Gentle and affectionate, Rough Collies, also known as Lassie dogs, are devoted to their human family and make calm, playful housemates for kids of all ages. Their luscious double coat is one of their most distinct features.
Personality and temperament
Intelligent and famously loyal, Rough Collies have a gentle, calm nature. They are affectionate (without being clingy) and form strong bonds with their humans, often choosing one to be attached to the most. They are typically patient with kiddos and seem to have a greater sense of intuition than some other breeds. They can read human emotions and often know instinctively how to act around their human family. They can be a little shy with strangers but will soon welcome pats and attention from all.
Size and appearance
Rough Collies are a medium-to-large herding breed, with males weighing upwards of 34kg. Their graceful, athletic build is covered in a luxurious flowing double coat with a thick lion-like mane around the neck and feathered legs and tail. Their colourings include sable and white, tricolour, blue merle, and white with coloured markings. Their welcoming eyes, alert ears and proud stature complete their ‘Lassie’ look.
History
The humble Collie can trace its roots back to ancient times. It’s believed the Collie’s ancestors were brought to Scotland by adventurous Romans over 2000 years ago. Centuries of cross-breeding with local herding dogs resulted in the Rough Collie we know today emerging around the 1800s. The real champion of the Rough Collie breed, though, was Queen Victoria, who spent much of her time in the royal estate of Balmoral, in the Scotland highlands. A true dog-lady, Queen Victoria’s love for Collies helped them grow in popularity as loyal family pets. It was around this time, the breed was first introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where we promptly fell in love with them.
Decades later, the global rise of the TV show Lassie cemented the Rough Collie’s place in pop culture. The show was so influential that many people began informally calling Rough Collies “Lassie dogs,” a nickname that still lingers today and contributed to the breed’s enduring recognition and charm.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Rough Collies are generally a pretty hardy breed, however they can be prone to the following health conditions:
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- MDR1 gene mutation (causes sensitivity to certain medications)
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Inherited skin and muscle conditions, including Dermatomyositis
- Bloat (GDV) (life-threatening stomach twisting)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Rough Collie healthy.
Food and exercise
As a medium-to-large dog, Rough Collies need a nutrient-rich diet focusing on their joint health. Avoid overfeeding this cheeky breed as they can gain weight easily, and as they can be sensitive eaters introduce dietary changes slowly so they can adjust to them.
Rough Collies are active dogs that need around 60 minutes of exercise a day. This could include brisk walks, short runs, playtime with other dogs and humans, and herding-style games to appeal to their ancestry. They love a challenging puzzle feeder and mentally challenging training session, too. Once they’ve been thoroughly exercised, don’t worry, they’ll settle down and become a calm, relaxed couch dog in no time.
Grooming and maintenance
As you can imagine, Rough Collies have a coat that needs grooming. They are medium shedders all-year round, with heavier shedding during spring and autumn.
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks
- Professional groom: every 8-12 weeks (super helpful for de-shedding and maintaining coat condition)
How to groom your Rough Collie
- Fur: Brush 2-3 times a week with a slicker brush and long-toothed comb. (Daily during seasonal shedding)
- Nails: every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly (their long coat can retain moisture and cause infections)
- Eyes: wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove any tear build up.
Training and space requirements
This beauty is one of the easiest herding dogs to train. Not only are they intelligent and eager but they’re also people pleasers in the best possible way. They love consistent training, dependable routines and gentle instructions.
A herding dog by breed, Rough Collies are adaptable but are happiest in a large house or property with room to zoom around. A secure backyard is a plus. They tend to not suit very small houses or apartment living.
Best suited for…
This beautiful herding dog is a gentle, loyal and loving family pet. They thrive in larger homes and with human families who have the time and energy to offer their pooch enough exercise and tend to their grooming needs.
