Rough Collie

The Smooth and Rough Collie are two varieties of the Scottish Collie. Widely spread in the motherland, these dogs were unknown outside Scotland for many centuries. The first Collie was shown in 1860. Developed for herding, these dogs became very intelligent and versatile. Today, it’s one of the most popular dog breed in the world. Rough Collies are used as herders, guards, rescue dogs, guides for the blind, hearing and therapy dogs for the disabled. Many Collies are famous as film stars. The Royal family and a number of celebrities keep these dogs as pets and guards.

Today, the working type of the Rough Collie separated from the show type. All show lines of the Rough Collie have the Borzoi influence to improve their conformation. As a result, show type dogs are larger and have flatter faces. The Rough and Smooth Collie are considered to be varieties of the same breed. In shows, they are judged by the same standard. The Smooth Collie sheds less, but the Rough Collie looks more refined and graceful.

The beauty of the breed is not the main reason for its popularity. The Rough Collie is famous for its intelligence, trainability, and kind nature. These dogs can be trusted with kids and other pets. Their herding instinct makes them reliable playmates and personal protectors for children. Rough Collie puppies are easy to housebreak and train. To cooperate with the Rough Collie, the owner has to know how to train this breed. The Collie responds only to positive motivation and interesting exercises.

According to the breed standard, the Rough Collie should stand 22-26 inches at the withers and weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. The appearance of these dogs should create the impression of lightness by a long body and lean wedge-shaped head. The hair on the head and legs is much shorter than on the body and abdomen. The noble impression of the breed is created by a profuse ruff around the neck and refined body outlines. The Rough Collie comes in a number of coat colors and patterns from solid to tri-color and merle.