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European Smooth Coated Collie Altdeutschehuetehunde Current Koolie common type.
Imported 1840 German TigerIntroduced 1825 Breeding strong 180 years

Short History of the Breed:

All breeds began from many, the Australian Koolie is no different.
Our history books show us that serious importation of working breeds were around the beginnings of the 1800s, many books of the Kelpie, ACD and Stumpie refer to the influence of the merle breed in their foundations.
One such book by Author Angela Sanderson " Australian Dogs" out by Currawong press refere to the Australian Koolie then called the German Collie, what is of most importance in her book is her own reference to a much earlier German writer Von Stephantiz and his book "The German Shepherd in word and picture" released 1925 in which he write " The Australian grazier were sufficiently impressed with German sheep dogs to import them, he then names the breed which were imported, as the German Tiger ( pronounced with a long"e" not a short "i") and describes them as long or short coated, prick eared type, of merle coloring similar to the type already found in Australia called the German Collie(The Koolie was still being referred to as a German Collie in 1925) this proves that German Tigers were imported to Australia, but it proves more importantly that the Koolie was established and recognised by its own breed name before actual recorded imported Tigers arrived.
We have recorded evidence the Elizabeth Macarthur, wife of John Macarthur who began the Marino industry here in Australia employed a German by the name of Joseph Pabst at her property in Camden Nsw in 1825 to care for her flocks, Joseph arrived with his family and a number of German working dogs, believed to be Tigers. (This would put the Tigers presents in Australia much earlier than recorded by Von Stephanitz, which is understandable as he went by recorded imports of that era)
This report indicates that Tiger could have been in Australia 100 years earlier.
The Tiger is not of the Collie bloodlines, but many early tigers were mistaken for Collies and possibly when a grazier questioned a German migrant with a Tiger, "is that a Collie?" the German replying in his guttural heavily accented rough English, "No Koolie" He was in fact saying it was not a Collie.
The farmer believing this to be the name of this German breed could then have continued to refer to its like as a German Koolie.
A name which was first a description of a type of German herding breed, evolved into a name from a mispronunciation.
Often we see the name spelt with a "C", in 2000 The Koolie Club of Australia to register the club, avoid further confusion and to distinguish the breed as an Australian breed officially adopted the name Australian Koolie but does not dictate to their members how they should write it, that is left to their own preference.

Physical Description & Size:

• Sizes range from 400mm (small Kelpie) to 550 (Border Collie)
• Physical appearance depends on their environment and the Stockmans needs.
  
• Koolies on cattle who are used in rugged large open terrain tend to have longer legs and heavier bones with solid frames.
• Koolies on sheep, used for trucks and yards generally are smaller, lighter frames with leaner bodies.
• Coat type is mostly smooth, short or medium, long coats are not common.
• Ears can be pricked or dropped.
• Colors are blue/red merle, merle tri, solid black/red, tri, black & tan (white Koolies are mostly deaf and or partially blind)
• It is strongly recommended to breed only from strong colors and or merle to solid to avoid producing deaf/blind white pups.
  

Temperament:

All Koolies around Australia and now in other countries share the same willingness, devotion and Loyalty.
By nature they are adaptable and deliver what is required to get the job done.
They will be steady and reliable around ewe and lamb, hard and driving with rangy bulls, unruly steers, buffalo or goat.
Equally at home on the land working stock, in the sporting rings of Agility, jumps and all obedience disciplines, in Service tracking or snuggled up on the couch with their favorite person.
An intelligent dog which requires mental stimulus and regular physical activity to remain fit and healthy.
Not a breed recommended for a life in a small backyard, left alone for long lengths of time alone.
The Koolie Prefers to be with humans more than its own species and is only truly happy when in the company of their owners.
Tolerant of all other species when raised with them, love children and can be quite maternal and protective toward young ones they believe are in their care.
Easy to train when play drive is utilized, keep it fun and enjoying for you both.

Dog Care

• Koolie love their water and if they have ready access to it, there will be no need to for bathing.

• Koolie do shed, but their coat is self cleaning and regular swimming keeps it glossy.
• Some Koolies do have long feathers (hair) around their legs and rump and these need a weekly brush with a slicker to keep them free of knots.
• Feeding should be kept simple, a good quality dry kibble, no can food and the occasional meaty bone for strong teeth and gum. Chicken wings for pus and mother to be are an excellent source of calcium and help to strengthen growing bones and teeth, be sure to feed raw.
• A regular flea and worm program and in areas where they are prevalent, prevention against Paralysis tick mostly in the north more humid parts of country, Heartworm which can be found in most states of Australia and yearly inoculations will keep your Koolie in peak condition, free of disease.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy:

Additional Resources

Koolie Club of Australia
Koolie Forum
Koolie Community Gallery
Koolie Rescue Nation wide
Koolie Refuge Qld
Koolie Adoption Nsw
Wikipedia - Koolie info