non-competitive herding tests. Koolies exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in stock dog trials. History The Koolie's ancestors were thought to be the smooth-coated blue merle Collie (imported from Britain in the 19th century) and the Black and Tan Collie from the Highlands of Scotland (black and tan collies are not a breed); but dogs imported by early German settlers are believed to be descended from the "German Tiger", a European herding dog, however DNA evidence is yet to be found support this. DNA testing has found that the Australian Kelpie is the closest known relative. During the industrial era some bloodlines were influenced by Kelpie and Border Collie, as explained by one grazier in Western Australia, "You bred from the good workers which were around and Koolies were not always to be found, so you bred to the next best worker that was and this was either the Kelpie or Border depending on the region you lived and the stock you worked". Many be breeders still out cross both Kelpie and Border Collie lines, which are accepted practices with the Koolie breed registries. In 2000, the Koolie Club of Australia was formed to preserve and promote the Koolie breed. Later the Working Koolie Association & Australian Koolie Association were formed as well. None of these registries actively work towards bench standard recognition, feeling this would only be detrimental to the breeds working future. As of (2013), no bench standard exists. In 2004, the Koolie breed was recognised by the Australian Sporting Registrar, judges from the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) may judge Koolies in all ANKC sanctioned sporting trials. In the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, registered Koolies may compete in, herding, obedience, tracking, jumping, gambles and dog agility events through registration on their State's Sporting Register as members of the Australian Koolie Association or Koolie Club of Australia In May 2006, the Stockdog Committee of the Australian Shepherd Club of America voted to accept the "Koolie/German Coolie" into their list of recognised and accepted herding breeds, admission was granted June 2006. In 2006, the American Herding Breed Association accepted the Australian Koolie onto their list of recognised and accepted breeds. Exports In 2002, the first exportation to America of a registered DNA tested Koolie was orchestrated by members of the Koolie Club of Australia for Ms. Torry Lynn Revels of North Carolina,