[forum fragments - editors choice]

1)  "Backing"

The commands I use are "Go By" which I use to cast and direct the dog 'Right', "Out Here" for a 'Left' cast and left direction (also used while 'driving' the sheep from behind). And of course the most important commands, "Here" (Most people use "Come Behind) "Sit" and "Stay" and also "Speak-Up" (Bark), "Push-up" (more force), "Steady" (slow down/back off), "Go back" (used after the cast to send the dog back further or out wider after the direction has been established) and "Get Up" (backing command).

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.

I find too much eye to be a definite fault and have often seen this in my friends Kelpies. They tend to fix their concentration on a single animal in the mob and are oblivious to what the rest of the mob are doing often resulting in the stock getting away.

Posted by Toolalla

3)  "Merle to Merle Breeding"

Apparently mating merle to merle produces white, deaf, and/or blind pups. I'm well aware that deaf and blind coolies is definitely an issue that needs addressing but I'm doubtful that merle to merle breeding is the cause.

We've been breeding merle to merle for more than 30 years and can proudly say we haven't bred a white, deaf or blind pup in well over 6 years. We know of many breeders who also prove successful merle to merle breeding is in fact attainable with nothing but positive results.

I'm even aware of solid to merle breeders producing white and potentially deaf or blind pups and I'm also now aware of breeders who with all the recent merle to merle publicity, would rather be burnt at the stake than admit they breed merle to merle.

As a long time breeder who has, over the years, bred to perfect the coolie breed, it's quite alarming to hear all the 'new rules' regarding breeding. It seems that at the moment, I'm about as popular as Satan but it's hard to take a relatively new science to heart and change what we know to be a successful breeding program because someone, who has had little to do with coolies says so.

All the newly discovered genetics issues that I'm familiar with have undertaken years of trials and field tests. I'm yet to see those regarding the coolie. When there is some real concrete evidence of problems associated with merle to merle breeding I'll definitely take notice but I truly believe that the proof is in our breeding success rate. I think that says much more.

We've taken every precaution to ensure the coolies we breed are true coolies with no genetic defects. We breed and sell from only proven, quality working coolies with bloodlines extending back over 30 years. We're yet to receive a customer complaint which we're only too happy to address if or when it occurs.

We believe that, to be set aside from other breeds and really make a name for themselves, coolies need to set their own standards as an independent breed. Coolies shouldn't resemble a Collie or Kelpie, nor a Cattle Dog or Labrador. The Coolie needs to be more defined as a breed!

The coolie clubs stress that their main objective is to promote the coolie breed as a whole but I'm yet to see that demonstrated. I believe that coolie breeders should be less competitive and stick together and be much more supportive if the coolie is to succeed in being recognized as an independent breed.

I'm only too happy to advertise and promote other coolie breeders, especially those who don't have a website or even own a computer.

When we consider purchasing a coolie, we're more inclined to buy from the lesser known breeder, usually an old farmer who has been working and breeding coolies for many decades and is only too familiar with the coolies intelligence and working ability.

I know a lot of people disagree with my view and of course I respect that. I'd love to hear all opinions regarding this subject...especially those who can report positive or negative results from breeding merle to merle.

Posted by Toolalla