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The Koolie is an Australian dog breed. Specifically, it is a herding dog, a subcategory of working dog. Koolies have existed in Australia since the early 18th century.
Appearance: The Koolie is a medium-sized dog of varying
coat type and colour, although they are generally recognised
by their merled coat pattern. Koolies are typically slightly
longer than tall and resemble a cross between a Border Collie
and a Kelpie - dogs with whom they share Collie bloodline
ancestry.
Like the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, the Koolie
Club of Australia defines the breed based on its ability to
work rather than on its conformation. Unlike the JRT Club of
America, most Koolie breeders refer to this dog as a breed
rather than as a type, and assert that it "breeds
true".
History: The Koolie is believed to be descended from
the same Collie types that were brought to Australia for the
kennels of Thomas S. Hall (an originator of the Australian
Cattle Dog breed); some believe that they could be direct
descendents of Hall's dogs. This, if true, would make the
Koolie the oldest of Australia's breeds.
In 2000, the Koolie Club of Australia was formed to
preserve, protect and ethically promote the Koolie breed.
Opinion is divided as to whether official recognition would be
good for the breed. As of (2006), no bench standard exists and
none is expected in the near future.
The Koolie breed is currently not recognized by any kennel
club, although judges from the Australian National Kennel
Council (ANKC) may judge Koolies in the various sporting
trials. In the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and
Queensland, registered Koolies may compete in Australian
national kennel council-sponsored working, obedience,
tracking, jumping and dog agility events by registration on
their State's Sporting Register as members of the Koolie Club
of Australia.
The Koolies in America are eligible to compete in working
sheep dog and cattle dog trials that are sanctioned by the
Australian Shepherd Club of America, United States Border
Collie Handler's Association, and The American Herding Breed
Association. The breed is also eligible to compete in the
sports/performance events that are sanctioned by the North
American Dog Agility Council and the United States Dog Agility
Association.
In May 2006, the Australian Shepherd Club of America,
Stockdog Committee, voted to recognize the Koolie/Coolie as an
ASCA-accepted herding breed.
Temperament: Graziers, stockmen and dairy farmers
across Australia since the days of the earliest settlers to
their present day counterparts have typically selected breeds
which display the abilities required to meet their working
needs. The temperament found in a Koolie is an example of this
much sought after ability.
The optimal worker possesses a combination of working
skills and bonding temperament. There are times when an
uninitiated dog owner or a new enthusiast mistakes the Koolie
as a shy, reserved or even a timid animal. The Koolies
temperament needs to be understood in proper context when one
seeks an optimal match of skills and demeanor. The Koolies are
intelligent animals and most experienced handlers know well
that they need guidance instead of merely being pushed and
given praise instead of assigning blame.
A steady and supportive approach will be productive,
proving the Koolies adaptability in diverse situations when
given time. Such is the hallmark it bears and owners will be
rewarded through the Koolies diligence in varied roles such as
in work situations, sporting activities, loyal service or the
time honored role of companionship. Known to be patient,
temperate, dedicated, with a strong drive for willingness and
devotion, the Koolie is not naturally aggressive but can
demonstrate dominance, an untiring enthusiasm to work, and an
admirable hardiness when the job or circumstance requires.
Health: DNA testing carried out on 56 Koolies from
Australia by Dr.Mark Neff of the University of California at
Davis in the USA cleared those bloodlines tested for the
presence of the mutant gene mdr1-1, which causes malfunction
in the canine multidrug resistance gene; Collie bloodlines
were chosen to be tested because they showed a reaction, even
death, to chemicals, such as Ivermectin, used in the treatment
of intestinal parasites.
Since 2004, the Koolie club of Australia in conjunction
with Genetic Science Service of Australia has been undertaking
the collection and processing of Koolie DNA, which is being
tested for all current Collie diseases and family
relationships. To date, the Koolie Club of Australia’s
database records that their registered Koolie breed is
relatively free of common genetic disorders that are found in
recognized pure breeds, thanks to DNA testing. It is general
accepted that this is due to the natural breeding selection,
which has continued unhindered for over 160 years.
Herding technique: Koolies are much sought-after in
rural Australia, and interest is now being shown in America
and Germany. According to Geoff Broughton, the current
president of the Koolie Club of Australia, the Koolie will
head (move to the front or head of the stock to push them back
towards you), heel, drive (push the stock from behind), cast
(move out and around the stock), and back (literally jump onto
the backs of their charges to herd them if necessary).
Koolies have a reputation for being upright workers with a
good eye, who can easily shift their focus from holding the
group to casting around a flock or gathering breakaways. They
are not known for having "sticky eyes" (focusing on
the sheep in front only).
Unlike other working breeds, which are noted for their
crouched form or style and preference for either yard or field
work, Koolies are just as much at ease working in closed
surroundings such as yards or trucks as being out in paddocks
and droving. As well as working anything from ducks to bulls,
like all dogs of their kind they will herd family members and
children in the absence of other charges.
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