Collie (Rough)
Initially used as sheepdogs in Scotland, Rough Collies have charming and sensitive personalities. These dogs have long furry coats, making them a beautiful breed to behold.
● Key Characteristics Of Collies
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Collies Puppy?
● Most Asked Collies Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds
Initially used as sheepdogs in Scotland, Rough Collies have charming and sensitive personalities. These dogs have long furry coats, making them a beautiful breed to behold.
Throughout history, the precise origins of the Collie has been a subject of debate.
Comte de Buffon, a French naturalist, believed that Collies were among the oldest dog breeds. But, scientists have not been able to prove this fact to date.
What is certain is that they originated from Scottish and Northern England highlands. At the time, they were used for one core purpose: herding and driving sheep.
For many years, Collies relentlessly served their masters by gathering and guiding sheep. These tasks they were subjected to, helped develop their working capabilities and intelligence.
But despite their role as sheepdogs, the Collies were not a very popular species. If it weren’t for the fancy of Queen Victoria, the Rough Collie would never have gained the popularity it has today. Queen Victoria first spotted the breed as she was exploring Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
She quickly fell in love with it and took a few pups back to England. Soon after, many other people became interested in the Rough Collie. Some Collie fanciers standardised the breed and turned it into a show dog.
Currently, these dogs are used for a variety of tasks. These include: search and rescue operations and assistance dogs for the disabled. They also make excellent therapy dogs and family companions.
| Are Collies Family-Friendly? | They love people, but they’re best suited for families with older children. |
| Daily Exercise Needs? | 45 - 60 minutes of exercise every day. |
| Common Health Issues & Considerations | Health problems in Rough Collies include: ● Skin conditions. ● Cataracts. ● Central progressive retinal atrophy. ● Congenital deafness. |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years. |
| Nature / Temperament | Loving, loyal, alert and very vocal. |
| Size | Weight: Male: 27 - 34 kg Female: 23 - 29 kg Height: Male: 56 - 61 cm Female: 51 - 56 cm |
| Suitable Environment | Any home that has a yard. |
| Grooming | Brush their coats daily. |
● As sheepdogs, the Collies’ first instincts are to herd anything they come across. Thus, they might not be the best fit for families with younger kids.
● Pups aged between 6 and 8 weeks should be taken for eye checkups. The reason for this is that Collies are prone to Collie Eye Anomaly. This is a hereditary condition that affects their retina, choroid and sclera.
● If they’re left idle, they like to expend their energy by going for very long walks.
Rough-coated Collies fare well on high-quality dog food. These foods should be rich in proteins with small to zero amounts of grains and additives. Dog foods that list beef, chicken or salmon as the main ingredients are the most recommended.
Another point to keep in mind is that they often suffer from skin and eye conditions. Therefore, you should look for foods tailored to improve their skin and eye health.
The smooth-coated Collies have short, sleek fur. But the Rough-coated ones have long, coarse fur. As such, they need more grooming than their smooth-haired counterparts. Brush them every second day to reduce shedding and tangling.
The good thing is, you don’t have to groom them for hours. A 10-minute session is enough to keep their coats in good condition. Also, pay extra attention to the area behind their ears as well as their front and hind legs. The hair around these regions tends to twist and tangle.
● Wipe the inside of their ears with a dampened cloth.
● Bathe them as required.
● Inspect their feet regularly for injuries.
● If their nails are too long, trim them.
Rough Collies are no longer kept for herding purposes. Still, this doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be exercised.
Good news is: they make superb candidates for dog sports. With their quick comprehension and mobility, they’re well-suited for agility and obedience training.
If they’re still not getting enough workout, consider other forms of exercising. You can enroll them to be trained as rescue, guide or guard dogs.
Collies are some of the smartest canine breed. This means that they’re also easier to train than other pups. For the best results, devote enough time to training them. Also, be patient and use a positive reinforcement approach.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
They’re a little bit of both. Generally, these dogs love being around their families.
Thanks to their double coats, Collies can tolerate outdoor weather conditions nicely. They’re also fun to live with indoors. They neither have the unpleasant doggy smell nor destructive behaviour.
The cost of this breed differs significantly. On average, Collie puppy for sale cost from $1000 – $2,000.
As with any dog, Collies should be given scheduled vaccinations. they should also be taken for a physical exam at least once per year.
Keep in mind that Collies are allergic to certain drugs. These allergies are brought about by a mutant gene known as MDR-1. Thankfully, you can determine whether your pup has this gene through a DNA test.