Collie (Rough)

As with many dog breeds the Rough Collie can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

The Rough Collie is not a particularly demanding dog when it comes to dog exercise, around an hour’s walking per day, some play and free running and general involvement in family activities is provided. More will be happily accepted if you can offer it, this is a dog who wants to be with their family, whatever they are doing.

This is a reasonably large dog, with a heavy coat, so not ideally suitable for the tiny home. A reasonably sized house and secure garden, with access to a variety of rural walks will suffice. Better suited to quiet suburbs or countryside living as the Rough Collie will be alert to all manner of noises and may find cities and busy towns too noisy and frantic.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Rough Collies may be prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.

The Rough Collie has a double coat, a hard outer coat and a dense soft undercoat. This requires daily brushing to keep clean and tidy and a more thoroughly weekly groom to prevent matting around elbows, chest, behind the ears and in the trousers and knicker regions. 

Professional grooming to blast out excess undercoat and provide a full bath and dry might be required if you do not have the facilities to do this at home. Find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article. 

Unlike some of the other Collie or pastoral dog types, the Rough Collie is not a ‘training junkie’ and although they will enjoy working with their owner, is not overly demanding as long as the basics are taught and maintained, and positive reinforcement methods are used. As with exercise, the Rough Collie is happy to do whatever you are doing. Their enjoyment lies in working with their person, whatever the activity may be.

The Rough Collie can make a good family dog – although is better with older more sensible children as they can be sensitive to noise and family chaos! 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.