Live Life Team
Also known as the Australian Koolie, this is a herding dog which has its origins in the 19th century. It is descended from the dogs brought to Australia by European immigrants.
The Coolie was developed by crossbreeding the German Tiger, an alpine “header” breed similar to the German Shepherd, with various British Collies. The name Koolie was derived from the word collie.
The Koolie Club of Australia was formed in 2000 to promote and protect the breed. However, in common with the Jack Russell Terrier, the Koolie is defined by its working ability rather than any standard conformation and Koolies vary enormously between regions. However, it is a specific breed rather than a type and dogs must be bred “true” i.e. only with other registered strains.
The Koolie Club has never set a standard for the breed, feeling this would affect its working qualities. Hence, it is one breed with many strains and since these can all interbreed there is great variability between dogs.
In 2004 the breed was recognised as a sporting dog by the Sporting Registrar which means that Koolies can compete at HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_National_Kennel_Council” o “Australian National Kennel Council”Australian Kennel Council trials. Registered Coolies compete in herding, obedience, tracking and agility trials, in addition to working as sheep and cattle herding dogs. In New Zealand they are known as “heading” dogs.
Koolies are intensely loyal and intelligent, and natural herders. The instinct is so inbuilt that, without being told, they will round up anything from ducks to people. Their role extends way beyond farm work. One of their more unusual uses is as “walking dogs” for herds of school children.
