Rough Collie
Also known as Collie Rough, Long-haired Collie, Collie
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 61 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 29 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
With its lavish mane, refined wedge-shaped head and gentle gaze, the Rough Collie is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world, made famous by Lassie. Sensitive, loyal and highly intelligent, it is very gentle with children and becomes deeply attached to its family. Once a Scottish sheepdog, today it is mostly a family companion, alert but never aggressive.
History and origins
The Collie descends from the sheepdogs of the Scottish Highlands, used for centuries to herd sheep. Queen Victoria, who kept them at Balmoral, helped make the breed fashionable in the 19th century, when it was refined for the show ring and took on its characteristic long head. The Lassie films, starting in 1943, made it a worldwide star. Recognized by the FCI as standard no. 156 (Collie Rough), it has nearly 600 LOF-registered births a year in France and is distinct from its short-coated cousin, the Smooth Collie.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Dermatomyositis
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Very heavy shedding, high coat care. Coat colors: sable and white (light gold to mahogany), tricolor, blue merle.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Rough Collie FAQ
How big does the Rough Collie get?
The Rough Collie stands 51 to 61 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 29 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Rough Collie shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Rough Collie live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Rough Collie need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Rough Collie good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Rough Collie live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are Collie eye anomaly and drug sensitivity.
