Rough Collies are a beloved breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance.
Their coat can come in a variety of colors, including sable, blue merle, and tri-color.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Rough Collie is its thick, double coat, which sheds heavily.
The sable color is a mix of black and red, resulting in a rich, dark brown coat.
Their eyes are typically blue or blue merle, a beautiful contrast to their coat colors.
The blue merle color is a combination of black and gray, giving the dog a distinctive mottled appearance.
Tri-color Rough Collies have a combination of black, white, and tan markings.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice as family pets and working dogs.
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Rough Collie Colors
The sable coat color in Rough Collies is truly unique, ranging from a blonde "buff" color to a rich red to deep mahogany brown.
In Collies, the "brown" gene is dominant, which means a sable can inherit a single tri-color recessive gene and be called a tri-factored sable, resulting in a darker coat color.
For another approach, see: Pembroke Tri Color Corgi
Sables often have white markings on their legs, tail tip, and white collar, which are distinctive features of the breed.
A sable that inherits a merle gene from one of its parents is called a Sable Merle, and it typically has a lighter sable coat color with faint modeling, merling, or speckling.
Sable
The Sable is a classic Collie color, ranging from blonde "buff" to rich red to deep mahogany brown. It's a dominant gene, so a Sable can inherit just one "brown" gene and still display this stunning color.
Sables often darken with each coat, and they always feature distinctive white markings on the legs, tail tip, and white collar. These markings are a hallmark of the Collie breed.
A Sable that inherits a single tri-color recessive gene is called a tri-factored Sable, and it's generally darker in color. This unique combination of genes creates a truly one-of-a-kind coat.
Sable Merles are a variation of the Sable, inheriting a merle gene from one of their parents. They typically have a lighter Sable coat color and faint merling or speckling.
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Tri-Color
The Tri-Color Rough Collie is a stunning sight to behold, with its predominantly black coat featuring tan markings on the face and legs. This color pattern is quite unique, and it's similar to the Doberman's, but with the added touch of a white Collie collar, legs, and tail tip.
The tri-color gene is recessive, which means it needs to be inherited from both parents in order for this color to appear. This can make it a bit tricky to predict, but it's definitely worth the wait.
The black coat is a key part of the Tri-Color Rough Collie's appearance, and it's essential that it's not rusty, browned, or faded. If it is, it's considered a fault.
Breed Traits
Rough Collies are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, with a strong bond to their family. They are highly trainable, with a trainability level of 80.
On average, a male Rough Collie stands at 24-26 inches tall, while a female stands at 22-24 inches. Their weight ranges from 60-75 pounds for males and 50-65 pounds for females.
Here's a quick rundown of their characteristics:
Rough Collies have a long and rough coat, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting. They are generally good with young children, with a good with young children value of 100.
Breed Facts
The Rough Collie is easily recognizable, defined by its angular head, long, elongated muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and a lush coat.
Some breeds have a more rugged appearance, but the Rough Collie's unique features make it stand out.
The Rough Collie's coat is one of its most distinctive characteristics, with a thick undercoat and a long, rough outer coat that requires regular grooming.
Its almond-shaped eyes are not only visually striking but also a key part of its overall expression, giving the breed a gentle and intelligent look.
UK and FCI Standard
The UK and FCI Standard for Collies is quite specific, and it's interesting to note that all recognised colours occur naturally within the breed's gene pool.
The recognised colours in the UK include Blue Merle and Sable Merle.
It's worth noting that these colours are not just cosmetic, but are also a result of the breed's genetics.
The chart referenced in the standard shows the colours that can be shown, but it's also clear that all of these colours occur naturally.
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Coat
Rough Collies have a thick double coat that sheds year-round.
The amount of shedding is significant, and it's not uncommon for them to "blow" their coats twice a year in the spring and fall.
This massive shedding can be overwhelming, especially for those with allergies.
Rough Collies are best suited for homes without allergy sufferers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest color Rough Collie?
The rarest color in the Rough Collie breed is White, which appears in combination with other colors but is recognized as its own distinct color. White Collies typically have a normally marked head with a predominantly white body and occasional body spots.
Are white Rough Collies rare?
Yes, all-white Rough Collies are relatively rare, but they can occur. In fact, they are few and far between, but still possible.
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