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Koolie
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
Koolie
Alternative names:
Australian Koolie
German Koolie
German Coolie
Country of origin: Australia
Not currently recognized by
major kennel clubs.
The Koolie is an Australian dog breed; specifically, it is a herding dog
or working dog. Koolies may have existed in Australia since
the 19th Century.
The Koolie is a medium-sized dog of varying coat type, usually with
a merled coat pattern. Koolies are typically slightly longer than tall
and resemble a cross between a Border Collie and an Australian
Cattle Dog, dogs with whom they likely share 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 of the Koolie
The Koolie is thought to be descended from the same Collie types
that were brought to Australia for the kennels of Thomas S. Hall;
some believe that they are the direct descendents of Hall's dogs.
This, if true, would make the Koolie the oldest of Australia's breeds.
The dog was originally referred to as a German Coolie or simply
Coolie; theories vary as to why they were so called. It may be
because German settlers used similar herding dogs, or from the
word coolie used as an ethnic pejorative. To avoid unpleasant
connotations and also so that the breed's Australian origins are
not confused, the Koolie Club of Australia officially changed the
breed name and most enthusiasts use the current spelling,
although the variants are also seen.
The Koolie is currently not recognized by any of the major kennel
clubs, although judges from the ANKC may judge Koolies. In
the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, Koolies
may compete in canine council-sponsored working and dog agility
events by registration on their Sporting Registers. In 2000, the
Koolie Club of Australia was formed to preserve the breed.
Opinion is divided as to whether official recognition would be
good for the breed. As of (2004), no bench standard exists and
none is expected in the near future.
Koolies are much sought after in rural Australia. According to
Geoff Broughton, the current president of the Koolie Club of
Australia, the Koolie will 'head', 'heel', and 'back', literally jump
onto the backs of their charges, to herd them if necessary. Koolies
have a reputation for herding 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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