Portuguese Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but German Coolie is originated from Australia. Both Portuguese Water Dog and German Coolie are having almost same height. Both Portuguese Water Dog and German Coolie are having almost same weight. Portuguese Water Dog may live 3 years less than German Coolie. Both Portuguese Water Dog and German Coolie has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Water Dog and German Coolie requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese water dog - historyThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

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

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

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

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

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

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

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

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

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:
Portugal
Australia
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
16 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Black, Red, merle
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds