Rough Collie

The show Rough Collie has been developed over more than a hundred years and is quite distant from his working ancestor; it is possible that the Borzoi was introduced at some stage, which would account  for the narrow head shape with minimal stop and the slight rise over the loin.

However, the Rough Collie still retains working instincts and cannot be trusted near stock unless he has been familiarised with sheep and cattle.  He has a typical collie intelligence though does not have the same aptitude for obedience work and is quite happy to be an indulged member of the household.  Very glamorous, his luxuriant coat needs plenty of attention to look its best - the dense and furry undercoat can form solid mats if not cared for.  As a breed the Rough Collie developed a very high profile with the Lassie films - although the star was a dog, not a bitch.

To become a full KC Champion The Rough Collie requires a working award, otherwise he is known as a Show Champion.  The Rough Collie is up to 24" tall, the bitches being a little smaller, and weighing up to 30kg.  Colours are sable and white, tricolour and blue merle with typical white collie markings.  All colours should be clear and strong.

He is a very dignified dog, never over-fine but neither is he cloddy; friendly, never nervous or aggressive he has an air of being self-contained and slightly remote. 

Click here to read the Rough Collie Breed Standard. 

Rough Collie Breeders

Rough Collie Breed Clubs

Rough Collie Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about Collies requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

Also, Collie Rescue deals with the rescue and re-homing of Smooth and Rough Collies

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