

The short or medium size coat is easy to groom as it only needs to be brushed with firm bristle brush. The dog needs to be bathed when necessary.

Training

The Australian Koolie is easy to train due to its willingness and eager to please attitude. The dog is highly intelligent and will pickup training quickly provided that the trainer used gentle yet firm and consistent training routines.

Activity

Being extremely active and highly energetic, this working dog needs to do something and can not be left alone to do nothing. This working breed needs lots of physical and mental stimulation either in the form of work or training. It is not suitable for small house or apartment lifestyle as the dog needs atleast a large yard or preferably large open secure area to play and run. Long daily walks and ample playing time is necessary for this breed. The Australian Koolie is used in dog sports such as agility and obedience. They are also used in search & rescue or as therapy dogs.