Discover the Akc Rough Collie Breed

The Akc Rough Collie Breed is a beloved companion for many dog owners. They originated in Scotland in the 18th century.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty.

Akc Rough Collies are generally medium-sized dogs, weighing between 50-75 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance with a broad head and a black nose.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice as both family pets and working dogs.

The Rough Collie has a rich history that dates back to Scotland, where they were originally bred to herd sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. They were known for their intelligence and hardiness.

Their ancestors were brought to the British Isles by Stone Age nomads and later by Roman conquerors. The breed was first exhibited in 1860 at a dog show in Birmingham, England.

Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed in 1860 and brought some back to England, starting the first Collie fad. This led to the dogs being bred for their good looks rather than their working ability.

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The first Collie was imported to the United States in 1879. The Collie Club of America was formed in 1886, making it one of the oldest canine specialty clubs.

The Rough Collie was born out of the efforts to standardize the breed, losing its status as a landrace breed in the process. The breed has undergone significant changes over time, with selective breeding shaping it into what we know today.

Rough Collies have a distinctive appearance, with a thick, long coat that's a joy to behold. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including sable and white, tricolour, and merle, which is mottled.

One of the most striking features of the Rough Collie is its head, which is light in relation to the rest of the body and resembles a blunted wedge. The muzzle is well-rounded and never square, with a distinct stop and parallel head planes.

A typical Rough Collie stands between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, with males usually weighing between 50-70 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 40-60 pounds.

Here's a breakdown of the accepted Collie colors:

The Rough Collie is a stunning breed with a unique appearance that sets it apart from others. They come in a variety of colors, including sable and white, tricolour, and merle.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a long, dense, coarse outer coat and a softer, shorter undercoat. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat looking its best, with a good detangling spray and finishing spray being a must.

One of the characteristic features of the Rough Collie is its head, which is light in relation to the rest of the body and resembles a blunted wedge tapering smoothly from ears to black nose.

Their eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, while their ears are semi-prick or tipped, with the upper third folded over. It's not uncommon for collies to have their ears taped as puppies to encourage them to lie properly.

A Rough Collie's face is more blunt and gradually tapering than that of a Shetland Sheepdog, with parallel planes of the muzzle and top of the skull.

Here are the accepted Collie colors, as specified by the Collie Club of America:

Their size and weight can vary, with males standing between 55.8 and 66 cm (22 to 26 in) at the shoulder, and females being about 5 cm (2 in) shorter.

Collies are a medium-sized breed, and their size is one of their most distinctive features. Males stand 24 to 26 inches tall.

Their weight is relatively consistent, ranging from 50 to 70 pounds, which is a great size for a family pet.

The Rough Collie and the Scotch Collie are two breeds with distinct physical characteristics. Their coats are ample and shed a lot, but the Rough Collie's coat is longer and heavier, making it more work to groom and more of a concern in hot weather.

The Scotch Collie has a pronounced stop, that indentation where the muzzle meets the skull, while the Rough Collie has almost no stop at all.

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The average Rough Collie is larger and heavier than the average Scotch Collie, but some Scotch Collies can be as big as a Rough while others are quite a bit smaller.

The Rough Collie has been bred to have small almond-shaped eyes, while the Scotch Collie has large round eyes.

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Rough Collies are generally great with children and other animals, but they must be well socialized to prevent shyness. They're medium to large sized dogs that need a house with a yard, rather than a small apartment.

They're highly protective of their family, especially children, and will watch over them with care. Collies are naturally protective of small children and will keep them safe from danger.

Rough Collies are very loyal and may be one-family dogs, but they're not generally aggressive or protective beyond barking and providing a visual deterrent. They're excellent with kids and respond best to a gentle hand.

Collies are highly social and need early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. They thrive on interaction and love being part of family activities.

They're also great with other pets in the family, and are affectionate and tender guardians.

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The Rough Collie is a breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A brisk, daily walk and yard play are sufficient to keep them active.

Excessive barking can be a problem if the Collie is left alone for too long, so it's essential to keep them engaged with family activities and mental stimulation. Ongoing obedience training or dog sports can help prevent boredom and frustration.

MDR1 is a genetic disorder that affects some Collies, making them sensitive to Ivermectin, a common anti-parasite medication. This condition can be tested for, and it's a good idea to do so, especially if you're planning to use Ivermectin on your Collie.

Collie eye anomaly can affect a dog's vision and even lead to blindness, so it's crucial to test for this genetic disorder. The genes that cause this condition are carried by many Rough Collies, so it's essential to be aware of it.

Rough Collies are prone to several health issues, including multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1 gene), which can cause potentially fatal reactions to certain medications.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a genetic disorder that can affect a dog's vision and even lead to blindness. It's a common issue in Rough Collies, while it's less common in Scotch Collies.

Hip Dysplasia is a deformation of the hip socket that can be caused by genetics or injury. It's not a common issue in either breed, but can be tested for in adult dogs.

Degenerative myelopathy affects older dogs, including Collies, and can lead to a deteriorating quality of life, including full paralysis of the hind quarters. Some medications can alleviate symptoms for a short time.

Genetic testing can determine if a Collie is at risk of developing various health issues, including MDR1 gene, CEA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.

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Exercise is crucial for Collies, and a daily brisk walk and yard play will keep them happy and healthy. They love to be part of the family, so include them in all activities.

A Collie left alone for too long will bark excessively, so consider their social needs when planning your day. This is especially true for herding breeds like Collies, who bark to warn their shepherds of potential threats.

Collies thrive on mental stimulation, so keep them engaged with obedience training or dog sports to prevent boredom and loneliness. A "Quiet" command should be part of their training program to help them learn self-control.

Early socialization is vital for Collies, as it helps prevent them from becoming timid. With proper socialization and training, your Collie will grow into a confident and well-adjusted companion.

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Feeding your Collie is an important part of their overall health and care. A recommended daily amount is 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

The amount of food your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It's surprising how much of a difference these factors can make.

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You'll need to adjust the amount of food based on your dog's individual needs. For example, a highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference. Better dog food will go further in nourishing your dog, so you may need to feed them less often.

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Rough Collies are intelligent dogs that excel in most dog sports, including agility and obedience. They have a strong desire to please their owners.

They can also be trained for protection work, as seen in the case of Classic's Heir to the Throne, the first Rough Collie to earn a protection training title.

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The Rough Collie breed made its debut at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877. This was a significant event that marked the beginning of the breed's popularity in the United States.

Philanthropist J.P. Morgan was immediately drawn to the breed and purchased one of the first Rough Collies he saw at the show. He went on to become a prominent breeder and owner of the breed.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was founded in 1886, and the Westminster Kennel Club became the first all-breed club associated with the AKC. This marked a new era for dog breeding and showing in the United States.

By 1893, J.P. Morgan was entering his Collies at the Westminster Kennel Club show, and the Collie Club of America had joined the AKC that same year.

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Rough Collies typically stand between 22 and 26 inches tall.

Scotch Collies, on the other hand, can range from 17 to 26 inches in height.

Rough Collies usually weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

Scotch Collies can weigh anywhere from 35 to 70 pounds.

The average lifespan of a Rough Collie is 12 to 14 years.

Scotch Collies have a slightly longer average lifespan, living between 12 and 15 years.

The Rough Collie's herding instincts are still strong, but they're also incredibly versatile dogs.

They excel in dog sports like agility and obedience, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please their owners.

In fact, they're so intelligent that they can be trained as service and assistance dogs, aiding people with disabilities and medical conditions.

With the right training, a Rough Collie can learn to perform everyday tasks and provide valuable support.

Some Collies are even trained in protection training, and they can be very protective of their families.

Classic's Heir to the Throne was the first Rough Collie to earn a protection training title, showing just how capable these dogs can be.

Rough Collies are also used for herding and guarding, and they have a special instinct for it.

To test this instinct, some organizations offer a Herding Instinct Test, which introduces Collies and their handlers to herding at a basic level.

This test is a great way to see if a Collie has the natural ability to herd, even if they've never had any experience with livestock before.

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Rough Collies are naturally athletic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They thrive on physical and mental stimulation.

Ideally, Rough Collies should go on two brisk walks per day lasting at least half an hour to keep their bodies healthy. A safe area to run and play is also essential.

Collies love to chase birds and butterflies, and a spirited game of fetch is right up their alley. They'll have a blast bouncing after a ball, throw stick, or frisbee.

If you don't have time to spend with your Rough Collie, they may show signs of anxiety and discontent. This breed needs a lot of attention and interaction.

Rough Collies can compete in various dog sports, including agility trials, obedience, and herding events. They even make great search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.

Herding instincts are strong in this breed, and they can be trained to compete in herding trials.

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Rough Collies have been a popular breed for over a century, with the first breed standard established in 1893. They were originally bred to herd sheep and other livestock on farms and ranches.

Their intelligence and loyalty made them a favorite among farmers and herders. Rough Collies are known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Rough Collie as a distinct breed, with its own breed standard. This standard outlines the breed's physical characteristics, temperament, and behavior.

Rough Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.

Breeders should prioritize health testing and responsible breeding practices to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs. This includes testing for inherited conditions and selecting breeding stock that is free from these issues.

Rough Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors.

In addition to their intelligence and trainability, Rough Collies are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families. They make great companions and are often described as "velcro dogs" due to their tendency to stick close by.

The AKC Rough Collie is a beloved breed for many reasons. They originated in Scotland and Northern England.

Collies are medium-sized dogs, typically standing 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 45 to 75 pounds.

One of the distinctive features of the Collie is their long, thick coat that can be either smooth or rough. The coat can be any color, but the most common colors are black, white, and tri-color.

Collies are intelligent, loyal, and hardworking dogs, making them a great addition to active families.

Here are some key characteristics of the Collie breed:

Collies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Collie eye anomaly.

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