[introducing the coolie breed]

Eyes can be blue, brown, green, black or grey or a combination of blue and brown. Ears are moderate sized, triangular shaped and usually pricked or semi-pricked. The coat can be short, medium or long which short being far more common and usually the preferred coat type.

The Koolie Club of Australia decided to change the name to Australian Koolie back in 2000 which has prompted the Australian Coolie Council (ACC Inc.) to re-establish the breeds' original name and heritage. The ACC Inc. believe preserving the original name and spelling is crucial to ensuring the breed remains an important part of Australian history.

Their easy-going, fun-loving personality makes the breed a great choice as a companion for a lively family or active individual. Coolies are readily used in sports such as agility and obedience and are also making a name for themselves in television and ‘Pets’ as’ Therapy positions.

The Coolie possess an amazing sense of smell, often able to detect an ill sheep lying hidden in the grass a remarkable distance away. The sheep in need of attention would, if not for the coolies keen sense of smell, easily be missed and evidently die.

Often the dogs of these breeders have never worked or even laid eyes on stock for many generations and over time, the natural working instinct slowly deteriorates.

Coolies are hardy, displaying endurance and enough speed to outrun and head stock when required. They remain alert on the job, ready to spring into action and have the ability to relax when the stock are traveling quietly and are under control.

Coolies are extremely intelligent, take very few lessons to learn and naturally seem to know what to do while thinking for himself. They are generally receptive to commands and can bark and back when instructed. Coolies can adjust to difficult situations and often surprise their master with their intelligence and clever actions.

Coolies display a small to moderate amount of eye, often only lowering their head slightly to observe the stock and position themselves accordingly. Coolies don't often show 'eye' in a very noticeable way but display great concentration and intuition making them capable of anticipating the stocks next move

Coolies generally have very few heath problems. Dogs with predominantly white heads are likely to suffer hearing and sight problems. Sun damage to white skin can also be an issue. Coolies usually live beyond 15 years

Coolies are primarily a working dog with a naturally strong herding instinct. They require plenty of exercise to keep their bodies fit and their minds occupied. Coolies are best suited to a working lifestyle, a sport such as agility, or as a companion for an active family with a big back yard and plenty of energy.

Working coolies need a good quality high protein dry dog biscuit. A supplement of meaty bones ensure healthy teeth and gums and adds variety to the diet.