Rough Collie breed guide: Care, training and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Rough Collies
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
All About Rough Collies: A Majestic and Intelligent Breed
Rough Collies are a remarkable dog breed that originated in Scotland, known for their intelligence, beauty, and gentle temperament. These iconic dogs boast a stunning double coat and a majestic mane of fur around their neck, making them instantly recognisable. With a rich history as skilled herding dogs, Rough Collies have also become cherished family companions due to their loyalty and affectionate nature.
Famously dubbed “Lassie dogs” after the beloved TV star Lassie, Rough Collies continue to captivate hearts worldwide.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Males typically stand 56-61 cm tall, while females range from 51-56 cm. They weigh between 20-29 kg and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years, making them a long-lived and loyal companion.
Rough Collie Temperament: Loyal, Gentle, and Devoted
Rough Collies are renowned for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them exceptional companions and ideal family pets. Highly loyal and devoted, these dogs thrive on forming strong bonds with their owners and are often great with children and other pets when socialised early.
Their natural herding instincts may lead them to "herd" people or objects, a behaviour that can be managed through early socialisation and training. Rough Collies are also naturally watchful and alert, qualities that make them effective and reliable watchdogs. With the right guidance, these intelligent dogs can adapt beautifully to family life and become a cherished part of any household.
Our Rough Collie Community
"Anyone who knows Rough Collies knows they are special! Luna is my shaded sable girl who is as bright as a button. Everyone tells her how pretty she is and how she looks like Lassie. She is so eager to please, loves treats and walks and cuddles."
Luna's owner, Paul from Windsor
"Seb is the most lovely outgoing dog we’ve ever had. He loves his walks along the beach and throughly enjoys the company of his human and four legged friends."
Seb's owner, Paul from Whitby
How Much Exercise Do Rough Collies Need?
Rough Collies are an energetic and intelligent breed that thrives on regular physical activity and mental stimulation. On average, adult Rough Collies require 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, which can include brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or engaging in canine sports like agility or obedience training.
In addition to physical exercise, Rough Collies benefit from mental enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions to keep their sharp minds engaged. For puppies, a general guideline is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, once or twice daily, though this should be tailored to the individual pup. Avoid over-exercising puppies, as their growing bones and joints need protection.
As Rough Collies mature, gradually increase their exercise routine to adult levels, which they typically reach between 12 to 18 months of age. Fun and stimulating activities, combined with balanced exercise, will ensure your Rough Collie stays happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout their life.
Do Rough Collies Need a Lot of Grooming?
Rough Collies are known for their striking double coat, which comes in stunning colours such as blue merle, tri-colour, sable, and white. Their outer coat is long, dense, and straight, while the soft undercoat provides insulation. This luxurious coat does require regular grooming to stay in top condition.
To keep their coat healthy and tangle-free, Rough Collies should be brushed at least once or twice a week using a slicker brush or a comb with medium-to-wide teeth. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and around the neck. During shedding seasons, which occur twice a year, brushing frequency should increase to daily sessions to manage hair loss and maintain coat health.
Grooming isn’t just about the coat—regular tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is essential for your Rough Collie’s oral hygiene. Aim for twice daily if possible, or as often as you can manage. Make grooming sessions enjoyable with positive reinforcement to strengthen your bond and ensure your Collie stays happy and healthy.
Are Rough Collies Easy to Train?
Rough Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easier dog breeds to train. Their sensitive and gentle nature means they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques like praise, treats, and play. With consistent and patient training, Rough Collies quickly pick up commands and develop excellent manners.
This breed excels in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience training, agility, herding trials, and even search and rescue work. Their natural intelligence and willingness to learn make them well-suited for a variety of canine sports. To keep your Rough Collie engaged and prevent boredom or destructive behaviours, combine mental stimulation with physical exercise.
Start training your Rough Collie early to establish good habits and set a foundation for lifelong learning. Use gentle yet engaging methods to hold their attention and maintain their enthusiasm. With the right approach, training your Rough Collie can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
What Do Rough Collies Eat?
Feeding your Rough Collie a balanced and nutritious diet is key to supporting their overall health, energy levels, and well-being. Choose a high-quality dog food tailored to their age, size, and activity level, and consult with your veterinarian or breeder for personalised dietary recommendations.
As puppies, Rough Collies require 3-4 meals a day. By around 6 months of age, reduce their feeding schedule to two meals daily, transitioning to adult food at approximately 12 months, or as advised by your vet or pet food supplier. Adult Rough Collies should continue to have their daily food divided into two meals to support their digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, as Rough Collies are prone to weight gain. Limit excessive treats and opt for healthier snack options when rewarding your dog. Providing the right nutrition will help ensure your Rough Collie thrives and stays active throughout their life.
Are Rough Collies Healthy?
Rough Collies are generally a healthy and robust breed, but like all dogs, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions. Being aware of these potential issues and providing regular veterinary care is crucial to maintaining their well-being.
Common health concerns in Rough Collies include:
- Bleeding Disorders:
- Von Willebrand’s Disease – A condition affecting platelet function, leading to bleeding issues.
- Bones and Joints:
- Hip Dysplasia – A condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not align properly, causing discomfort or mobility issues.
- Eyes:
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) – A hereditary condition that may result in visual impairment or blindness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – Degeneration of the retina that can lead to blindness, often at a young age in Rough Collies.
- Neurological:
- Epilepsy – A neurological disorder that causes seizures or fits.
While this list highlights some common concerns, it is not exhaustive. If you have questions about your Rough Collie’s health or are considering adding one to your family, consult with your veterinarian for tailored advice and regular check-ups. With proper care, Rough Collies can live happy and healthy lives.
Vet top tip
Rough Collies are a smart and active breed that thrives on routine care. Regular brushing not only keeps their stunning coat in top condition but also helps you spot any skin issues or parasites early. Prioritise annual eye exams to monitor for hereditary conditions like Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Combine this with a balanced diet and plenty of mental stimulation to ensure your Rough Collie stays healthy and happy for years to come.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
