German Coolie vs Basenji - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

German Coolie vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonGerman Coolie is originated from Australia but Basenji is originated from Congo. German Coolie may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Basenji. German Coolie may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Basenji. German Coolie may live 4 years more than Basenji. Both German Coolie and Basenji has almost same litter size. Both German Coolie and Basenji 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).

basenji - historyThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

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.

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

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.

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

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

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

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

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Australia
Congo
Height Male:
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
Height Female:
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
16 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Colors Available:
Black, Red, merle
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
Coat:
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
short
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  3. Queensland Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  4. German Coolie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  6. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Coolie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  8. German Coolie vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  12. German Coolie vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. German Coolie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. German Coolie vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  15. German Coolie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. German Coolie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  17. German Coolie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  18. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. German Coolie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  23. German Coolie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  24. German Coolie vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Basset Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  27. Pharaoh Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  28. Basenji vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Basenji vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Basenji vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  31. Basenji vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  34. Redbone Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  35. Bluetick Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  37. Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  38. Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  39. Santal Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  40. Beagle-Harrier vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  41. English Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  42. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  43. Podenco Canario vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  44. Dunker vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  45. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  46. Chippiparai vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  47. Podenco Andaluz vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  48. Podenco Galego vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  49. English Foxhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds