Koolie

also known as German Koolie, Australian Koolie, German Coolie

Pros Summary


The Koolie is a medium to large-sized breed of herding dog that is native to Australia. They are known for their high energy levels and intelligence, and they excel at tasks that require endurance, such as herding livestock, running agility courses, and competing in flyball. Koolies are energetic, hardworking, and loyal dogs, and they are often used as working dogs on farms and ranches. They have a short to medium-length coat that is weather-resistant and easy to groom, and they come in a variety of colors, including blue merle, black, red merle, and red. Koolies are generally healthy and have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. They are athletic and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Koolies are good with children and other animals, but they may be reserved with strangers or unfamiliar dogs. They are intelligent and can be easily trained, but they may be stubborn at times and may benefit from consistent, positive reinforcement training. Koolies can be prone to some health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies, so it is important to keep them on a healthy diet and to provide them with regular veterinary care.

Breed Information


Type

Is Koolie a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Koolies originally used for?

Herding Dog

Lifespan

How Long Do Koolies Live? What is average life expectancy for a Koolie? How long can Koolies live?

16-18 years

The average Koolie lifespan is somewhere between 16-18 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Koolie Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Koolie?

What is the average height of a Koolie? How big is a Purebred Koolie height? Koolie dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-23 inches (33 - 58.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
Female 13-23 inches (33 - 58.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Koolie? How much should Koolies weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 33-53 pounds (15 - 24 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 39.0 pounds (18 kg) 43.0 pounds (20 kg)
Female 33-53 pounds (15 - 24 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 39.0 pounds (18 kg) 43.0 pounds (20 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Koolies get fat easily?

The Koolie is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Koolies Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Koolie is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Koolie personality? What are Koolie dogs best known for?

Dominant
Dedicated
Temperate
Diligent
Intelligent
Affectionate

Shedding Level

Are Koolies heavy shedders? How Much Does a Koolie Shed?

Koolie dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Koolie. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Koolie dog?

Koolies are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Koolie is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Koolies come from?

Australia

Ancestry

What are Koolies descended from?

Collie-type Herding Dog, Dingo

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Koolie breed?

America's Pet Registry
Australian National Kennel Council
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Koolies first bred? How old is the Koolie breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Koolie?

Working, Herding

Koolie Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Koolie eyes?

Blue
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Koolie nose be naturally?

Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Koolie coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Red
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Koolies coat?

Koolies are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Koolie Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Koolie?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Koolie have in a litter? How many puppies can a Koolie have in her first litter?

16-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Koolie can have a litter of 16-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Koolie dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Koolie Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Koolies have a lot of health problems?

The Koolie is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Koolie?

Deafness
Congenital Eye Defects

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Koolies?

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Skin Allergies

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Koolie breed?

Skin Evaluation
Eye Examinations
BAER Testing
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Koolie Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Koolies have a lot of energy?

Koolies are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Koolies need socialization? How social are Koolies?

Koolie have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Koolies get?

The Koolie dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Koolie have? Do Koolies sleep a lot?

Koolies dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Koolie drool a lot?

The Koolie is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Koolie could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Koolies tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Koolies exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Koolies mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Koolie running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Koolie dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Koolies enjoy doing? How do I keep my Koolie busy?

Herding

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Koolie? How much energy does a Koolie have?

High

Koolies are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Koolie walk each week? How many miles should a Koolie walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Koolie, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Koolie should exercise a day? How much activity does a Koolie need?

90 minutes

In general most Koolies usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Koolie?

The Koolie is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Koolie?

Weekly

Koolie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Koolies?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Koolie eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 33-53 pound (15 - 24 kg) Koolie feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Koolie Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Koolie is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Koolie Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Koolie is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Koolie Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Koolie?

Koolies has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Koolie is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Koolie dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Koolie dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Koolie do well in apartments? Are Koolies good indoor dogs?

Koolies are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Koolies good with kids? Are Koolies good around children?

Koolies are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Koolies good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Koolies good with cats? How friendly Koolies are toward cats?

Koolies are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Koolie dogs get along with other dogs? Are Koolies OK with other dogs?

Koolies are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Koolie dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Koolies friendly with strangers?

Koolies are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Koolies are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Koolies will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Koolies like to play? Are Koolies playful?

Koolies have an average level of playfulness. The Koolies, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Koolie easily trained?

Koolie dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    Koolies are intelligent and easily trainable, making them a good choice for those looking for a companion that can be trained to perform various tasks.
  • Loyal and affectionate
    Koolies are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners and family members.
  • Good with children
    Koolies are generally good with children and are known for their patient and gentle nature.

Cons

  • High energy level
    Koolies have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Not suitable for apartment living
    Koolies' high energy level and need for regular exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living. They are best suited for a home with a yard where they can run and play.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Koolies are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Prone to certain health problems
    Like many purebred dogs, Koolies may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Koolies may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.