Wheaten Terrier vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison

Wheaten Terrier vs German Coolie - Breed ComparisonGerman Coolie is originated from Australia but Wheaten Terrier is originated from Ireland. German Coolie may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Wheaten Terrier. Both German Coolie and Wheaten Terrier are having almost same weight. German Coolie may live 6 years more than Wheaten Terrier. Both German Coolie and Wheaten Terrier has almost same litter size. German Coolie requires Low Maintenance. But Wheaten Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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Australia
Ireland
Height Male:
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
16 - 18 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
The Wheaten
Colors Available:
Black, Red, merle
Wheaten, gingery
Coat:
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Soft single coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

german coolieThe 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).

The Wheaten Terrier hails from Ireland, some 200 years ago.

wheaten terrierThe dog was bred to be a useful dog to have around the farm. He was needed to help with the guarding and herding of livestock and to keep the rat population down.

This little dog has a long history, but in spite of this, he wasn’t recognized as a breed in his home country by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937.

It was in 1943 that the Wheaten was recognized by the British Kennel Club. They were exported to the United States in the 1940s and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.

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.

wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten Terrier is a robustly built, medium-sized dog with males and females standing at between 43 to 50cm in height and weighing between 13 to 20kg.

The soft, single coat is a silky texture and a wheaten, gingery color. A bonus is that the coat doesn’t shed much. Puppies are born with darkish coats of a reddish-brown color but the coat lightens significantly as the puppy grows older.

Most Wheaten Terrier owners opt to have the dog professionally groomed. Their tails have always been docked.

Temperament:

Your Wheaten Terrier is a smart dog, albeit headstrong and stubborn. His intelligence makes it easy to have him trained.

They love their human family and aren’t known for any aggression issues. They’re energetic, playful dogs and are sometimes even looked upon as being hyperactive. They’re able to get along well with other dogs and cats in the house. They generally make great family pets.

These dogs are well suited to life in the city as well as the countryside just so long as he gets his daily walks and other forms of exercise.

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.

wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wheaten Terrier is such a bouncy, lively little dog that he brings joy into any home.

He is energetic, playful and full of the joys of living but you don’t want to take advantage of his good nature.

Don’t leave him stuck in your back yard but include him in all your family activities. He’s your best friend, providing you with unconditional love that few humans can equal.

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

wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsYour Wheaten Terrier is a dog breed that can live healthily with you for a good number of years.

Just like most other dogs, they are prone to some heritable diseases. Perhaps a condition to look out for with this particular dog is protein wasting conditions - protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE).

Both of these diseases are actually fatal but if caught early enough, they can be managed with dietary changes and medication.

Your dog produces proteins known as enzymes, one group being digestive enzymes that help with the breakdown and digestion of food. When your pet battles with malabsorption, digestive enzymes don’t absorb protein and it passes through the large intestine into the faeces. Your dog will have inflammatory bowel disease.

Dogs with PLE for instance, will have vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss.

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

wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s coat twice a week to keep it healthy and have him professionally trimmed to keep him looking nice and groomed.

Dental disease is a common problem with dogs, and more specifically small dogs. Dental problems start with tartar build-up on the teeth and then infection of the gums and roots can set in too. The teeth have to be kept in good condition as rotten teeth can have a negative impact on other important body parts like the heart and kidneys.

Have your pet vaccinated against bacterial and viral infections such as rabies and parvo.

Speak to your vet about the many worms and other parasites that can invade your pet’s body.

Have your Wheaten spayed or neutered if you want to avoid unwanted puppies.

Provide your Wheaten with the best food there is to encourage good health and longevity. Keep his meals simple and consistent and always go for high-quality foods that are in keeping with your dog’s age, Kibble as well as home-made food are good choices. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Provide your Wheaten Terrier with good exercise. Remember though that these dogs are sensitive to warm temperatures, and you don’t want to have him exercising in hot weather because of the fear of heat stress.

Comparison with other breeds

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  3. Wheaten Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Wheaten Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Wheaten Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Wheaten Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Wheaten Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Wheaten Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Wheaten Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Wheaten Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Wheaten Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Wheaten Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Wheaten Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Wheaten Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Wheaten Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Wheaten Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Wheaten Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Wheaten Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Wheaten Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  25. Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. German Coolie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. German Coolie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. German Coolie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. German Coolie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. German Coolie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. German Coolie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Coolie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. German Coolie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. German Coolie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. German Coolie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. German Coolie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. German Coolie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. German Coolie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. German Coolie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. German Coolie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. German Coolie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. German Coolie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. German Coolie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. German Coolie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. German Coolie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. German Coolie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. German Coolie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. German Coolie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. German Coolie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison