Rough Collie

Lassie made her movie debut in 1943, helping to make the Rough Collie one of the best-known dog breeds globally. They truly deserve this fame: these graceful, loving, and devoted pets love to be near their humans. Often referred to as Long Haired Collies, these dogs are gentle and eager learners, always ready to explore the world alongside their owners.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Sable, sable and white, tri-color or blue merle
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
22 to 26 inches
Type
Herding
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
50 to 75 pounds
Family

Personality

The Rough Collie may appear graceful, but it is truly a down-to-earth dog that loves its home. This breed is warm and loving towards almost everyone it meets. Rough Collies form strong connections with their owners and are devoted friends, always eager to join in on whatever their owners are up to.

History

The mane of a Rough Collie exudes a sense of grace, a style influenced by the Victorians. Although the breed's early ancestors may have come with the Romans, it was Queen Victoria and her daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra, who truly cherished Collies. Queen Victoria favored Smooth Collies, while Queen Alexandra had a soft spot for Rough Collies. Her passion helped make the breed well-known, shaping it into the stylish pet we recognize today.

Ideal Owner

People who have Rough Collies should love grooming their dogs as much as they enjoy taking them for walks. It's best if these owners have some experience and live in suburban or country settings with safe, fenced yards. While they make great family pets, they are better suited for homes without young kids or with older children.

Exercise Needs

The Rough Collie is not a high-energy dog, even though it is a large breed. It typically needs around an hour of walking each day, along with some time to run freely and play. They tend to enjoy being involved in whatever their owners or family are doing, so outings to places like restaurants, family hikes, or the local farmers market will keep them entertained and content.

Space Requirements

To help your Rough Collie thrive, provide a spacious home that suits this sizable breed. An ample, fenced yard is perfect, or make sure they have plenty of opportunities for walks. Similar to many people in their 40s, these dogs prefer a calm suburban or rural environment instead of a busy city, as constant sounds can be upsetting for them.

Training

Certain types of Collies are known for their eagerness to learn, but the Rough Collie is different. While they appreciate training and like to engage with their owners, they don’t require constant attention. They are content just to join in on whatever their owner is doing. They grasp basic commands easily and respond well to encouragement.

Grooming

Similar to a rock star from the 80s, the Rough Collie needs regular grooming for its impressive mane. This breed has a tough outer layer of fur and a softer, thicker undercoat. To keep its coat looking neat and clean, daily brushing is necessary, along with more thorough grooming sessions each week to avoid tangles in areas like the elbows, chest, ears, and belly. Sometimes, a professional groomer may be needed to remove extra undercoat fur.

Suitability for Family Life

Rough Collies are great pets for families, but they tend to thrive better in homes with older kids or without kids at all. They can be easily affected by a lot of noise and activity, so having young children around might be overwhelming for them.

Did You know?

Indeed, the most well-known dog in movies was a Rough Collie. The character Lassie was portrayed by a dog named Pal. It seemed that Rough Collies were meant to shine in the spotlight. The very first dog to appear in a film was Blair, also a Rough Collie, owned by British director Cecil Hepworth. Blair made his first appearance in the 1903 film Alice in Wonderland. Then, in 1905, he took the lead in Rescued by Rover.

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Need to Know

Suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys active walks
Minimal drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual