Breed History: 

The Rough Collie is a graceful herding breed that originated in Scotland and Northern England. Bred primarily to herd sheep in the Scottish Highlands, it was later refined in the 19th century, particularly during Queen Victoria’s visits to Balmoral, where she fell in love with the breed and helped popularise it.

The Rough Collie is closely related to the Smooth Collie, differing mainly in coat length. It gained global fame through literature and film, most notably through the character “Lassie,” which cemented its reputation as a devoted and intelligent family dog.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Breed Appearance: 

The Rough Collie is a medium to large, graceful dog known for its long, flowing double coat and gentle expression. They possess an elegant, well-proportioned body, pointed ears, and a tail that reflects their noble nature. Their long, weather-resistant coat, which requires regular grooming, comes in various shades including sable, tricolour, and white. 

Rough Collies have warm, almond-shaped eyes that exude intelligence, kindness, and calm determination. Cherished for their loyalty and natural grace, they excel as devoted companions and vigilant watchdogs, embodying Scotland’s proud canine heritage.

Breed Type - Family/guard: 

Rough Collies are intelligent and gentle dogs known for their loyal nature. They thrive in loving, active households and are excellent with families, offering a balanced mix of companionship and alertness. 

Despite their working heritage, they serve as watchdogs with a keen sense of awareness. Their natural grace and adaptable character make them ideal pets for both suburban and rural living.

Training:

Rough Collies are highly intelligent and eager learners. Training is typically a pleasure, especially when using:

• Positive reinforcement

• Praise and food rewards

• Gentle, consistent guidance

They can be sensitive to harsh tones, so a kind approach works best. Early socialisation helps prevent shyness and ensures confidence in various settings.

Health & Care:

Generally healthy, but may be prone to:

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

• Dermatomyositis (a skin/muscle condition)

• Hip dysplasia

• Sensitivity to certain medications (MDR1 gene mutation)

Regular vet care and genetic testing from reputable breeders are essential for long-term health.

Living Conditions:

Rough Collies are adaptable but do best in homes with yards. They can live in apartments with sufficient exercise, but prefer space to roam and observe their surroundings.

They are best suited to quiet, stable households, though they can adapt to active families if included in daily life. They are sensitive to loud voices or chaos, making them better for calm environments.

Exercise:

Moderate exercise needs:

• Daily walks (30–60 minutes)

• Playtime in a secure yard

• Mental enrichment, like obedience, tricks, or scent games

They enjoy learning tasks and playing gently with children, making them a great match for families looking for a well-rounded companion.

Grooming:

High grooming needs due to long coat:

• Brush 2–3 times weekly, daily during shedding season

• Seasonal coat blows twice a year

• Bathing as needed, typically every 6–8 weeks

• Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care

Though luxurious, the coat resists dirt and doesn’t have a strong odour if maintained.

Advantages:

• Extremely loyal and devoted to family

• Intelligent and quick to train

• Excellent with children and other pets

• Iconic, beautiful appearance

• Gentle temperament and strong emotional awareness

• Good watchdog without being overly aggressive

Disadvantages:

• Heavy shedding and frequent grooming needs

• Sensitive to harsh treatment or loud environments

• Prone to some genetic health issues

• Can be reserved with strangers if not socialized early

• May bark excessively if bored or under-stimulated

• Needs mental stimulation to prevent frustration