McNab vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

McNab vs German Coolie - Breed ComparisonMcNab is originated from United States but German Coolie is originated from Australia. Both McNab and German Coolie are having almost same height. McNab may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than German Coolie. McNab may live 3 years less than German Coolie. Both McNab and German Coolie has almost same litter size. Both McNab and German Coolie requires Low maintenance.

History

mcnab - historyThe attractive McNab dog is also known as the McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. This very lively dog originated in the Mendocino region of Northern California, being specifically bred to withstand tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

The dog is becoming popular outside of California now. A Scottish rancher with the surname McNab left Scotland and arrived in California in the 19th century. He crossed Scottish Border Collies with Shepherd dogs and the ranchers in California started using these dogs for herding livestock.

Today they are still being used as herding dogs in California and other countries. The dog isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. It was in 2014 that a group of McNab Shepherd breeders established the McNab Shepherd Registry so as to work towards the advancement of the McNab Shepherd.

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).

Description

mcnab puppy - descriptionThe McNab Dog is a medium-sized working dog. The appearance of this dog varies quite a bit. For instance you may come across a dog with erect ears or floppy ears or a long tail or one that is naturally bobbed.

When it comes to size, you will find that between the males and females they stand at roughly 40 – 64cm and weigh anything from 14 – 30kg.

Most of these McNabs are black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face. The coat is weather resistant and fairly short and dense. You also get tri-colored McNabs. Eyes are usually a brown or copper color though you might find some with bluish eyes as well.

Temperament:

These are such intelligent dogs so with training and socialization you’ll find he is able to learn easily and quickly. He is a self assured dog, so he will respond well to an owner who is firm and fair, patient, kind and consistent.

He is best suited to life in the country as he needs lots of place to run around. If you don’t live on a farm, take the dog for long walks every day as he requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is a loving family member too, getting along well with kids in the home as well as other pets. He is also a good guard- and watch dog, taking his job as protector of his human family very seriously.

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.

Characteristics

mcnab dog - characteristicsThe McNab makes a splendid pet and is known to be even-tempered, being friendly and tolerant with his entire human family.

He gets on well with children in the home as well as other pets. He has always been a hard working pet and doubles up as being an excellent guard dog too. Those who have had the McNab as a pet say that you couldn’t get a more excellent family canine friend.

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.

Health Problems

mcnab puppies - health problemsThis dog doesn’t really have genetic health issues, but they can suffer with hip dysplasia, a problem that many dogs battle with, whether small or large, young or old.

They can also suffer with epilepsy and an eye disease such as entropion where the lid of the eye is turned inwards. Check its ears and teeth regularly for infections and keep up to date with his vaccinations.

The McNab is a health dog breed so you aren't likely to face any of these common dog health issues.

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

Caring The Pet

Diet:

mcnab dogs - caringYou can feed your McNab dog commercial dry kibble, but then you want to be sure its the best quality one. Buying inferior foods means that you’re getting a whole lot of ingredients in the food that are bad – sugar, salt, preservatives, fillers, colorants etc. Rather go for the best brands that will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Homemade food is also important and foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as cooked or raw vegetables chopped up and added to his dry kibble can make for a delicious, wholesome treat. It will be to his benefit if you can every now and then give him some raw meat as well. Make sure to see that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

McNab Shepherds are very active dogs and they are going to require quite a bit of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are dogs who have been used to herding livestock and he loves this busy life. It is why he wouldn’t be happy living in the city but is better suited to farm life or in a home with a large garden. Long walks and hikes will suit him as well as swimming and joining in every game there is.

Grooming:

The McNab is considered to be a low maintenance dog and grooming the short thick coat will be required twice a week. Always check around the eyes and ears as well as inside the mouth for problems and infections.

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

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Australia
Height Male:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
Height Female:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
16 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Colors Available:
Black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face
Black, Red, merle
Coat:
Short and dense
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  5. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. McNab vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  7. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  8. McNab vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. McNab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  10. McNab vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. McNab vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. McNab vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. McNab vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. McNab vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. McNab vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  20. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. McNab vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  25. McNab vs Kintamani - 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