Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is more than just a beautiful dog; it's a breed steeped in history, transitioning from a diligent sheep herder in the Scottish Highlands to an iconic figure immortalized by "Lassie." With its striking long coat and intelligent gaze, this breed has captured hearts worldwide as both a beloved companion and a star of screen and literature. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of this noble canine. Originally a robust Scottish herding dog, the Rough Collie evolved into a popular show dog and family companion, partly due to royal admiration. Its distinctive features, like the long, tapered head and flowing coat, were refined over time through selective breeding, sometimes influenced by other breeds. Despite their generally resilient nature, Rough Collies are predisposed to specific genetic health conditions, notably certain eye diseases and drug sensitivities.
AI Summary
The Rough Collie is more than just a beautiful dog; it's a breed steeped in history, transitioning from a diligent sheep herder in the Scottish Highlands to an iconic figure immortalized by "Lassie." With its striking long coat and intelligent gaze, this breed has captured hearts worldwide as both a beloved companion and a star of screen and literature. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of this noble canine.
- Originally a robust Scottish herding dog, the Rough Collie evolved into a popular show dog and family companion, partly due to royal admiration.
- Its distinctive features, like the long, tapered head and flowing coat, were refined over time through selective breeding, sometimes influenced by other breeds.
- Despite their generally resilient nature, Rough Collies are predisposed to specific genetic health conditions, notably certain eye diseases and drug sensitivities.
The Iconic Rough Collie
The Rough Collie, often affectionately known as the Long-Haired Collie, is a medium to large-sized dog breed instantly recognizable by its magnificent, flowing coat. While globally celebrated as a show dog and devoted family companion today, its lineage traces back to the rugged landscapes of Scotland.
This breed's enduring fame largely stems from the heartwarming tales of author Albert Payson Terhune's dog, Lad, and later, the legendary character of Lassie. Through novels, movies, and television shows, Lassie cemented the Rough Collie's image as a symbol of loyalty, intelligence, and heroism in popular culture.
A Distinctive Appearance
Rough Collies boast a truly distinctive look, characterized by a long, narrow, tapered snout and those charming, semi-prick ears, where the top third folds over. This elegant head shape is a hallmark of the breed, contributing to its noble expression.
Their beautiful coats come in several striking colors. All varieties feature signature white markings on the collar, legs, and tail tip, sometimes complemented by a white blaze on the face.
Color Description Sable and White Ranges from pale tan to rich mahogany Tricolour Primarily black, edged with tan markings Blue Merle Mottled silver-blue and black, with tan points Colour-headed White Mainly white body, with a colored head (tri-, sable, or blue merle)
Family Ties and Lookalikes
Interestingly, the Rough Collie shares a close kinship with the Smooth Collie, a short-coated variety. In fact, major kennel clubs like the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs consider them variations of the same breed, differing only in coat length.
While Rough Collies bear a strong resemblance to the smaller Shetland Sheepdog, or 'Sheltie,' they are distinct breeds. Though the Sheltie is partly descended from the Rough Collie, the two do not have a direct linear relationship and can be distinguished by differences in head shape and overall size.
From Humble Herders to Royal Canines
The story of the Rough Collie truly begins in the 19th century in the Scottish and Welsh highlands. Here, a localized variety of herding dogs diligently assisted shepherds, with Scottish types being large and strong for highland sheep, and Welsh varieties smaller, nimble, and friendly enough for goats.
When English fanciers discovered these versatile dogs at Birmingham markets, they began interbreeding them with their own sheepdogs. Later, a desire for a more 'noble' and elongated head led to speculative crosses with the Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound—a characteristic still seen in the breed today.
A pivotal moment arrived when Queen Victoria encountered these dogs at Balmoral Castle and acquired one for herself. Suddenly, the Rough Collie was transformed into a coveted fashion item, catapulting its popularity and sparking a new era of breeding focused on aesthetic appeal for dog shows.
This shift towards show purposes drastically reshaped their appearance over time. Earlier Collies were more sturdy and capable of incredible feats, reportedly covering up to 100 miles a day. While no longer widely used for serious herding in the UK—a role now largely filled by the Border Collie—a resurgence in working Collies is seen in the US and parts of Europe.
Such growing interest quickly led to the formation of dedicated breed clubs, with the Collie Club in England established in 1881, and the Collie Club of America following suit in 1886. These organizations played a crucial role in shaping the breed's future.
Even the name "Collie" is shrouded in a bit of mystery. While its exact origins are debated, a widely accepted theory suggests it comes from "Coll," the Old English word for "black." This might refer to the black-faced sheep they herded or perhaps the early black-and-tan coloration of some dogs.
Their show career began early, with the first Rough Collies exhibited in 1860 in England. English imports then became the foundation stock for American fanciers, leading to rapid development and the emergence of influential kennels in the early 20th century that built the breed we know today.
The Signature Look
Beyond color, the Rough Collie's coat is a true marvel. It features a soft, downy undercoat covered by a long, dense, and coarse outer coat. This impressive double layer creates a notable ruff around the neck, elegant 'feathers' about the legs, a 'petticoat' on the abdomen, and a frill on the hindquarters.
But perhaps the most distinctive feature is their head. It's light in proportion to the body, smoothly tapering from the ears to the black nose, resembling a 'blunt wedge.' The muzzle is well-rounded, never square, and the eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, conveying an intelligent and gentle expression.
Those distinctive semi-prick ears are crucial to the breed standard. Occasionally, puppies' ears may need gentle taping with medical adhesive to encourage them to tip correctly, a simple, non-surgical process that helps achieve the desired conformation.
When it comes to size, there's a bit of international variation. Male Collies typically stand 22 to 26 inches (55.8 to 66 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 50-70 pounds, with females being slightly smaller. Interestingly, UK standards tend to call for slightly smaller dogs than those in the US.
A Companion's Heart
Beneath that magnificent coat lies a gentle and devoted temperament. Rough Collies are renowned for their loyalty, making them truly dedicated family dogs. They should show no nervousness or aggression and are generally exceptional with children and other animals, though early socialization is key to prevent shyness.
Like many herding breeds, Rough Collies can be quite vocal, using their barks to communicate. However, they are intelligent and eager to please, responding best to gentle training methods, and many can be easily taught to manage their barking.
Their long, protective coat also makes them surprisingly adept in colder climates. Historically, they've served as able herders and guardians on northern farms during winter, even enjoying playtime in the snow with children—provided they have proper acclimation and insulated shelter.
Health Considerations
While generally robust, the Rough Collie does have some known genetic health predispositions that responsible breeders screen for. Awareness of these conditions is vital for ensuring a long and healthy life for these wonderful dogs.
One of the most common and significant concerns is Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a genetic disease causing improper eye development and potential vision loss. Another, rarer, genetic eye condition is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which leads to progressive blindness. Early screening by a veterinary ophthalmologist and DNA testing are crucial tools in managing these conditions.
A more severe, though thankfully rarer, genetic disorder is Canine Cyclic Neutropenia, also known as "gray collie syndrome." Affected puppies have a distinct pale gray coloration and suffer from a cyclic blood disorder that is usually fatal. DNA testing can identify carriers of this recessive gene.
Like many larger breeds, hip dysplasia can be a concern, though it's less common in Collies compared to some relatives. More famously, Rough Collies often carry a mutant Mdr1 gene, making them sensitive to certain drugs like Ivermectin. Administering such medications can cause severe neurological impairment or even death, so a screening test is essential to guide veterinary care.
Beyond these testable conditions, breeders remain vigilant for other issues thought to have a genetic component, such as epilepsy, bloat, allergies, and thyroid disorders. While no specific DNA tests exist for these, careful breeding practices aim to minimize their occurrence.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
While primarily companions today, the Rough Collie's herding legacy endures. These intelligent dogs are capable of being keen herders, assisting on farms or even with hobby livestock like sheep or goats. Their natural herding instincts, combined with trainability and loyalty, make them outstanding working partners.
Across the country, herding clubs offer clinics and trials, allowing Collies to demonstrate their innate abilities. A "Herding Instinct Test" can even reveal whether a Collie, never exposed to livestock, still possesses the ancient drive for which the breed was created.
Beyond herding, these intelligent and agile dogs excel in a variety of canine activities. You'll find them competing in agility trials, obedience, flyball, and tracking. Their gentle nature and eager-to-please attitude also make them exceptional search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and even guide dogs for the blind.
Famous Furry Faces
When you think of a Rough Collie, one name immediately comes to mind: Lassie. This legendary character, originally portrayed by a Rough Collie named Pal, became a global phenomenon through countless films, television series, and novels, earning one of the few stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for an animal actor.
Beyond the silver screen, Rough Collies have held other notable roles. Reveille, the beloved mascot of Texas A&M University since 1966, has consistently been a Rough Collie. Other famous collies include Lad, Wolf, and Gray Dawn from Albert Payson Terhune's early 20th-century novels, and even Dylan, the pet of Argentine President Alberto Fernández.
Name Significance Lassie Iconic fictional character, star of films and TV, Hollywood Walk of Fame Reveille Official mascot of Texas A&M University since 1966 Lad Star of Albert Payson Terhune's early novels Pal The original Rough Collie to portray Lassie Dylan Pet dog of Argentine President Alberto Fernández
Article
Rough Collie
The Rough Collie or Long-Haired Collie is a British breed of long-coated herding dog of medium to large size. It is identical to the Smooth Collie in all respects but the length of the coat. Dogs of both breeds were bred for herding sheep in Scotland. In the twenty-first century the Rough Collie is commonly kept as a companion dog, or may be bred for showing. The recognised coat colours are sable or merle in various shades, tri-coloured or colour-headed white.
The Rough Collie is similar in appearance to the smaller Shetland Sheepdog, but a genetic link between the two breeds is not established.
History
Rough Collie
Rough Collie, circa 1915
Both the Rough and the Smooth Collie descend from a localised variety of herding dog originating in Scotland and Wales. The Scottish variety was a large, strong, aggressive dog, bred to herd highland sheep. The Welsh variety was small and nimble, domesticated and friendly, and also herded goats. When the English saw these dogs at the Birmingham market, they interbred them with their own variety of sheepdogs, producing a mixture of short- and long-haired varieties. After the Industrial Revolution, dog ownership became fashionable, and these early collies were believed to have been crossed with the Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound) to get a more "noble" head (longer muzzle), which is today one of the true characteristics of the Rough Collie. It is not known conclusively if the Borzoi cross made it into the mainstream of the breed.
When Queen Victoria acquired a Rough Collie, after seeing one at Balmoral Castle, they were transformed into something of a fashion item. Continued breeding for show purposes drastically changed the appearance of the dogs; in the 1960s, it was a much taller dog than it is today (in the UK; in the US, the size standard has not been revised downward and dogs have remained between 24 and 26"). Earlier dogs were also more sturdy in build and reportedly capable of covering up to 100 miles in one day. In the UK the Rough Collie is no longer used for serious herding, having been replaced by the Border Collie, though in the United States and a number of European countries, there has been a resurgence in the use of the Collie as a working and performance dog.
The Collie Club of America is one of the oldest breed-specific clubs in existence in the United States (founded in 1886). The Collie Club in England dates from 1881.
Appearance
Rough Collie
• Sable and white, where the "sable" ranges from pale tan to a mahogany • Tricolour, which is primarily black edged in tan • Merle, Blue or Sable merle, which is mottled. • Colour-headed white, which is a mainly all-white coat, except for the head, which could be tri-, sable or blue.
All have white coat areas, in the collar, parts of the leg, and usually the tail tip. Some may have white blazes on their faces. Note that the American Kennel Club accepts colour-headed white, where the dog is predominantly white with coloured markings of sable, tricolour, or blue merle on the head and sometimes body patches. The downy undercoat is covered by a long, dense, coarse outer coat with a notable ruff around the neck, feathers about the legs, a petticoat on the abdomen, and a frill on the hindquarters. One of the characteristic features of the Rough Collie is its head. This is light in relation to the rest of the body, and resembles a blunted wedge tapering smoothly from ears to black nose, with a distinct stop and parallel head planes. The muzzle is well rounded, and never square. There is considerable variation in the colour of the head, however. The eyes are medium-sized and almond shaped. The ears are supposed to be semi-prick, or tipped, with the upper third folded over. Ears which do not "tip" properly, however, are common, and many collies have their ears taped as puppies (using medical adhesive or paper tape) to encourage them to lie properly – no cutting or surgery is involved.
Rough Collies have a more blunt, gradually tapering, face than the smaller, but otherwise very similar Shetland Sheepdog, which is partly descended from the Rough Collie. The planes of the muzzle and the top of the skull should be parallel in collies, with a slight but distinct stop. (In shelties, the planes are not parallel.) The ears of a Rough Collie are similar to a Shetland Sheepdog's, but larger. Furthermore, once seen, the contrast between the Rough Collie head and that of a Border Collie is immediately apparent, the latter having a considerably shorter muzzle and a more distinct stop between muzzle and forehead. The ruff is also distinctive in distinguishing the two breeds.
The size and weight varies among breed standards; male collies can stand 55.8 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in) at the shoulder; the female averages 5 cm (2 in) shorter. The males are usually in the weight range (50–70 lbs), and the females are usually 5 to 10 lbs less. Collies in the US are sometimes reported to be over one hundred pounds, but a large collie typically weighs no more than 70 pounds. US and UK standards may differ. The UK standard calls for dogs to be significantly smaller than those under the American Kennel Club.
Health
Rough Collie
Blue merle
Colour-headed white
While Rough Collies are generally resilient and healthy, there are some health problems that can affect the breed.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA), a genetic disease which causes improper development of the eye and possible blindness, is a common ailment in the breed. More rarely, Rough Collies can be affected by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), another genetic disease in which bilateral degeneration of the retina results in progressive vision loss culminating in blindness. Through genetic testing and careful screening program it would be theoretically possible to eradicate both of these problems in purebred lines, however, certainly in the UK, the Kennel Club does not require these tests to be done either for registration or showing. CEA is so prevalent that elimination of affected dogs except through very slow and careful breeding decisions to avoid shrinking the gene pool more than absolutely necessary. Rough Collie puppies should be screened at an early age (6–8 weeks) by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist to check for CEA. PRA has a later onset and can be detected by DNA test, but is much less widespread (in the US) than CEA. (In the UK, PRA is more common.) Note, the UK Kennel Club "Accredited Breeder Scheme" requires eye tests and recommends the genetic test for this class of members.
Canine cyclic neutropenia is a cyclic blood disorder that is usually fatal to affected puppies. The disease is also referred to as "gray collie syndrome", due to affected puppies having a pale grey, pinkish/gray or beige colouring, none of which are normal Rough Collie colours. Puppies that survive through adulthood are plagued with immune disorders throughout their lives and rarely live more than three years. DNA testing can help detect carriers of the recessive gene that causes the disease.
Hip dysplasia: As with most of the larger breeds, hip dysplasia is a potential concern for Rough Collies. Although this disease appears to be "multigene", careful selection by many breeders is reducing this problem. The UK Kennel Club "Accredited Breeder Scheme" requires hip-scores this class of members, however, a very small proportion of UK registered puppies are bred under this scheme. Hip dysplasia is rare in collies compared to their closest relatives and other breeds of the same size.
Mahogany sable Rough Collie
Rough Collies may carry a mutant Mdr1 gene that results in a sensitivity to ivermectin and related drugs. A screening test is used to determine if alternative medications are required. Overdoses from the proscribed medications can result in neurological impairment or even death, but preventative doses are usually safe. This faulty gene is present in several breeds, but is well known among collies.
In addition to these problems, all of which can be tested for, there are a number of problems which are thought to be genetic but for which no screening test exists. These include epilepsy, bloat, a tendency towards allergies, and thyroid disorders (primarily hypothyroidism.). Because no DNA tests exist for these disorders (and all can have causes other than genetic origins), breeders can only do their best to avoid producing them by removing affected dogs from the gene pool.
Ulcerative dermatosis of Shetland sheepdog and rough collie (UDSSC) is a disease that is believed to be a vesicular variant of discoid lupus erythematosus. It is an ulcerative dermatosis that affects the thigh, groin, axillae, and ventral abdomen.
Working life
Herding
In the 18th century, the Collie's natural home was in the highlands of Scotland
In the 18th century, the Collie's natural home was in the highlands of Scotland, where it had been used for centuries as a sheepdog. The dogs were bred with great care in order to assist their masters in the herding and guarding of their flock.
Collies are capable of being keen herders while remaining sensible, flexible family companions, whether as working dogs on a ranch or farm or helping out a suburban owner who keeps a few sheep, goats, or ducks as a hobby. Participation in herding helps preserve the special heritage of the Collie and opens up new opportunities for owner and dog. The qualities that make a good herding dog – trainability, adaptability, loyalty, soundness of body and character, agility, grace – are important in many areas, and contribute so much toward making the dog an outstanding companion as well.
Throughout the country there are local herding clubs that provide clinics, work days, trials and tests. Several organisations provide herding title programs in which Collies regularly participate. A Herding Instinct Test introduces Collies and their handlers to herding at the basic level. It is designed to show whether or not a Collie, who may have never had any exposure to livestock, still has the natural instinct to perform the function for which the breed was initially created. It is a non-competitive introduction to carefully selected and easily handled livestock under favourably controlled conditions.
Activities
Rough Collies can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, conformation, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Rough Collies exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. The breed has also been known to work as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs and guide dogs for the blind.
Notable Rough Collies
Rough Collie
Lassie TV series (1954–1973), filming on location in Florida (1965)
• Lassie, a line of Rough Collies originally owned by Rudd Weatherwax that have starred in numerous films, multiple television series, a radio program, and has been the subject of various novels and non-fiction works. One of the few animal actors to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. • Reveille is the name of the current mascot of Texas A&M University. Since Reveille III became the mascot in 1966, each dog to bear that name has been a Rough Collie; the current mascot is Reveille X. She assumed her duties in 2021, and she was donated by Rough Collie breeders Julie Hinrichsen and Russell Dyke of Juell Collies. • Dylan, Argentine president Alberto Fernández's pet dog. • Lad, the main hero of Albert Payson Terhune's early 20th-century novels about his Sunnybank Rough Collies. • Wolf, the main hero of Albert Payson Terhune's early 20th-century novels about his Sunnybank Rough Collies. • Gray Dawn, another of Albert Payson Terhune's early 20th-century novels about his Sunnybank Rough Collies. • Pal, the first Rough Collie to portray Lassie. • John Wayne's character Jacob McCandles in the 1971 movie Big Jake has a Rough Collie named "Dog" who obeyed varied commands by simply hearing his name spoken. • Ch. Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven, a nine-month-old Rough Collie who is the youngest dog to ever win the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.