Rough Collie

Breed Profile

The Collie, both the Rough and Smooth, originated in the British Isles. The Rough Collie was originally used as a herding dog and during the early 1900’s, the popularity of the breed as a family dog increased. Then, with the fame of “Lassie” in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the breed’s popularity soared.

Today, the breed’s popularity has diminished somewhat, but his kindness, loyalty, intelligence, versatility, and affection ensures that he will always remain a popular choice as a family companion.

The Collie’s gentle nature and high tolerance makes him excellent with children of all ages. Small children may be treated as “flock” where the dog can try to herd them but they also become very protective of “their” children and make excellent watch dogs. The Collie is truly a people dog and needs human companionship. Not a one-man dog but, rather, loves his entire family equally. The Collie should be outgoing, loving, and affectionate. He may be a bit reserved toward strangers but a shy or nervous dog is not typical of the breed.

Other than being a wonderful family companion and friend, the Collie is extremely versatile and seen participating in all kinds of sports and activities as well as being used as a working dog in several areas — From show ring to flyball, agility, obedience, draft work, herding, as well as search and rescue, therapy, service, guide dog — The Collie does it all.

The Collie’s appearance is one of grace, pride and true balance. His beautiful, harsh, straight and abundant outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat is his crowning glory. There are five recognized colours: Sable and White; Tricolour; Blue Merle and White; Sable Merle and White; and White.
 

Health Issues

If you are considering the adoption of a Collie puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Recommended Health Screening:

For the Collie, the CHIC^{Note 1} database includes health screenings for:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
• Multiple Drug Sensitivity

Additional Health Resources:

• The Collie Health Foundation
• Collie (Rough and Smooth) — Canine Inherited Disorders Database
• Bloat — As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Collie. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada’s Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

The Rough Collie’s beautiful coat requires frequent and thorough brushing to keep the undercoat from matting, especially during seasonal shedding times.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Miracle Worker — “Come on, little man,” I pleaded, tears of exhaustion and frustration rolling down my cheeks. “Hold on! You have to live!” For what seemed like the hundredth time that night, I opened the mouth of the tiniest little morsel of a collie puppy I’d ever seen, and placed a drop of milk-replacer formula on his tongue… Read More
• Another Yellow Brick Road — by Meredith Moore. The continuation of Raff’s story — Miracle Worker.
• Herding with your Collie — From the CCC
• Is a Dog from the Herding Group Right for You?
• Herding Dogs — The Herding Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.