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German Coolie |

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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 breeds

Excerpts from ancestral research

Angela Sanderson is quoted in her book, The Complete Book of Australian Dogs, not all the working dogs brought to Australia during the last century were from Britain. There was a diverse variety of other European breeds, and it is still possible to find descendants of some of these early working dogs. Among them is a type known as the German Collie, or by its colloquial name 'German Coolie' or 'Coulie'. In von Stephanitz's book The German Shepherd in Word and Picture (1925), there is mention that Australian graziers were sufficiently impressed with German sheepdogs to import some. These dogs would almost certainly have been crossed with local dogs, among which could have been the Border Collie. von Stephanitz's classic work covered all manner of German sheepdogs. Among them were what he called the 'tiger-spotted sheepdog' that could be found in several provinces of Germany. Two pictures of the dogs from Saxony are of special interest: one shows a long-coated prick-eared type similar to the German Collie; the second, from Brunswick, is identical to the German Coolie, including the shorter hair. The photographs are black and white, but Stephanitz describes the dogs are merle coloured. Beilby mentions as early as 1896 that Blue Merle Collies in Australia were known as German Coolies. Certainly many Blue Merle Scottish Collies were brought to Australia in the 1840s. [In the British magazine The Field (1901)] Mr. Freeman Lloyd wrote at that time: There is, what is known as the German Collie -- a wall-eyed merle, probably a cross between a [Smithfield and the Scottish Collie]. He gets his name from a very good working strain owned by a German, and imported from the Fatherland many years ago".

"A few references to the "German Coolie," "German Koolie" or "German Collie" appear in various letters and articles in working dog magazines and in a few books. The Koolie and the Smithfield exist in Australia to this day as working dogs, not recognized by the bench show authorities (there is, however, a breed club for the Koolie). With regard to the Koolie, the dog was "German" in that it was popular in an area of Australia where there were many German settlers who used this dog, much as the Australian Shepherd is "Basque" due to Basque sheepherders using it in the American West, rather than these breeds having their principal origin with dogs brought from Germany or the Basque country. Photos of Koolies and Smithfields show strong resemblance to the Australian Shepherd in overall form and color, although Koolie's can also be shorthaired and prick-eared (as were many early Aussie's) and Smithfields can have Beardie-like coats". Linda Rorem

"Captain James Cook’s First Fleet (1770) landed in Port Jackson (now Sydney), Australia with convicts and their guards, together with food and provisions for starting up their new lives in the colonies. Among the livestock transported on these ships were dogs (presumably herding dogs/‘collie’ types), 44 sheep, 4 mares, 2 stallions, 4 cows, 1 bull, 1 bull calf, and 19 goats. The ‘collie’ dogs of these early pioneers were the ancestors of the Koolie, the Kelpie and Australian Cattle Dog. The early pioneers required a big, strong dog for mustering and moving huge herds of cattle and so the Koolie evolved from the crossing of German and British ‘collies’ with British Smithfields. The resultant offspring produced dogs with shorter legs capable of working on the cattle and sheep trucks and were referred to as either Australian Koolie's or German Koolie's (often spelt Coulie or Coolie which could have arisen from the derogatory term ‘coolie’, used to refer to immigrant workers in Australia, or to the accent that the Germans placed on the word ‘Collie’). German immigrants favoured the south of the continent and in that area these working collies were referred to as German Koolie's. Unfortunately the Koolie, like its Smithfield descendants, did not adapt well to the intense heat of the Australian outback as they were too large and cumbersome, and their vociferous nature was not conducive to their work". Iris Combe and Pat Hutchinson

Physical Description and Size

Sizes range from 16 inches to 23 inches at the shoulder and 35 to 50 pounds in weight. Physical appearance depends on their environment and the stockmen's needs. Coolies that are specifically used for herding cattle in rugged large open terrain tend to have longer legs and heavier bones with solid frames. Coolies that are specifically used for herding sheep, or that are used for loading trucks and in yards tend to be smaller, lighter framed with leaner bodies. Smooth coats are preferred over the long coated dogs. The ears can be dropped or pricked, pricked being preferred by most. The Coolie come in any color except brindle. The merle coloration is preferred by most.

Also see: Coat colors
Coolibah dogs

Temperament

The German Coolie displays a temperament which is friendly, attentive, and outgoing. They are never aggressive and have usually never met a stranger. They are loyal, devoted with a strong bond to their owner and family. If properly socialized, they adore children.

Coolies are known for their intelligence and herding desire. They are exceedingly attentive, respond quickly and eagerly to training. They have the ability to adapt to any situation.

Coolibah Tilda

Characteristics and Working Ability

Coolies have impeccable work ethics, unsurpassed biddability and superior temperaments. They are a versatile breed and excel at any task that is set before them, rather it be herding livestock; performing in the sports arena; Search and Rescue; or just being a companion.

Coolies are confident all-round dogs with a natural ability to head, heel, gather and fetch, as well as drive, livestock. When gathering livestock together, they have the ability to keep them together quietly and confidently using speed and force when needed. They will also hold the livestock using their body language, when necessary. Some Coolies will "back" sheep (jumping on the back of the sheep to get the front ones moving). "Backing" isn't commonly taught or practiced in the USA.

Coolies are hardy, athletic, displaying endurance and enough speed to outrun and head stock when required. They have the ability to be tough and gritty on incompliant livestock and soft when the livestock are complying. They remain alert on the job and relax when they are off livestock. Some call this an "on and off switch".

Coolies are extremely intelligent, take very few lessons to learn and naturally seem to know what to do while thinking for himself. They readily take direction and commands. Coolies can adjust to any situation without stress and some look forward to a challenge.

Dog Care

Most Coolies are known to love water. If there is a body of water, the Coolie can usually be found swimming. Bathing is necessary for these water-loving dogs as many water-borne diseases can be found in many lakes, rivers, creeks and ponds. The short coated Coolies are more wash and wear, whereas the longer coated ones require brushing to avoid mats in their coat.

A good quality dog food, whether it be dry kibble or canned food is sufficient for this active breed.

Coolibah Rolli

German Koolie - wikiFido-Dog Breeds, Rescues

Health Issues and Life Expectancy

Coolies are known for being vigorously healthy dogs with no known conditions that affect them as a breed. They are tough, strong and possess excellent stamina and endurance. Some Coolies have been known to live into their 20's, while the normal life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.

No dog is without health problems. Since there is still much discussion, theory, fact, legend and assumptions about the breeds that were used in the early development of the German Coolie, it is safe to say they are not without genetic skeletons in their closet. The breed that most agree upon, that make up the Coolie, is the "Blue Merle Collie". Further research indicates that the breed is a derivative from early herding breeds from the United Kingdom such as the Scotch Collie (rough collie) though some believe that the German Coolie is a member of the Border Collie family and known throughout the British Isles as the Blue Merle Collie and that these dogs can still be found today in Wales, Scotland and England. You will read on many sites that the Coolie is the most healthy dog on this planet. This may or may not be the complete case. Depending on whom you obtain your Coolie from, this dog may have been ancestors, such as the Smithfield, Border Collie, Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog, and one breeder admitted to knowing German Shepherd is in her lines. Unfortunately, with this, comes genetic defects that are incorporated into the Coolie breed from other breeds. There are many breeders/owners/stockmen who have chosen to ONLY breed Coolie to Coolie; and those are commended in their efforts to keep the lines pure, for lack of a better word.

Currently, no DNA markers have been located specifically for the Coolie. With the possibility of infusions of the above mentioned dog breeds - DNA tests that are specifically for these breeds, could (might) work for the Coolie. Some Coolie owners/breeders are under the impression that there is a DNA test that can clear the Coolie for every single genetic disease and hip dysplasia (is an actual claim on a website) that the canine can carry -- this is very misleading and is not true. Hip dysplasia is not a DNA test (yet). It is a simple x-ray that is taken by a licensed Veterinarian and then sent to the OFA for reading by three board-certified veterinary radiologists. Again, no DNA markers have been located specifically for the Coolie.
Coolibah Nessa -- an aged Coolie

Registry's for the Working Coolie

The German Coolie Club of America is the parent club for this wonderful breed. The German Coolie Club of America was formed in 2005. The club was formed as a result of the lack of German Coolie related organizations within the United States of America. In forming this club we hope to bring attention to the breed, and to provide information and help to owners of the breed (world wide). With the German Coolie becoming more and more popular, it was voted on and decided to form partnerships with the countries of Australia and Canada in the preservation and promotion of the German Coolie as the unique breed of dog that it has been since the 1800's. The German Coolie Club of America is now known as the International German Coolie Society and Registry, with affiliate branchs in Canada and Australia.

The Working Koolie Association Australia, Inc. (WKAA, Inc)
The Working Koolie Association of Australia Inc (WKAA Inc) was formed in November 2002 in order to foster and preserve an understanding and admiration of the true authentic Working Koolie dog.

This hard working breed, now known as the " Koolie ", (sometimes known as a German Koolie, Coolie, Caulie), has been hidden away in rural Australia since the mid 1800's. They have been eagerly and conscientiously going about their work on the farm with little or no recognition for the difficult and demanding work they do, herding sheep, cattle goats and almost anything that will move.

Herding Associations that Recognize the German Coolie

Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)
United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCA)
The American Herding Breed Association (AHBA)

Performance Associations that Recognize the German Coolie

American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA)

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