If you're considering adopting a Rough Collie, you'll want to know that they typically live between 12 to 14 years.
Rough Collies are highly intelligent and require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
They are also known to be loyal and loving companions, often forming strong bonds with their family members.
Rough Collie Basics
The Rough Collie is a medium-sized dog breed that typically weighs between 50-75 pounds.
They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
Their average lifespan is 12-14 years.
Rough Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice as family pets.
They are naturally protective of their families but can be wary of strangers.
With proper socialization, they can become great companions for people of all ages.
Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Rough Collies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and collie eye anomaly.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these conditions.
As with any breed, it's essential to research and understand their specific needs before bringing a Rough Collie into your family.
Adoption and Family
If you're considering adopting a Rough Collie, you'll want to think about your family's lifestyle and needs. The Collie is an active, lithe, strong dog that combines strength, speed, and grace, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Collies are generally great with other pets, especially if socialized from an early age, with a friendliness level of 4 out of 5 to other pets. They're also relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, with a grooming requirements level of 2 out of 5. However, they do have a moderate energy level and exercise requirements, so be prepared to provide regular walks and playtime.
If you're looking for a dog that will be a great companion for your family, a Collie might be a great fit.
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Temperament
The Collie's temperament is a big part of what makes them such wonderful family pets. They're gentle and devoted, a perfect friend to all.
They need daily mental and physical exercise or they can become frustrated, which is why it's so important to make time for them in your busy schedule.
Collies are sensitive, intelligent, and willing to please, which makes them relatively easy to train if you're consistent and patient.
However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so be prepared to use positive reinforcement techniques to get them to listen.
And let's not forget, they love to play, but they can nip at heels in play, so it's essential to teach them to play nicely with the kids.
Some Collies can bark a lot, so if you're looking for a quiet companion, you might want to consider a different breed.
Family
If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, you'll want to think about their energy level and exercise needs. The Collie, for example, is an active dog that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their exercise requirements are moderate, with a level 3 out of 5, which means they need daily walks and playtime, but they're not high-maintenance.
Collies are also known for being watchful, with a level 3 out of 5, which makes them great companions for families who want a dog that will keep an eye on things.
If you have young children, you'll want to consider a dog that's friendly and patient, but also has a moderate level of playfulness. Collies have a level 3 out of 5 in playfulness, which means they love to play, but they're not overly demanding.
Here's a quick rundown of the Collie's characteristics that make them a great family dog:
Remember, every dog is an individual, so it's essential to spend time with a potential new pet to see if you're a good match.
Hurst
Hurst, a 5-year-old collie, was in need of a new home after his person passed away. He was living with his grandma who was struggling to care for him.
Hurst is a great companion for other dogs and cats, making him a great addition to a family with pets already. He's house-trained and crate-trained, but doesn't really need a crate.
As he's already learned basic commands, Hurst is ready to learn more and please his new family. He's also good on the leash and comfortable riding in the car.
Having a stable and loving home, Hurst can finally find the peace and comfort he deserves after going through a tough time. He's ready to bring joy and companionship to his new family.
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Guilford
Guilford's adoption story is a heartwarming one. He was a three-year-old male from Illinois who had been in the rescue system for a while.
Guilford had been gaining weight and was up to 33 pounds after being fed good food at his new home. He had no accidents in the house and was doing great with his leash walking.
It's not surprising that Guilford adjusted quickly to his new life, considering he was loved and cared for by his new family. They were patient with him as he got used to the new things in the house, like the cat and the broom.
Guilford's story highlights the importance of patience and love in the adoption process. His family understood that he needed time to adjust, and they gave it to him.
Guilford's experience also shows that with the right care and attention, dogs can thrive in their new homes. He was happy and healthy in his new family, and that's all anyone could ask for.
Hampton
Hampton, a 4-year-old collie male, was adopted by a family after they lost their home. He's a lucky fellow to have found this great home.
Hampton weighs around 60 pounds and has a calm demeanor. He's been well taken care of and has a fenced yard to play in.
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Hampton is housetrained and crate trained, making him a great addition to any family. He knows basic commands like sit, down, bow, turn, and crawl.
Hampton's new owner, Nick, is a working man who will be taking Hampton to the office with him each day. They're going to have many adventures together.
Style
As you consider adopting a new furry family member, it's essential to think about their style and how it will fit into your lifestyle. I am a 2-year-old collie girl, and I've lived in a hotel all my life, so I'm excited to have a home with plenty of space to run and play.
One thing I've learned is that I'm pretty good on the leash, which means I'll be a great companion for walks and outings. I'm also crate trained, which helps with housetraining and gives me a sense of security when I'm not in the same room as my family.
With basic commands like "sit" and "stay" under my belt, I'm ready to learn more and become a well-behaved member of the family.
Upkeep and Care
Rough collies need daily exercise, such as a good walk or jog on leash or a fun play session.
Regular herding is an excellent way to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Their coats require weekly brushing to remove dead hair, and the Rough variety needs more time for this task.
This regular grooming helps prevent matting and tangling, keeping their coat looking its best.
A daily routine that includes exercise and playtime will help keep your Rough collie happy and healthy.
Health
Rough Collies are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Major concerns for Rough Collies are relatively rare, but it's essential to be aware of potential problems.
Some minor concerns include CEA, PRA, gastric torsion, dermatomyositis, and demodicosis.
These health issues can be managed with proper care and attention.
Occasionally, Rough Collies may experience seizures, microphthalmia, CHD, or cyclic neutropenia.
It's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who has had their dogs tested for genetic disorders.
A suggested test for Rough Collies includes eye exams and DNA tests for CEA, PRA, and drug sensitivity.
On average, Rough Collies live for 8-12 years.
It's worth noting that some Rough Collies may be sensitive to ivermectin, and homozygous merles may experience visual or hearing problems.
Recommended read: Hip Problems in Border Collies
History and Background
The history of the Rough Collie is a fascinating one, dating back to around 1800. The breed's origins are shrouded in mystery, but one theory suggests it was derived from the same root stock as the Border Collie.
Evidence of the Collie's existence only emerged in the early 19th century, with both rough- and smooth-coated "Scotch" collies existing by then. Smooth-coated littermates were chosen as drovers, while rough-coated dogs stayed out with the flock in all weather.
The breed's popularity grew rapidly, particularly after Queen Victoria became enthusiastic about the Collie in 1860 and added one to her kennel. This marked the beginning of the Collie's rise to fame among dog fanciers and the upper class.
By 1886, a standard was drawn up that still describes the breed as it is today. This standard has remained largely unchanged, ensuring that the Rough Collie remains a beloved breed.
As the breed's popularity grew, so did its influence in America. Settlers brought Collies with them to the New World, and soon the breed could be found on some of the most prestigious estates in America.
Adopted Collies
Toney, a fun-loving collie fellow, has found his forever home with a family that already has two collies. He loves to play and get belly rubs, and he's great with the other dogs in the household.
He's a 52-pound, 3-year-old collie who's crate trained and housetrained, making him a great addition to any family. Toney is also a great leash walker and enjoys car rides.
Toney's past as a stray dog has given him some quirks, but he's still a loving and playful companion. He's being treated for Lyme disease, which he contracted from ticks, but he's on the road to recovery.
Meet Penny Lane-Adopted
Penny Lane is a 1 ½ year old collie fellow at about 50 pounds.
She was adopted from the rescue because her person couldn't keep her, so she's starting from scratch with her training.
Penny is learning not to jump up on people, leash walking, and basic commands.
She's great with housetraining and crate training, and is a sweet fellow with a lot to learn.
Penny is pretty good with other dogs, but can be a bit over exuberant and is learning to play with them.
She likes to keep a tidy yard, picking up all the toys and bringing them onto the deck.
Penny has found her new home with Debbie, who loves and cares for her, and they go for a 5 mile walk each day.
They'll be attending obedience class soon to continue Penny's training and socialization.
Penny has adjusted to having cats around and now has free roam of the house, which is wonderful for her.
She's even made friends with Laura's collie Mel, who was also adopted from the rescue in 2012.
Penny has gotten to know her new grandparents and found a spot on the couch for herself, which is surely the good life.
Gracie
Gracie was adopted at 5 years old, a mix of collie, and was very shy. She needed time to trust her new owners, Dave and Wanda, who immediately knew she was the one for them.
Gracie is a four-year-old female from Illinois.
Aspen & Tucson
Aspen & Tucson are two brothers who were adopted from the collie rescue. They're about 3 years old and weigh around 55 pounds. They're the sweetest guys you'll ever meet and love children.
These two brothers were living in a garage most of the time before they were rescued. They're great with other dogs and housetrained, but they're a bit afraid of cats. They also walk well on the leash and enjoy rides in the car.
Aspen & Tucson love each other very much and prefer to stay together. They're a bit of a package deal, but it's clear they're meant to be together.
Electra
Electra is a 3-year-old collie who's looking for a forever home. She's a big girl at 84 pounds, but she's eager to lose some weight and get back in shape.
Electra is already spayed and has had heartworm treatment, so she's ready to go. She's also been working on her diet and is getting used to a new lifestyle.
Electra loves to run and play, but she's not a fan of cats - she'd rather chase them! She's good with other dogs, though, and prefers the company of a male.
Electra is housetrained and pretty good on a leash, but she doesn't fit in a crate (at least, not yet!). She's looking for a home where she can get plenty of exercise and snuggle time.
Happy Tails
Rough collies are naturally inclined to be gentle with children, thanks to their herding instincts that help them protect and care for their young.
They're highly intelligent and trainable, but can be strong-willed at times, requiring patient and consistent training from an early age.
Rough collies are generally good with other pets, especially if socialized properly from an early age, but may require some time to adjust to new furry family members.
Their thick coats require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, and they shed heavily during seasonal changes.
Rough collies are prone to some health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.
With proper care and attention, rough collies can live up to 12-14 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rough Collie cost?
On the West Coast, a Rough Collie puppy typically costs between $800 and $1,600. Prices may vary depending on location and breeder.
What are the negatives of Rough Collies?
Rough Collies are prone to health issues such as bloat, epilepsy, and eye problems, which can be serious and even life-threatening. They also require regular grooming due to their heavy shedding, especially during seasonal "blow coat" periods.
Do Rough Collies make good pets?
Rough Collies make excellent family pets for active owners with older children, as they thrive on interaction and companionship. However, they may not be the best fit for very young or noisy households.
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