German Coolies

The Coolie is a hard working, intelligent breed of herding dog that originated in Australia.

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Appearance

Blue Merle short coat

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.

Colours: 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.

History

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Short Coat Red Merle

Not much is known about the history of the breed although there are theories.

One of these theories is that one of the ancestors of the Coolie was imported from Germany to Australia by early European immigrant farmers. Other research indicates that the breed is a derivative from early herding breeds from the United Kingdom such as the Scotch Collie (rough collie). Whatever the Coolie's origins, it is clear that over the years, stockmen and others have introduced other breeds in order to keep a line going or to improve aspects of their dog’s ability or other attributes. It should be remembered that there is no concrete evidence of the breed’s origin and until any claims are proven without a doubt; any information is conjecture and should be understood as theory not fact. What is important is that those entrusted with the future of the breed be diligent and breed only to protect and improve the traits the breed is renowned for.

Temperament

Short Coat Red Merle

The Coolie is extremely active and intelligent with a naturally strong herding instinct. The Coolie is renowned for its biddable and friendly nature and it's easy-going, fun-loving personality makes the breed a great choice for a lively family or active individual. Coolies are responsive to commands, easy to train, loyal to their owner and accepting of other pets and children.

In addition to herding, Coolies excel in sports such as agility and obedience and are also making a name for themselves in activities such as television acting, Search and Rescue and as Pets as Therapy dogs. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is now a reality and is extremely important to the breeds future, that any matings that could produce dogs with questionable temperament be actively discouraged.

Health

Coolies generally have very few health problems. Dogs with predominately white heads are likely to suffer hearing and sight problems. This excessive white is usually due to breeding two merle dogs together resulting in homozygous merles. Sun damage to white (lack of pigment) skin can also be an issue. Coolies can live beyond 15 years.

Feeding and Grooming Short coated coolies require very little grooming. A bath when needed and a brush to remove grass seeds if necessary. A stiff brushing removes dead hair from the coat, stimulates the skin and evenly distributes the natural oils over the coat. (Coolies do shed). The longer coated varieties need more care. Working coolies need a good quality high protein dry dog biscuit. A supplement of meaty bones ensures healthy teeth and gums and adds variety to the diet.

Working Ability

Coolie pup showing natural ability

Coolies working sheep

Coolies are confident all around dogs with natural ability to head, herd and heel. They have the ability to block with force when necessary, move stock together, quietly and confidently. Richmond Hough, longtime breeder of top quality working Coolies says of the Coolie, "Coolies are hardy, displaying endurance and enough speed to outrun and head stock when required. They remain alert on the job. As Coolies are extremely intelligent, it takes very few lessons for them to learn. They are generally receptive to commands and bark and back when instructed. They can adjust to difficult situations. Coolies can display a small to moderate amount of eye though they don't often show eye in a very noticeable way, but display great concentration and intuition making them capable of anticipating the stocks next move."

Miscellaneous

Activity Levels

Coolies 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.

Naming

The Australian Coolie Council considers that the original name is an important part of the breed’s heritage. Many believe the original name and spelling is crucial in ensuring the breed remains an important part of Australian history. Many original breeders and devotees use the name German Coolie or simply Coolie and are keen to ensure the history of the name is retained, this also helps ensure the breeds history and any historical information is easy to reference without confusion.

The Coolie Registry (America) and the German Coolie Club of America, began researching and gathering factual information and evidence from long time breeders and owners of the German Coolie May 2004. German Coolies have been in America for many years, but are relatively unknown outside of the herding community. It was noted that the majority of Australian's, that still depended on the Coolie as a working dog, prefer the name of the breed to be referred to as the German Coolie, or just the Coolie. The Coolie Registry (TCR) and German Coolie Club of America (GCCA) was formally established April 2005. The Registry was created to preserve and maintain the pedigrees and historical records of the German Coolie breed. The German Coolies have a known long lineage, proven working abilities and have been with some of the same stockmen for many generations. By changing the name of the German Coolie, it would be like losing or disregarding a part of Australian and German history. The German Coolie was (and still is) an icon of a herding dog and many Shepherds depended on their dog. The Coolie is as important now to the livestock industry, as they were in the 1800's. They are still responsible for cutting economic losses with their natural herding ability, impeccable work ethics and biddability, thus saving the producer many man-hours of work. Time is money in the agriculture world. A good herding dog can take the place of 4 to 6 cowboys. To change the name would be dishonoring those that strived so hard to perfect what we love about the Coolie breed to this very day.

In May 2006, the Stockdog Committee of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) voted to accept the "German Coolie" into their list of recognized and accepted herding breeds.

References