Australian Koolie

The Australian Koolie, also known simply as Koolie, is a breed originating in Australia bred for herding. It is characterized by its versatility and predisposition to work. The thickness and texture of its coat allow it to protect itself from harsh weather conditions.

General details

Dogs of the breed are medium sized with a height of 45 to 58 centimeters in males and 38 to 47 centimeters in females. Males weigh between 15 and 25 kilograms, while females weigh between 12 and 20 kilograms. They have not been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The history of the Australian Koolie begins in the 19th century in Australia where attempts were made to breed a dog that would overcome the challenges of herding in the Australian countryside: the heat, the harshness of the terrain and the unpredictable attitude of the cattle. It is possible that the breed was created by crossing British Collies with local Australian Dingoes. The versatility and adaptability of the breed has made them excellent assets for Australian farmers and ranchers. Recognition of the breed was limited to the Australian country, however, in recent decades the breed has become known and appreciated throughout the world. To this day, it remains an excellent working dog noted for its intelligence and loyalty.

Breed characteristics

The Australian Koolie has a muscular, athletic build and a deep chest. The head shows a slightly rounded skull with almond-shaped eyes that can show different colorations such as blue, amber or brown. The ears are high set, erect and of medium length. The coat of the Australian Koolie can be of short or medium length. Short coats can also be smooth, and in these cases, grooming is minimal. The coloration is diverse, as they can show solid, bicolor, tricolor or merle coloration. The most common colors in these patterns are black, red, chocolate, white or gray. Dogs of this breed have an intelligent appearance and an energetic and active attitude. They show willingness to be trained and are known for their loyalty and great devotion to their owners. They are patient dogs and are not aggressive, although they can be dominant.

Common health problems

There are no details in some databases (such as the OFA Canine Health Information Center) on the most common disorders in this breed. Even so, it has been reported that the breed is prone to present some of the most common diseases in dogs such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, congenital deafness, epilepsy or autoimmune diseases.