Box Heeler vs. Koolie: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Box Heelers or Koolies hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Box Heeler nor Koolie are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Box Heeler and Koolie dogs?

Active
Playful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Loyal
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Hard working
Resourceful

Dominant
Dedicated
Temperate
Diligent
Intelligent
Affectionate

Shedding Level

Do Box Heelers shed more than Koolies, or which breed sheds more, Box Heelers or Koolies?

3 / 5

Box Heeler or Koolie dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Box Heeler or Koolie. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Box Heeler and Koolie breeds?

Blue Heeler and Boxer

Collie-type Herding Dog, Dingo

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Box Heeler and Koolie?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

America's Pet Registry
Australian National Kennel Council
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Box Heeler and Koolie breeds first developed?

Unknown

1800s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Box Heeler and Koolie dogs?

Brown

Blue
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Box Heeler and Koolie?

Black

Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Box Heeler and Koolie breeds?

Brindle
Blue

Black
Brown
Red
Blue

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Box Heeler and Koolie breeds?

2 / 5

Box Heelers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

1 / 5

Koolies have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Box Heeler and Koolie?

5 / 5

2 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Box Heeler and Koolie?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Box Heeler and Koolie?

A Box Heeler can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Koolie can have a litter of 16-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

4 / 5

The adaptability of Box Heeler and Koolie dogs is a well-known trait. They are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Box Heeler and Koolie, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

Box Heelers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

3 / 5

While the Koolie breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Box Heeler and Koolie breeds?

Usually Very Healthy

Deafness
Congenital Eye Defects

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Box Heeler and Koolie?

Eye Problems
Gastric Dilation Volvulus

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Skin Allergies

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Box Heeler and Koolie breeds?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Skin Evaluation
Eye Examinations
BAER Testing
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Social Needs

Box Heeler vs Koolie social needs comparison

4 / 5

Box Heeler and Koolie have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Box Heeler or Koolie?

1 / 5

Box Heelers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

2 / 5

Koolies sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Box Heeler vs Koolie?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Box Heeler vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Box Heeler or Koolie - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Box Heeler and Koolie entertained?

Chase, Catch treats, Car rides, Walk, Run, Tug-of-war, Playdate, Chase tail, Eating, Play fetch, Cuddling, Take on walks, Hanging out, Chewing antlers, Daily walks, Jeep rides, Dog Parks, Fetch, Hike, Swim, Cuddle, Shake, Hiking, Running, Swimming, Sleeping, Keep away, Fetching, Go Camping, Cuddles

Herding

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Box Heelers or Koolies?

Box Heelers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Koolies are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Box Heeler or Koolie walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Box Heeler, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Koolie, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Box Heelers or Koolies require more exercise?

In general most Box Heelers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Koolies usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Box Heelers or Koolies?

1 / 5

The Box Heeler is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

2 / 5

The Koolie has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Box Heeler and Koolie dogs?

Box Heeler and Koolie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Box Heelers and Koolies?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Box Heeler or Koolie in cups?

For an average 35-80 pound (16 - 36 kg) Box Heeler feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 33-53 pound (15 - 24 kg) Koolie feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Box Heeler or Koolie?

The average cost of a Box Heeler is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Koolie is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Box Heeler or Koolie?

The average per month expenses of a Box Heeler is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Koolie is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Box Heeler and Koolie compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Box Heeler or Koolie?

3 / 5

Box Heelers and Koolies are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Do Box Heelers or Koolies have a friendlier temperament towards children?

3 / 5

Box Heelers have an average level of friendliness towards children.

4 / 5

Koolies are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Box Heeler or Koolie?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Box Heeler or Koolie breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Box Heelers and Koolies are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Box Heeler or Koolie?

2 / 5

Box Heelers are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

3 / 5

Koolies are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Box Heeler or Koolie dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Box Heeler or Koolie?

3 / 5

Box Heelers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

2 / 5

Koolies are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Box Heeler and Koolie?

5 / 5

Box Heelers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

3 / 5

Koolies have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Box Heelers and Koolies compare?

4 / 5

Box Heelers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

3 / 5

Koolies are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.