German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonGerman Coolie is originated from Australia but Black Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. German Coolie may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Both German Coolie and Black Norwegian Elkhound are having almost same weight. German Coolie may live 3 years more than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Both German Coolie and Black Norwegian Elkhound has same litter size. Both German Coolie and Black Norwegian Elkhound 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).

black norwegian elkhound - historyThe Black Norwegian Elkhound was first bred in Norway in the early part of the 19th century as a smaller version of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. The Black version is a Spitz and is very seldom seen anywhere in world but Norway. He is designed for the same job that the Grey Norwegian Elkhound performed. The difference is that the Black Norwegian is smaller, easier to see in the snow and ice of Norway and smaller than the Grey. It is a hunter, a herder, a guard dog and a watch dog. Because of the temperatures in Norway it was very important to have a hunting dog that was able to deal with the cold, the snow and the heavy fall rains in Norway and Scandinavia. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful and prideful dog. Much more so than the grey, he is independent and strongminded. It is highly intelligent and is one of the most ancient of breeds. He is more durable and more quarrelsome than his cousin the Grey Norwegian Elkhound or the more familiar Swedish Elkhound.

Ancestors of the Black date back to the first days human kind went hunting around 4000-5000BC. There have been skeletons of dogs very much like the Black Norwegian Elkhound found that dated back to that time period. They hunted and guarded for the Vikings and pulled sleds as well. They hunted deer, moose, badger, elk, mountain lions, bears, wolves, lynx, rabbit and reindeer. They are trackers who hold their quarry at bay by barking until the hunter can find them. Today they serve as loved family pets and guard dogs. In a National Emergency the leader of Norway can call up all the privately-owned elkhounds of any kind and assign them to work in a variety of sledding duties. Within the FCI, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is classified as a primitive Nordic hunting dog.

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.

black norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a short compact Spitz with dark eyes and a curly tail. It is the coat that sets this dog apart. It is an all-weather coat suitable for the cold, the snow and the rain of Norway. Ears are pointed and erect while the head is wedged and broad. His head is almost like that of a wolf. Its body is strong and compact. Its coat is coarse, short and double. He has a broad black nose with a straight bridge and with black lips and dark brown oval eyes. His legs and withers are strong boned and powerful with well padded feet to protect it from the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia.

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.

black norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsThis dog was made for families. He loves children and is not a one person dogs. He gets attached to everyone in the family. However, he is smart and stubborn. He loves to join in with whatever the family is doing but he does it to please himself not his owner. He loves, loves, loves to play and has the stamina to do so all day long. He is agile, bold, independent, strong, curious and loyal. His loyalty can be territorial, and he can become protective of his home and his family. This makes him an excellent watchdog until your friends come to visit and he won’t let them in the house. You need a high fence to keep him safe in your own yard and away from strangers and even guests till he gets to know them.He tends to be dominant and aggressive with other dogs. They also have strong hunting instincts.

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

black norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a strong and hardy dog, though he is susceptible to some of the problems many breeds face. These include issues with luxating patella, optical entropion, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The most serious of these is the Fanconi Syndrome which is an abnormal functioning in the tubules of the kidneys. This can be a life-threatening situation.

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

black norwegian elkhound dogs - caringThis is an energetic active dog, or she should be. Feed her high nutritious food twice a day. Do not overfeed.

The most potentially troublesome health issue is Fanconi Syndrome. This kidney disorder can impact the of the body’s absorption of electrolytes, water and nutrients. These nutrients include Sodium, Potassium, Glucose, Phosphate, Amino Acids and Phosphate

The Black Norwegian Elkhound loves to play, and they love to work. Exercise is vital, but it must be one of those two things – play or work. Don’t leave him alone to figure it out for himself or you wont like what this intelligent dog decides to do. She needs a large yard, a long walk daily but jogging with you is even better. Make him heel when on leash or he will think he oversees you. These are roaming dogs who will follow a scent anywhere and ignore your commands for her to come to you. They are better off on a leash unless you are in a dog park or a fenced yard.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is great at all dog athletics, games and sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, herding.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Norway
Height Male:
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
16 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Colors Available:
Black, Red, merle
black
Coat:
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Dense, short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, 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. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Red Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Buhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Schapendoes vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  18. Nenets Herding Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Scotch Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  21. Smooth Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Swedish Lapphund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  24. Swedish Vallhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Thai Bangkaew vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - 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