Rough Collie at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Weight
- 23–34 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Cats and small pets.
Is the Rough Collie right for you?
Like every breed, the Rough Collie is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Rough Collie fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is a large pastoral dog with an abundant, sweeping coat, a full mane and frill, a refined head and an alert, dignified expression. Its ears tip forward when it is alert. It is typically friendly, happy and active, and bonds closely with its family.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed shares its origins with the Smooth Collie in the working sheepdogs of Scotland. Early Collies were smaller than today's dogs, with shorter legs and muzzles, and were mostly black and white, tricolour or black and tan. The first sable, born in 1868, caused a sensation, and sable and white became the most popular colour.
Separate show classes for rough and smooth sheepdogs began in 1870. The founder of The Kennel Club promoted the Rough Collie, and Queen Victoria brought Collies from Balmoral to her other royal estates. Later, Queen Alexandra kept Rough Collies and probably helped shape the more glamorous look seen in the show ring today.
Rough Collie temperament
Rough Collies are usually friendly and affectionate with their family and with people they have been introduced to, and they make loyal companions. They tend to bark to alert you to strangers, but they are not inclined towards aggression and will usually back down quickly when asked.
They want to be with their family whatever they are doing. They can be sensitive to noise and household chaos, and may find busy towns and cities too frantic, so quieter suburbs or the countryside often suit them better.
Size and appearance
Rough Collies are large dogs. Males typically stand 56–61 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 27–34 kg; females are a little smaller, at 51–56 cm and 23–30 kg.
The double coat has a harsh outer layer and a dense, soft undercoat, with an abundant mane and frill. Breed standard colours are sable and white, tricolour and blue merle.
How much exercise does a Rough Collie need?
The Rough Collie is not especially demanding: around an hour of walking a day, with some play, free running and involvement in family activities, is usually enough. Most will happily do more if you can offer it.
Many enjoy long walks in the countryside, even if that means muddy coats to clean afterwards.
Training a Rough Collie
Rough Collies are quick learners and enjoy working with their owner. Unlike some other pastoral breeds they are not obsessed with training, and are usually content as long as the basics are taught and kept up.
- Use positive reinforcement methods.
- Teach the basics early and keep practising them.
- Keep both body and mind busy: they thrive when exercised and entertained.
- Build training into everyday activities, since their enjoyment comes from doing things with you.
Rough Collie grooming
The coat needs daily brushing to stay clean and tidy, plus a more thorough weekly groom to stop mats forming around the elbows, chest, behind the ears and on the hindquarters. Rough Collies shed heavily.
If you cannot blow out excess undercoat and bath and dry the dog at home, professional grooming may be needed.
Living with a Rough Collie
Rough Collies can make good family dogs, but they usually do better with older, sensible children, as noise and family chaos can unsettle them. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Rough Collie health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some inherited conditions are recognised in the Rough Collie, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends several health tests before breeding. Knowing about them helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every Rough Collie will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
A condition of the hip joint that the Royal Kennel Club counts as a significant concern in the breed. It recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
An inherited condition in which the eye does not develop properly, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test is available, and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, including litter screening, is recommended.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye gradually wastes away, which can result in blindness. A DNA test for PRA-rcd2 is available.
Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy
Deposits form in the eye, which can damage it and cause poor vision in dim light.
Multi-drug resistance (MDR1)
An inherited condition that makes a dog sensitive to certain drugs. A DNA test is available.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for degenerative myelopathy as part of best-practice health testing for the breed.
Merle to merle breeding
The Kennel Club does not register puppies from merle to merle matings, because of the risk of impaired vision and hearing linked to the merle gene.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Rough Collie home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Rough Collie cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Rough Collie home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Rough Collie
If you have decided the Rough Collie suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Rough Collie
Rough Collies do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Rough Collies looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Rough Collie adverts at the moment.
Find Rough Collie adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Rough Collie FAQs
Is the Rough Collie good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Rough Collie live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Rough Collie need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Rough Collie shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Rough Collie need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Rough Collie easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Rough Collie be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Rough Collie bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Rough Collie live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Rough Collie get?
Adults typically stand 51–61 cm at the shoulder and weigh 23–34 kg.