Description: Rough Collie
The Rough Collie, also known simply as the Collie, is a large, elegant breed known for its fluffy double coat and dignified demeanor. Originating from Scotland, this breed was primarily used for herding and gained fame through the Lassie films, showcasing its loyalty and intelligence. Rough Collies possess a striking appearance with a mane-like ruff around the neck and a long, expressive face. They have a gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent family pets. Highly trainable and very intelligent, they thrive in environments where they can engage both physically and mentally. This breed’s calm and affectionate temperament also makes it a great companion for children.
Rough Collie ratings
Properties
The Rough Collie, once known as the Scottish Collie, is a breed deeply embedded in Western culture, famously epitomized by the beloved fictional character, Lassie. This breed is as intelligent as it is striking, with a luxurious double coat and a poised, graceful stance. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Rough Collies make both excellent family pets and diligent working dogs.
Originating from Scotland, where they were used primarily for herding and guarding, Rough Collies were bred for endurance, intelligence, and obedience. These traits have translated well into family life, making them excellent companions. They are particularly good with children, to whom they are gentle and protective, and they are often used as therapy dogs due to their empathetic nature.
The Rough Collie generally stands between 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and typically weighs from 50 to 75 pounds. Their distinctive coat, which can be found in colors like sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white, requires regular grooming to maintain its condition and to control shedding. The coat not only serves as a stunning physical attribute but is also functional, offering protection from harsh weather.
While they are less active than some other herding breeds, Rough Collies still require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks or play sessions, and their intelligence makes them fantastic candidates for obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise, as the breed is known for its quick learning capability and problem-solving skills.
Despite their many positives, Rough Collies can be prone to certain genetic health issues such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), hip dysplasia, and dermatomyositis. Prospective owners should ensure that they obtain their pets from reputable breeders who perform necessary health checks on their breeding animals.
With their elegant appearance, friendly disposition, and high intelligence, Rough Collies are cherished not only as functional herding dogs but also as loving companions. Their well-rounded temperament and abilities make them a favorite choice for both families looking for a pet and individuals needing a capable working dog.
Appearance
The Rough Collie, also known simply as the Collie, is a distinguishable and majestic herding breed known for its unique appearance and gentle demeanor. This breed features a dignified and intelligent expression accentuated by its almond-shaped, dark eyes that give a glimpse into its friendly and alert nature.
The most striking feature of the Rough Collie is its lush, full coat which requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty and health. The coat is dense and straight with a harsh texture, designed to protect the dog from harsh weather. The mane and frill around the neck are particularly abundant, adding to its regal appearance. The Rough Collie's coat comes in several colors, the most common being sable and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan), and blue merle. Each of these provides the Collie with a gorgeous, eye-catching look.
The body of the Rough Collie is slightly longer than it is tall, contributing to a balanced and agile physique well-suited for their original herding tasks. The breed exhibits a smooth, flowing gait that portrays its inherent grace and agility. Its tail is moderately long, carried low with a slight upward swirl at the end, which is particularly noticeable when the dog is excited or in motion.
The head of the Rough Collie is one of its most distinctive features, with a blunted, wedge-shaped appearance that tapers smoothly to a well-rounded muzzle. The ears are also characteristic: semi-erect with a fold at the top, lending an attentive and intelligent appearance. This attribute, combined with their expressive eyes, creates an amiable expression that reflects the breed’s friendly nature.
Despite their elegant appearance, Rough Collies are hardy and active dogs. They are well suited to various activities beyond their traditional herding roles, including obedience, agility, and companion animal roles. Their appearance not only reflects their physical capabilities but also their gentle, affectionate disposition, making them a beloved breed for families and individuals alike.
History
The Rough Collie, an iconic breed known for its striking appearance and profound intelligence, has a rich history that underscores its standing as a beloved companion and working dog. Originating from the highlands of Scotland and Northern England, the Rough Collie was originally bred as a herding dog, skilled in managing flocks of sheep and other livestock. This breed's lineage can be traced back to the 18th century where these dogs were prized for their ability to herd while being gentle with the animals.
The evolution of the Rough Collie from a working dog to a household name began in the 19th century when Queen Victoria, during a visit to Scotland, was captivated by the breed’s beauty and temperament. Her enthusiasm for the Rough Collie spurred its popularity among the noble classes and eventually spread beyond. By the latter part of the 19th century, the breed began to appear in dog shows, with the first standards being set and the breed's appearance starting to be refined to the aesthetic we recognize today.
The breed's notoriety was significantly bolstered by literature and film. One of the most influential factors in the Rough Collie's rise to fame was the publication of Albert Payson Terhune's book, 'Lad: A Dog' in 1919, and later, the Lassie novels written by Eric Knight in 1940. The character of Lassie was portrayed as a heroic and loyal collie, which led to a series of movies and television shows further embedding the breed in popular culture and securing its status as a family favorite.
In the 20th century, breeders in both Britain and the United States continued to refine the breed's qualities, enhancing their lush coat and distinctive features like the wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes. These efforts were aimed not only at improving physical qualities but also at maintaining the Rough Collie’s renowned disposition. Known for being highly trainable, intelligent, and good-natured, the breed is also celebrated for its sensitivity and ability to anticipate the needs of its owners.
Today, the Rough Collie is admired not only for its utility as a herding dog but also for its role as a companion animal. Its elegant appearance, paired with an unwavering loyalty and gentle temperament, makes the Rough Collie a cherished breed across the globe. While they remain capable working dogs, many Rough Collies now find homes as loving family pets, therapy dogs, and participants in canine sports such as agility and obedience competitions.