German Coolie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

German Coolie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed ComparisonCao da Serra de Aires is originated from Portugal but German Coolie is originated from Australia. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and German Coolie are having almost same height. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and German Coolie are having almost same weight. Cao da Serra de Aires may live 4 years less than German Coolie. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and German Coolie has same litter size. Cao da Serra de Aires requires Moderate Maintenance. But German Coolie requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Portugal
Australia
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
40 - 60 cm
15 - 24 inches
Height Female:
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
38 - 58 cm
14 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
15 - 24 kg
33 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 27 kg
33 - 60 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
16 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog
Australian Koolie - German Koolie - Coulie - German Collie
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow and black
Black, Red, merle
Coat:
Long, shaggy, single-layer coat,
smooth and comes in short or medium lengths
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao da serra de airesAncestors of the Cao da Sera de Aires were used for herding livestock in the Serra de Aires and Alentejo, Portugal. This herding dog is native to Portugal and throughout the 20th Century he was kept as a working dog.

Known also as the Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog or Serra de Aires Mountain Dog, there are some questions surrounding the breed's ancestry as there are few records of dogs before 1900. The dog is thought to be related to the Pyrenean and Catalan Sheepdogs and that it has descended from Briards which were imported into Portugal and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog.

The Cão da Serra de Aires breed standard was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and the breed was recognized internationally in 1996. The dog was also recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group in 2006.

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).

Description

cao da serra de aires puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Cão da Serra de Aires is a medium-sized dog. He stands at 45 to 55 cm at the withers and weighs about 17 to 27 kg. He is recognizable by the long, shaggy, single-layer coat, of straight or slightly wavy hair. Don’t be deceived by the coat as below, the dog has a muscular, athletic body.

The coat comes in different shades such as fawn, gray, yellow and black. The dog has a long tail which is held straight out or down and he has medium-length, floppy ears. You’ve got to look hard, as the facial features of the dog are hidden by its shaggy coat. He has a lot of facial hair that sometimes you have to wonder if he can see out of his eyes.

Temperament:

The Cao da Serra de Aires is a wonderful canine companion and is devoted and loyal, forming strong bonds with their human family. He is a playful, amicable dog and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He is intelligent and trainable, and when properly trained and socialized,he becomes an even nicer pet to have around and is obedient to his master’s voice. He is territorial, strong willed and dominant and makes a good watchdog too.

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

cao da serra de aires dog - characteristicsThe Cão da Serra de Aires is such a loyal dog to his human family that he makes a splendid pet. He is active, having worked historically at herding and guarding.

Socialization and obedience training ensure that he becomes an exceptional pet and he has a host of positive attributes to his name – he is intelligent, energetic, loyal and loving. He may have been used long ago to guard livestock, but today he is selected as a pet specifically for his excellent companionship and for his protective nature.

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

cao da serra de aires puppies - health problemsAs with most dogs that are looked after well, their health can be good. The Cao da Serra de Aires isn’t likely to keep you at the vet often. Just like with any good dog, there are some health disorders that can benefit you to know about.

Being forewarned , you can get your pet to the vet quickly before the illness gets out of hand.

There are some pet owners who want to have their pets tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation to rule out health defects such as hip dysplasia and cataracts before they manifest themselves in their pets. This is of particular importance to breeders so as to prevent the parent dogs passing bad genetic conditions to the puppies.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common skeletal disease where the dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. It can be terribly painful for your pet to get around. It’s a genetic condition and while it is more prevalent in big dogs, any breeds are susceptible.

Your dog will battle along with painful joints and sometimes his hind-end will be lame. You’ll notice that once lying down, he battles to get up again. Fortunately vets are well acquainted with this ailment and they have different options to treat and manage it.

Cataracts:

Cataracts in your dog come about from a disease process which affects the lens of the eye. The eye loses its transparency and impairs vision. There are some instances where cataracts can cause blindness. You’ll see a whitish gray area in your pets eye. The most common cause of cataracts is genetics. Get your pet to the vet who will do certain tests to evaluate the eyes and make a recommendation.

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

cao da serra de aires dogs - caringAs a working dog used to long hours of action, the Cao da Serra de Aires will need lots of activity. He’ll need you taking him for long walks and playing ball games with him. He can become frustrated and destructive when left without any physical stimulation.

Grooming

The Cao da Serra de Aires may have long hair but he isn’t high maintenance. He won’t require professional grooming, but will require a good brush a least twice a week. This is because the long coat can tangle.

To keep him looking his best, you’ll want to be trimming the hair around his paws. Another important grooming task is checking his ears and cleaning them. You have to be careful about cleaning your pet ears if you don’t know how, as it could damage the ears. Your vet can always advise you on how this is done.

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

Comparison with other breeds

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