What makes the Rough Collie Unique?
This loveable and hardworking breed makes an excellent family pet. These dogs are also great choices for households that have farm animals, such as geese or chickens, for them to look after. Rough Collies also excel at many different types of dog sports.
Page Contents
SnapShot
| Size: | Males – 55.8 to 66 cm (22 to 26 inches) Females – 50.8 to 61 cm (20 to 24 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 20 to 34 kg (44 to 75 lb) Females – 15.8 to 29 kg (35 to 64 lb) |
| Origin: | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Life Span: | 14 – 16 Years |
| Colour: | Sable & White, Sable Merle, Tri-color, Sable, Blue Merle, White |
| Litter Size: | 2 to 8 puppies |
Is the Rough Collie Right For You?
The Rough Collie is an active, lithe, strong dog that combines strength, speed and grace. Although these intelligent dogs have high mental and physical exercise needs due to their working background, they are very personable. They also have an excellent sense of direction and are very protective of their family members. This breed is good with both children and other animals. Early socialization will help keep Collies from becoming aloof around strangers and doing so is important because these dogs will want to investigate new people before allowing them amongst their family. It is not a good idea to leave Collies alone for long periods of time because separation anxiety or boredom related destruction can result. This breed can live outside comfortably in places with cool to temperate climates as long as they have access to a warm shelter and plenty of water. However, these dogs enjoy people so much that, unless there is a job for them to do outdoors, they will be much happier inside.
In 5 Words
- Protective
- Gentle
- Loyal
- Friendly
- Active
Characteristics
Learn About the Rough Collie
Description
General Description
Collies tend to be medium sized dogs with refined heads, pointed snouts, and rounded muzzles. Their erect ears are slightly folded at the tips. This breed is well-known for the foxy, intelligent expressions that can be found in their almond shaped eyes. Most Rough Collies have brown eyes but those with merle coloration may have blue eyes. This speedy and agile breed was initially developed as a herding dog and their appearance reflects that fact. As a result, they are able to execute quick turns and move about with ease. These dogs have straight legs and are somewhat longer than they are tall. They are usually lightweight, but lines that were bred to herd cattle tend to be stockier than others. Rough Collies also have lengthy tails that may either swirl or twist upward.
Size
Male Collies tend to average between 45 and 75 pounds (20 and 34 kilograms) in weight and between 22 and 26 inches (56 to 66 centimeters) in height. Females of this same breed typically weigh around 35 to 65 pounds (16 to 29 kilograms) and stand about 21 to 26 inches (51 to 61 centimeters) at the withers.
Coat
Rough Collies have coarse, substantial outer coats and soft, dense undercoats. There are many different color variations in this breed. Red, sable, and black are often base hues that are found on Collies. Tan in combination with either black or red is another common variant. White markings are likewise common in members of this breed. Typical places for white spots include the belly, the chest, the shoulders, the face, and the legs. However, some dogs may have the aforementioned markings in only a few spots or not at all.
Short History of the Collie(Rough)
Originally used for herding sheep in the Scottish Highlands, the Rough Collie is thought to be the product of a cross between the local dogs and Roman breeds that accompanied their masters to the country around 50 BC. These friendly little dogs caught the attention of Queen Victoria in the 1860s during one of her visits to Balmoral Castle. She took some home with her to London and the breed subsequently became popular with the fashionable members of society. At the time, the breed was known as the Scottish Sheepdog.
Rough Collies caught on quickly in both the United Kingdom and America. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as early as 1885. During the 1940s and 1950s, the dogs’ popularity was further increased by the television show Lassie, which featured a Collie as one of the main characters. During the past several years, the American Kennel Club has counted Collies among the top 20 dog breeds.
Temperament
Although these intelligent dogs have high mental and physical exercise needs due to their working background, they are very personable. They also have an excellent sense of direction and are very protective of their family members. This breed is good with both children and other animals. Early socialization will help keep Collies from becoming aloof around strangers and doing so is important because these dogs will want to investigate new people before allowing them amongst their family. It is not a good idea to leave Collies alone for long periods of time because separation anxiety or boredom related destruction can result. This breed can live outside comfortably in places with cool to temperate climates as long as they have access to a warm shelter and plenty of water. However, these dogs enjoy people so much that, unless there is a job for them to do outdoors, they will be much happier inside.
Caring for Your Rough Collie
General Health
This breed is prone to dermatomyositis, nasal solar dermatitis, collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis, arthritis, gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, and allergies. Owners should additionally note that, as a breed, collies are sensitive to certain drugs like anesthesia and ivermectin, which is commonly found in many heartworm medications. These dogs are also known to have reactions to various insecticides. Therefore, it is best to check with the vet and have tests done before applying any sort of products on one’s collie.
Care
Daily
During the fall and spring, Rough Collies undergo a period of heavy shedding. At such times, the dogs must be brushed daily to not only prevent mats but to also keep homes from becoming overwhelmed with fur. Rough Collies also need a daily period of exercise to prevent them from engaging in undesirable behaviors.
Weekly
To keep a Rough Collie’s fur from becoming matted, these dogs should be completely brushed at least once a week. Likewise, cleaning a dog’s teeth on a regular basis is recommended because doing so will help prevent bad breath and the onset of periodontal disease.
Monthly
All dogs will need to be treated with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medication and these products are generally administered once a month.
Grooming & Bathing
Rough Collies can be washed as often as needed, but washing their posteriors and undercarriage twice a month will eliminate the need for regular baths.
Exercise & Training
Collies are sensitive, intelligent animals that want to please their owners. They are quite easy to train and housebreak as a result, but will need to be managed with a gentle hand during the course of their lessons. Their calm demeanor makes them good candidates for apartment life as long as they get enough exercise. While Collies do get along very well with children, these dogs have an innate desire to herd those around them and may nip at people’s heels during the course of play. Owners will have to teach their pets early on that this behavior is not desirable to prevent it from becoming an established habit. Some Rough Collies also have a tendency to bark excessively and others may be prone to bouts of stubbornness.
Rough Collie Picture Gallery
