Australian Collie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

Poodles are said to be older breed which is developed to hunt waterfowl. They have their origin in Germany and developed as a breed in France. Many different arguements are there in their development. One of the arguement says that they are developed as a result of crossing European Water dogs. Egyptian and Roman histories have proof of Poodles in their drawings and statues. They were categorized into three types according to their size and are Miniature, Toy and Standard.

The Koolie, as a breed we know today, originates from Australia. But, before they were breed and imported, they were the mix made of Britain smooth coated blue merle Collie and the Black and Tan Collie from the Highlands of Scotland. The Koolie came to Australia to work as a kennel dog since they are known as the working, farm dog that can adapt to any weather condition. They were bred to be agile and non-aggressive quiet herding dogs, and they have kept most of those good characteristics until today.

Poodles today lives a luxury life but actually they are bred to do work. They are well known for their intelligence and are really water retriever. This is because they show their energy in hunting waterfowl. The name Poodle is said to got from German word "Pudel" which means "splash in the water".

Their hair is trimmed in such a way to make them swim easily. Hair is not trimmed in the joints and organs such that to protect them from cold water. Poodles are well known for their wonderful personality and intelligence. Also they are very obedient and a good companion. They won't be happy if left alone for a long time. Poodles are interested in playing games with people. They perform very well if given a proper training. Good manners should be taught to them as they remember all things they have learned.

Koolie is a medium bred. Their head is small, with a pointy jaw. Ears are pricked, semi-dropped or dropped. Their coat can be smooth or rough, short or medium length, always with the undercoat. The colours can be Red or Blue Merle, solid Red or Black, sometimes with minimal white or cream speckles. They are usually two-coloured or tricoloured, but some of them are actually one-coloured.

Some Koolie have one or two blue, green or yellow eyes. Eye colour is, of course, affected by the gene that creates the coat pattern and eye colour as well.

They are athletic dogs, with fine bone structure but great stamina. Actually, they were breed to be like that – to work hard, be noticeable among the sheep, eat little and be loyal to one person.

Children friendliness

They are good companions and usually likes to spend time with children. Even they are children friendly it is strongly recommended not to leave children alone with them.

Special talents

Poodles are specialist in hunting water birds. They are good in swimming since they are covered with fur water will not easily get into their ears. They are well known for their intelligence like humans.

Adaptability

They are well suited for apartment living but won't be happy if left alone. They will tolerate hot weather better when compared with cold.

Learning ability

They are quick learners and learn good and bad things very quickly. Once they learn, they won't forget it up. Since poodles are so intelligent they are very easy to train.

Around children

Koolie is naturally energetic, playful and affectionate so they are naturally very good to raise with children.

Special talents

They are known as great obedience dog. They are very famous as the tracking dogs.

Some of them are successful as the rescue dogs, therapy dogs or educators for school children.

Adaptability

This is not a type of dog that will be alone in the house, wait for you and then be quiet while you rest. They need a great deal of activity and they are not such great choice for indoor life anyways. The best thing for them would be the large yard, with somebody home most of the time. They are great if raised in a family, with children and active owners. They will be great for a loner at the farm as well since that is in their blood. They need enough place to run, chase, play, rest on the sun and be active as they please. They get affectionate towards their families, but they will be accepting their new home when they are older just fine.

Learning ability

They are very good at learning. Intelligent, yes, but yet very silly and playful to do what is told all the time. They will surprise you with how quickly they will pick up the new trick but not feeling like doing it every time you would like them to. Everything is a play for them, so it would be best if you know how to play, be affectionate and friendly to become a good owner of this breed.

Poodles have more chances for getting eye diseases such as Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Cancer is also seen in them and there are chances of skin problems such as allergies and tumors.

Hair fall

Usually poodles don't shed at all. Excessive shedding is the smptom of allergies in them. When they get other problems shedding accompanies with it. Even an infection may cause hairfall. Ringworm infections and pests should be controlled using appropriate medicines.

If you are careful enough, you will choose your Koolie form patiently chosen breeders, after checking the health history of the pup and the pup’s family. Advisable is to do these things in person and never to buy a Koolie from a pet shop.

Sometimes, pups can be born blind or deaf pups. They have the great chance of joint problems because of their extreme activity. Their need to run, jump and play all the time may result in damage to cartilage and ligaments, especially since they are not aware of their age most of the time.

There is a chance that pup has skin allergies or immune system issues if they are growing on a farm near the chemicals used for plants, so be careful what kind of herbicide you use if you have a Collie.

In some rare cases, they suffer from seizers. If untreated, they can cause death. If you decide to take him to a regular vet check, you will have a happy and playful life together.

Feeding the puppy

Usually puppy eats more food than an adult dog. This is because they need more food to support growth. Actully puppies need two to four times more food than adult. Puppies should eat in such a way that their ribs should not be seen and waist must be visible.

Feeding the adult

Poodles can be fed with proteinous food, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. They love to eat organs such as liver, kidney, brain and chicken breast, turkey and fish. Vegetables such as baby carrots, spinach and peas can be given to them. Make them to eat fruits like raspberries, banana and melon.

Points for Good Health

Dry kibble is not good for their teeth. Even some premium quality foods are not good for their health. Pig's ears are not safe to chew for them. Vaccinations should be made at the right time.

Games and Exercises

Exercises play an important role in their health and even extend their life. Poodles should be made to walk regularly. Exercising must be done to a particular level and they should not be over exercised.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Whether you choose canned food or dry food, treats as biscuits or left-overs, the quantity is the safest way of keeping the balanced diet for your Collie. They like raw meat and raw bones. Make sure not to feed them with cooked bones because they can do more harm than good.

Grooming

Since Koolie coat can be very short with the undercoat or a bit longer with undercoat, bristle brushing every 3 or 4 days will be enough for them. Some of them like the water and some of them don’t and that is perfectly fine since there is no need for a regular bath.

Points for Good Health

Lots of activities and lots of love. They express their love all the time and you can learn a lot from them actually. They like raw bones and from-the-table delicious treats but make sure not to overfeed them.

The best type of activity

Games that need them to be fast and think quickly. Running with them, driving a bike with them (but not on the leash!) would be a great fun for them. Why not leash? They are so playful and happy and they tend to jump and run to the side to chase a butterfly or catch the falling leaf.