Koolie is a working dog and very popular in herding. The dog has a habit of circling and gathering sheep for its owner. In the 1800s, a Koolie accidentally mated with an Australian wild dog (Dingo) and brought forth a more Australian-suited breed. As a result, the original Koolie has been bred into the modern-day working dogs such as the Australian Kelpie and the Australian cattle dog or blue heeler.

Features and Characteristics of the Koolie

• The pure Koolie breed has one or both blue eyes. This gene is known to cause blindness in its offspring. Among the modern breeds, the red Koolies have brown eyes while blacks have black eyes.
• Its breeds exist in different solid and patterned colors: red, tan, white and black.
• Both males and females are medium-sized, with an adult weighing up to 53 pounds.
• They grow to a height of 13 to 23 inches.
• Due to its hyperactivity, the Koolie requires a lot of attention and exercise.
• They give birth to a litter of four to six puppies and can live for 12 to 18 years.
• Despite being resistant to hot weather and common illnesses, the Koolie is easily affected by skin allergies, hip dysplasia and joint problems.
• The Koolie is hardworking, obedient, agile and intelligent, making it perfect for training.
• They are fun-loving and easily get along with kids, other pets and dogs.
• It is an average shedder and requires occasional grooming.

Koolie is a dog breed common in Australia, where German settlers first introduced it. People use different names for this dog breed, including Australian Koolie and German Koolie/Coolie.