Charlotte Foster
The television series helped the Rough Collie to become immensely popular. Intelligence and beauty characterize this breed. Originally bred to herd sheep in the Scottish Highlands, the Collie developed into a noble dog with a lush coat. Rough Collies adore their families and want to be part of every activity.
Intelligent beauty
The Rough Collie was once very fashionable, thanks to the Lassie TV series. Like hardly any other dog, the Collie combines charm, grace, and intelligence. The origins of the Scottish Sheepdog go back a long way, the type probably arose in the 13th century.
The shepherds used the dog to herd their sheep in the inhospitable high moors of Scotland. Enthusiasts founded the Collie Club as early as 1840; In 1858 the breed was officially recognized. Queen Victoria fell in love with the animals and kept them at the royal court.
Today’s collies are still herding dogs, but have found a new field of activity, especially as family and sport dogs. The standard provides for a size of 56 to 61 centimeters for males, bitches should have a height of 51 to 56 centimeters. Rough Collies come in the color varieties sable, tricolor and blue merle, whereby mating two parents with a merle factor is forbidden.
Characteristics and nature of the Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is an intelligent and sensitive dog that learns quickly. As a herding dog, movement and independence are in his blood. The animals are affectionate and cuddly and always want to be with their families; Pure kennel keeping is therefore not advisable. Scottish Shepherds are passionate about canine sports such as agility or rescue dog work. Their gentle and empathetic nature also predestines them as therapy dogs. Collies show a great willingness to subordinate and a high “will to please” (will to please).
Education and keeping of the Rough Collie
The Rough Collie orients itself to its owner. This makes it easier to train the young dog. The four-legged friends learn quickly, which makes them great companions in numerous dog sports. The sensitive Scottish Shepherd does not tolerate too much pressure. Raise him with loving consistency and get a companion who can easily be integrated into your everyday life.
Rough Collie care
The long coat consists of a smooth, hard topcoat and a soft undercoat. The mane and ruff are lush. Despite the enormous fur, the Rough Collie is an easy-care dog. Brush it weekly. Also care for it with the comb behind the ears and on the armpits so that it does not become matted.
Health of the Rough Collie
As with some herding dogs, the MDR1 defect occurs in collies. This leads to intolerance to certain drugs. Another possible hereditary disease in Rough Collies is Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). Therefore, rely on a reputable breeder if you want to get one of these dogs.
Peculiarities of the Rough Collie
In addition to the Scottish Rough Collie, there is an American Collie that is not recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). The breed standard differs from that of the British Collie in many respects.