Rough Collie

Dog breed

Rough Collie
Origin	Scotland
Traits Coat Long, dense, and straight Color Sable and white, tricolor, blue merle Life span 12–14 years
Dog (domestic dog)

The Rough Collie is a long-coated breed of medium-to-large herding dog that originated in Scotland. Known for its distinctive appearance and intelligence, the Rough Collie has been popularized by the fictional character Lassie, a Rough Collie who starred in books, movies, and television shows.

History

The Rough Collie is believed to have descended from a combination of local Scottish dogs and dogs brought to Scotland by the Romans during their invasion of Britain. Originally used as a herding dog, the Rough Collie was bred to manage sheep in the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. The breed gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly after Queen Victoria took an interest in them during her visits to Scotland.

Physical Characteristics

The Rough Collie is known for its long, flowing coat, which requires regular grooming to maintain. The coat is double-layered, with a soft, dense undercoat and a straight, harsh outer coat. The breed typically comes in four recognized colors: sable and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan), blue merle, and white.

Rough Collies have a distinctive wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped eyes, and a graceful, athletic build. They are medium to large-sized dogs, with males typically standing 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and females slightly smaller.

Temperament

Rough Collies are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature. They are often described as "people-oriented" dogs, forming strong bonds with their families. They are generally good with children and other animals, making them excellent family pets.

Due to their herding instincts, Rough Collies may attempt to herd people or other animals, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.

Health

Rough Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the common health issues seen in Rough Collies include:

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): A genetic condition that affects the development of the eye and can lead to vision problems.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder that can result in blindness.
• Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis.

Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help manage these health concerns.

Care and Grooming

The Rough Collie's long coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. It is recommended to brush the coat at least once a week, and more frequently during shedding seasons. Bathing should be done as needed, and regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are also important aspects of their care.

Also see

• Collie
• Border Collie
• Herding dog
• Lassie