Rough Collie: size, temperament, grooming and photo

At a glance

Origin

Great Britain; FCI No. 156, herding group.

Height at the withers

Males 56–61 cm; females 51–56 cm in the FCI standard.

Weight

FCI No. 156 specifies no weight range. Do not automatically borrow the Smooth Collie standard’s figures.

Coat

Long, straight outer hair and a soft, dense undercoat; short hair on the face.

Recognising a Rough Collie

The coat forms a pronounced ruff, feathering on the legs and a full tail. Look at the dog’s proportions beneath it: abundant hair can change the apparent outline. Collies have a wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes. When alert, the ears are raised with their tips naturally folding forward. This describes the standard, not a reason to try to change a pet’s ears.

Coat colours

The Royal Kennel Club standard lists sable and white, tricolour and blue merle. Sable ranges from golden to rich dark shades; tricolour is mainly black with tan markings, while blue merle has a silvery-blue background with black patterning. White markings complete the appearance. One photograph cannot show all varieties, and colour does not determine temperament.

Temperament and family life

Breed profiles describe a friendly, active companion. At home, observing the individual is more useful: how does it greet people, respond to noise and settle after excitement? Prepare a quiet place and agree on interaction rules with children. Allow the dog to move away; the breed’s family image does not mean that every individual enjoys every hug.

Looking after the long coat

The Royal Kennel Club lists daily grooming. Allow time to check the coat and establish a brushing routine, especially after walks; ask a breeder or groomer to demonstrate working through the undercoat. A non-slip area, suitable comb and rewards can help you organise brief, calm stages. Coat care is part of everyday ownership, rather than something reserved for the show ring.

Training and activities

Start with practical skills: recall, waiting calmly, walking with you and settling in a resting place. Reward the desired action promptly and add difficulty gradually. Walks can combine exploration and short tasks; at home, try a calm search for a familiar object. If agility interests you, discuss preparation with a trainer. Sport should suit the dog’s individual condition and motivation.

Rough or Smooth Collie?

The most visible difference is the coat and the work involved in caring for it. Smooth Collies also have an undercoat and shed; they are not a no-maintenance alternative. The breeds share historical roots, but FCI maintains separate standards, Nos. 156 and 296. AKC material uses a different approach, describing two Collie varieties. Check which organisation’s standard is being used when comparing measurements.

Before choosing a pet

• Meet an adult dog in an ordinary, relaxed setting, rather than judging only a show photograph.
• Ask to see the usual grooming routine and decide who will maintain it regularly.
• Check ancestry documents, upbringing and records of recommended breed screening.
• Plan walks, rest, teaching and help during trips away; ownership costs extend beyond buying a puppy.