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Koolie Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Koolie so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank329
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Koolie dog profile picture
OriginAustralia flagAustralia
Other Names
What other names does the Koolie have?
German CoolieGerman KoolieAustralian Koolie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Koolie Size and Weight

Size
Is a Koolie small, medium or large dog?

How big do Koolie get?

What is the average size of a Koolie?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Koolie weigh? How much should a Koolie weight? What is the normal weight of a Koolie? How much does a full-grown Koolie weight?
33-53 pounds (15-24 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Koolie?
43 pounds (19.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Koolie? Koolie height:
13-23 inches (34-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Koolie?
18 inches (47 cm)

Koolie Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Koolie puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Koolie in the United States? How much money is a Koolie?

Where to buy a Koolie with a good pedigree?

$400-$600
If you choose to purchase the Koolie, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Koolie for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Koolie gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Koolie? How many Koolie are there in the world?
Average: The Koolie is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Koolie Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Koolie? Is the Koolie breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Koolie ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Koolie dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Koolie?
Koolie dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Koolie good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Koolie dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Koolie dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Koolie dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Koolie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Koolie can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Koolie will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Koolie Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Koolie have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentAffectionateDominantDedicatedTemperateDiligent
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Koolie sensitivity:
Sensitive: Koolie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Koolie a good family dog?
High: Koolie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the German Coolie need? Koolie social needs:
Koolie dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Koolie to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Koolie roam?
Koolie dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Koolie have high prey drive?
Koolie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Koolie Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Koolies, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Koolie dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my German Coolie bark?
Average: The Koolie barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Koolie good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Koolie in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Koolie indoors.

Koolie Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Koolie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Koolie be left alone? How long can you leave a Koolie alone?
Koolie dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Koolie Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Koolie has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Koolie? How much bite force does a Koolie have? How strong is a Koolie bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Koolie bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Koolie measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Koolie is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Koolie bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Koolie bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Koolie puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Koolie, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Koolie bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Koolie can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Koolie bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the German Coolie? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Koolie? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Koolie has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Koolie do?
Koolie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Koolie dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Koolie Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Koolie dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Koolie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Koolie breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Koolie breed? Most common health risks of Koolie:
BlindnessDeafness
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Koolie breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Koolie see the vet?
Average
The Koolie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Koolie dogs live? How old can a Koolie be? What is the age limit of the Koolie? How many years can the oldest Koolie live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Koolie?

How long is the lifespan of a Koolie?

16-18 years
The average lifespan of Koolie: 17 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.

Koolie Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Koolie have? What is the activity level of the Koolie?
Koolie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Koolie need? How much exercise do Koolie dogs require per day?

Do Koolie dogs need a lot of exercises?

Koolie dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Koolie breed need?
Koolie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Koolie Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Koolie need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Koolie breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Koolie? How much food should I feed my Koolie?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Koolie risk for obesity:
Average: The Koolie has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Koolie weight regularly.

Koolie Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Koolie have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
RoughSmoothDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Koolie coats?
Black Red Blue Tricolor Chocolate Merle
Grooming
How to groom the Koolie and how often? How often should I take my Koolie to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Koolie doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Koolie is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Koolie dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the German Coolie? Do Koolie dogs shed a lot?
Koolie dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Koolie need a bath? How often should you give a Koolie a bath? Can I bathe my Koolie every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Koolie breed hypoallergenic?
No
Koolie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Koolie has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Koolie drool?
The Koolie is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Koolie could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Koolie.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Koolie Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Koolie dogs get along with other pets? Are Koolie dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Koolie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Koolie temperament with other people:
Koolie dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Koolie dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Koolie temperament with children:
Koolie dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Koolie dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Koolie breed live with a cat?
Koolie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Koolie good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Koolie dogs get along with other dogs?
Koolie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Koolie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Koolie breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Koolie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Koolie dogs good office canines? Do Koolie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Koolie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Koolie dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the German Coolie temperament with senior people? Are Koolie dogs good for elderly owners?
Koolies are usually recommended for elderly people.

Koolie As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Koolie be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Koolie is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Koolie be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Koolie be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Koolie is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Koolie be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Koolie is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Koolie be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Koolie is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Koolie be a boat dog?

Not really

Koolie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Koolie be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Koolie is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Koolie dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Koolie Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Koolie pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Koolie breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Koolie: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Koolie have in a litter? How many puppies can the Koolie breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Koolie have? How many puppies can a Koolie give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Koolie Recognition

AKC Group
Is Koolie recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Koolie recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Koolie breed?
America's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Australian National Kennel Council

Koolie Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Koolie doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Koolie is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Koolie dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Koolie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Koolie dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Koolies are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Koolie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Koolie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Koolie dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Koolie is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Koolie History

The Koolie is an ancient breed that traces its origins back to the days of the Roman Empire. There are written accounts of these dogs being brought home by soldiers who had traveled to Turkey and Greece, where they were used for herding sheep. This was a big change from their original purpose as guard dogs for shepherds in Australia, where they were originally found.

The Koolie was brought to Australia in the 1800s by Scottish and English settlers. They were used to herd cattle and sheep, as well as protect them from predators. The breed was eventually recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1966. Today, they are still used for herding livestock but have also become popular pets.

The Koolie is a medium-sized dog that has an athletic body. They are known for being strong, yet agile dogs with well-developed muscles and sturdy legs. Their coats can be either short or long-haired, but both have thick undercoats to protect them from the harsh Australian climate.

Koolies are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs that make wonderful family pets when socialized from a young age. They can get along well with children if raised around them but should be supervised to protect smaller members of the household such as cats or rodents (for hunting purposes). This breed is also good for first-time dog owners as they are relatively easy to train and don't require a lot of exercises.

If you're looking for a versatile, family-friendly pet that is great with kids and other animals, the Koolie may be the perfect breed for you! For more information on this ancient Australian herding dog, visit your local animal shelter or speak to one of our expert trainers at any of our Koolie Dog Breed locations.

We hope this blog post on the history and origin of the Koolie has been helpful! Please feel free to share it with your friends by clicking the social media buttons below. Thanks for reading!

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