Rough Collie Breed Guide

Dec 11, 2024

Meet the Rough Collie, the floofy superstar of the dog world with a smile that could light up a room and a coat that could cover a small sofa. Best known for their role as “Lassie,” these pooches are not just pretty faces—they’re intelligent, loyal, and incredibly devoted to their families. If you’ve ever wanted a dog who could herd your kids, guard your home, and then pose for a picture-perfect Instagram post, the Rough Collie might just be the paw-fect fit.

With their gentle nature and boundless energy, Rough Collies are fantastic family dogs. Just be ready for plenty of brushing sessions, and keep a vacuum on standby, because these pups shed like it’s their job.

The Basics:

Category: Pastoral
Size: Medium to Large (22-34 kg of pure fluff and fabulousness)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day (and don't forget the mental stimulation!)
Grooming: High maintenance, regular brushing (there’s a lot of floof to manage!)
Coat: Long, thick, and luxurious (basically the cover model of the dog world)
Shedding: Heavy (your hoover will get a workout)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, sensitive digestion
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Home Needs: Medium to large home with a secure garden (for showing off their prancing skills)
Sociability: Affectionate with family, polite with strangers, and friendly with children and other dogs

History: From the Scottish Highlands to Hollywood

The Rough Collie originally hails from the Scottish Highlands, where they were bred to herd sheep and cattle across rugged landscapes. These dogs are natural-born herders, with a mix of intelligence, stamina, and independence. Their name, “Collie,” is thought to come from the Scottish word for sheep, and they quickly became a favourite among farmers for their ability to round up livestock with ease (and a fair amount of flair).

Fast forward a few centuries, and the Rough Collie found its way into the homes and hearts of dog lovers around the world—especially after the iconic Lassie hit the screens. Their glamorous coat, elegant gait, and loyal nature made them stars both in the field and on the silver screen. These days, while they may not all be starring in movies, they’re still shining as beloved family pets.

Rough Collie Personality: Gentle, Smart, and a Little Bit Regal

The Rough Collie may look like a model, but don’t be fooled—they’re more than just good looks. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature. Rough Collies form incredibly strong bonds with their families, and they love being around people, especially kids. You’ll find them gently watching over the children, almost as if they’ve appointed themselves the family babysitter (and they’re not bad at it either).

Despite their herding instincts, Rough Collies are also known for being polite and well-mannered, even with strangers. They’re the type of dog who’ll greet guests with a dignified wag of the tail, rather than jumping all over them. And when it comes to other pets, they’re usually quite friendly, though they might try to herd smaller animals now and again (old habits die hard).

That said, Rough Collies are smart, and they know it. Training is usually a breeze but be prepared for the occasional bout of stubbornness. They’ll follow commands as long as it makes sense to them—so keeping training sessions fun and engaging is key. Throw in a few Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats, and you’ll have their full attention.

How Much Exercise Does A Rough Collie Need?

Rough Collies might look like they belong in a doggy spa but make no mistake—these pups are full of energy. They need 1-2 hours of exercise a day to stay happy and healthy. Long walks, hikes, or a romp around a secure garden are great ways to burn off some energy. They’ve got herding instincts, so don’t be surprised if they try to round up other dogs at the park (or occasionally, even your children).

In addition to physical exercise, Rough Collies are clever dogs who need plenty of mental stimulation. They thrive on challenges and love learning new tricks or playing games that make them think. Agility, obedience training, or even a fun game of fetch will keep their minds sharp.

For fuelling their active lifestyle, Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food or Scrumbles Duck Wet Dog Food is a perfect way to ensure your Rough Collie stays in tip-top shape—ready for whatever adventure the day holds.

How to Groom a Rough Collie: Fabulous Floof Requires Fabulous Effort

Let’s talk about that coat. The Rough Collie’s long, luxurious coat is truly something to behold—but it doesn’t stay that fabulous on its own. These pups require regular brushing (we’re talking at least a few times a week) to keep their floof free from mats and tangles. If you want your Rough Collie to keep looking like they’ve just stepped out of a doggy salon, invest in a good brush and get ready for some quality bonding time.

And while the shedding isn’t constant, Rough Collies blow their coat twice a year (spring and autumn), which means you’ll see a lot of fur around the house during those times. If you’re the type who likes a spotless home, prepare for a bit of a battle with the hoover.

Along with their coat, dental care is also important. Like many dogs, Rough Collies can be prone to dental problems, so brushing their teeth regularly is a must. For an extra boost in dental health, Scrumbles Gnashers are a great way to keep their pearly whites in check.

Health: A Hardy, Healthy Pooch (With a Few Caveats)

Rough Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is one of the main concerns, so keeping them at a healthy weight and ensuring they don’t overdo high-impact activities is essential. Regular vet check-ups can help catch any issues early.

Another thing to watch out for is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that affects vision. Responsible breeders will screen for this, but regular eye exams as your pup ages are a good idea.

And, because Rough Collies can have sensitive stomachs, you’ll want to ensure they’re eating a high-quality diet that’s easy on their tummies. Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food is packed with Omega 3 and 6 to support their coat, skin, and digestive health, keeping your Rough Collie looking and feeling their best.

Fun Facts About the Rough Collie

Movie Star Status: Thanks to “Lassie,” Rough Collies have been Hollywood darlings for decades. And honestly, with that fabulous coat, it’s no surprise they’re always camera-ready!
Natural Herding Skills: Don’t be surprised if your Rough Collie tries to herd your children, pets, or even you. It’s in their DNA, and they’ll take their role as “family herder” very seriously.
Long-Haired Royalty: Queen Victoria was a huge fan of the breed and helped popularise the Rough Collie in Britain.

Living with a Rough Collie: Floof, Fun, and Lots of Love

Living with a Rough Collie means sharing your home with a loyal, intelligent, and occasionally floofy diva. These dogs thrive in family environments, especially those with children and other pets. They’re affectionate without being overly needy, and they’ll happily spend time lounging with you after a long walk—just as long as they’ve had their daily dose of exercise and mental stimulation.

If you’re ready for a lifetime of brushing sessions, floofy cuddles, and a dog who will likely outsmart you at least once a day, the Rough Collie is the paw-fect addition to your home.

Is the Rough Collie the Right Dog for You?

If you’re looking for a beautiful, gentle, and intelligent dog who can keep up with your active lifestyle (while also looking fabulous doing it), the Rough Collie could be your dream pooch. They’re fantastic for families with children and love being involved in all aspects of family life—whether it’s a game of fetch in the garden or lounging by the fire after a long day.

With the right grooming, plenty of exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Rough Collie will be a healthy, happy, and floofy companion for many years to come.

Recommended Scrumbles Products for the Rough Collie

Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food: Packed with Omega 3 and 6 to support their luxurious coat and sensitive digestion, keeping them looking their best while also caring for their health.
Scrumbles Chicken & Duck Softies Treats: Perfect for rewarding your Rough Collie during training sessions or just to show them some love. These treats will keep them engaged and motivated while learning new tricks.
Scrumbles Gnashers: Great for maintaining dental health—especially important for a breed prone to dental issues. Keep those pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with these crunchy, dental-friendly treats.

REFERENCES

American Kennel Club: Rough Collie
The Kennel Club UK: Rough Collie
PetMD: Rough Collie Information

With the right mix of exercise, regular grooming, and a balanced diet from Scrumbles, your Rough Collie will be the ultimate blend of beauty and brains—offering endless love, intelligence, and of course, plenty of floof. Whether they’re herding your family or lounging by your side, your Rough Collie will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come!