Origin:

The Koolie may be one of Australia's oldest breeds. They are thought to be descended from the same Collies that Thomas S. Hall – the originator of the Australian Cattle Dog (or ACD) breed – brought to that country in the early 1800s to work the sheep and cattle farms. The Koolie Club of Australia was formed in 2000 to "preserve, protect and ethically promote" the Koolie breed.

A breed standard is currently being developed - it stipulates that height should be no larger than 550mm males and 500mm for females.

History and naming

Koolies are also referred to as 'German Koolies', although this name should be avoided because the breed originated in Australia. Its development in Australia is associated with early German and other European immigrant farmers. There are no known Koolie breeds outside of Australia. There is little written information about the Koolie. They are thought to have descended from the highland blue merle sheep dog. Farmers then bred the Koolie to the Smithfield breed, producing dogs with smaller legs which were able to work on cattle and sheep trucks. It is thought that the Koolie was probably introduced to Australia by European immigrant farmers around the early 1800s, at about the same time as the Kelpie and Australian Cattledogs had their origins. According to breeder Kerrie Challenger, the Koolie 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.
There are a number of theories surrounding the origin of the name Koolie (variously spelt Coulie and Coolie). One theory is that the name Koolie stemmed from the derogatory term 'Coolie' that was used to refer to immigrant workers in Australia. Another is that it resulted from the German accent being placed upon the word 'Collie'.

Appearance:

(Australian Koolie) 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.

Colours:
Red Merle, Blue Merle, Solid Red, Solid Black & Tricolour (Tricolour can be any one of the usual colours with tan markings. See Image Below) White Koolies are Usually Deaf and/or Blind.

Temperament:

The Koolie is a very energetic breed, athletic and tireless – loyal and eager to please their owners. They work at herding anything that moves – including people. They are good with children, but very protective. They are not dog-aggressive, and will not harm other Pets if properly socialized. The Koolie MUST be given mental stimulation or it will become bored and destructive.

Health:

The Koolie Club of Australia states that the breed is relatively free of common genetic disorders that are found in recognized pure breeds, however two known problems are a tendency to deafness, and sometimes blindness, thanks to the Merle gene. Because they are so athletic they can also sometimes have joint problems. When properly cared for, the average life expectancy for a Koolie is 18 years.

Maintenance:

The Koolie is an average shedder. Brush the coat occasionally with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary, as bathing dries out the skin

Ideal Environment:

The Koolie is not suited to apartment life. It needs a house *with as large a yard as possible, so that it can get plenty of exercise. It will not be happy in confined areas, and must be exercised regularly, and given a job to do, if possible.

(The Information above is provided by: http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Koolie/
And http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/)

* Note: Whilst the Koolie prefers large areas, it is possible to have a Koolie in suburbia provided it is kept "Busy" with the proper mental stimulation and plenty of daily exercise. The Koolie Breed is suited better to active environments (such as farms...) as it is a very intelligent breed and will often devise ways of entertaining itself (even if you disapprove of its behavior).

For additional information, see:

• Australian Koolie
• Burke's Backyard - Australian Koolie Fact Sheet