German Coolie vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

German Coolie vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonGerman Coolie is originated from Australia but American Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States. Both German Coolie and American Pit Bull Terrier are having almost same height. German Coolie may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than American Pit Bull Terrier. German Coolie may live 3 years more than American Pit Bull Terrier. German Coolie may have less litter size than American Pit Bull Terrier. Both German Coolie and American Pit Bull Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

german coolie - historyThe German Coolie is misnamed as it is an Australian bred dog and often called the Australian Koolie or Coolie. This Australian breed is more often just called a Coolie. The breed is a typical herding breed and a working dog that needs a job all the time. They have been a favorite of Australians since the late 1800’s when local dogs were bred with British working dogs.

Although all Coolie’s are not the same. Within the breed there is a lot of variation. This is because the Coolie was bred individually for different regions in Australia. In a very different writing the Koolie Club of Australia does not define the Coolie breed on confirmation as all other purebred dogs are defined. Instead the Coolie is defined by ability to work. In light of this most Coolie breeders state that the Coolie is a breed and the variations you see among regions are types within the breed.

As a herding dog, the Coolie brought a lot of skill to the Australian farmers and sheep herders. The Coolie will round up the sheep and bring them back to their enclosure at the shepherd’s command. They are upright, silent, working dogs. Not only do they herd sheep they are important at sheering to “cut out” the sheep or assist in the close quarters of lambing.

In Queensland North and New South Wales, the Coolie is medium boned, tall and agile ready to herd cattle over a long stretch of miles. In the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and the Hunter Valley Region, the Coolie is shorter and thicker in order to be able to get cattle that are lying low out from the gullies and dense bush. The Coolies found in Victoria are the smallest of all.

No matter where they live and work, the Coolie is bred to help the workers there, the farmers, the stockman, and the grazier. All Coolies are adaptable and very agile. They all have a strong willfulness to accomplish what they are asked to do. The ancestors of these various Coolie was the British Collie – a smooth coated, blue merle. This Collie was crossed with the Black and Tan Collie from the Scottish Highlands. It is believed that these are the same Collie breeds that came to Australia to create the Heeler.

The name may come from the German immigrants working in South Australia and unable to pronounce Collie incorrectly they called the dogs German Coolies. There is also a fraction of German breeders who believe that the German Tiger dog was brought to Australia in the 18th century and then when the Collies came they were bred together. Many Coolie breeders have records showing that the breed has been in Australia for at least 160 years. It is also believed that the Border Collie and Kelpie (Blue Heeler) were mixed into the breed at sometime as well.

No bench standard exists for the German Coolie even though there is the Koolie Club of Australia. The mission of the club is to protect, preserve and promote the breed. The Australian Sporting Register was recognizing the Coolies in 2004. They are eligible to participate in the Australian National Kennel Council sanctioned sporting trials. They participate in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria through the individual states sporting register. Here they participate in herding, jumping, obedience, agility and tracking.

Several other recognitions as a herding breed soon followed. The Australian Shepherd Club of America, the American Herding Breed Association, were followed by recognition from others as well. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

american pit bull terrier - historyThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

Description

german coolie puppy - descriptionWith their strong ancestry among the family of collies and herders, the German Coolie shares the look of collies and shepherds. Even though they differ from region to region and there is no actual standard, they are medium sized dogs with blue or brown eyes or even one of each. The ears are folded over on top when relaxed but they are rigid and straight when he is more alert. The nose is either chocolate or red depending on the color of their coat.

They can have either a long, medium or short coat but most owners want the short coat that is smooth as well. The coat can be one color – red/chocolate or black; Bi – red/white or black/white; Tri – solid black or red with white and brown; Tri merle -merle with white and brown; Merle – red merles and blue merles. Regardless of color, the German Coolie has the look of a collie or German Shepherd.

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

german coolie dog - characteristicsYes, they can be very friendly with children is they are socialized and supervised.

Special talents

They have enough stamina to work for 14 hours a day.

Adaptability

They are very adaptable. They can be calm and steady when working a mother and baby lamb and then be able to forcefully move steers, bull, rams or weathers.

Learning ability

The breed is highly intelligent, and their learning ability is excellent because they want to please you.

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

Health Problems

german coolie puppies - health problemsThis is a relatively healthy breed without many genetic disorders found in purebreds due to the 160 years they have spent fairly isolated and allowing natural selection to take its course.

Blindness/Deafness

In Merle dogs there can be deafness and/or blindness. If you breed a solid to a merle you can eliminate that.

Joint Issues

These are not inherited but rather acquired due to the immense amount of jumping and running.

  1. Allergies
  2. Minor skin allergies are possible in some.
  3. Seizures

Rare but it does occur and can be fatal if not treated

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

german coolie dogs - caringBreak meals into 3 a day feeding a high quality dry puppy food designed for dogs of his size. 11/2 to 2 cups per day.

Feeding the adult

Break meals into 2 a day feeding a high quality dry adult food designed for dogs of his size.

Points for Good Health

Traditionally good health. Great energy, intensity and devotion to work and owner.

Games and Exercises

This is an energetic dog that loves to work and needs to work. Regular routine exercise is needed daily. He needs to be stimulated mentally and physically. Find him a job. Make sure he knows what you want him to do. They work well with a human partner in games such as agility, tracking, flyball and herding. They need a large yard and a lot of play time. They are not couch potatoes and would be unhappy if they were stuck in a house or apartment

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Australia
United States
Height Male:
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
16 - 18 Years
8 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Colors Available:
Black, Red, merle
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
Coat:
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  3. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Schnauzer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Bull and Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Bedlington Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Lakeland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Jagdterrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Paul Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Brazilian Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  27. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  28. Queensland Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  29. German Coolie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  31. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Coolie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. German Coolie vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. German Coolie vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  37. German Coolie vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. German Coolie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. German Coolie vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  40. German Coolie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. German Coolie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  42. German Coolie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  43. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. German Coolie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  47. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  48. German Coolie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  49. German Coolie vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds