Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
20–34 kg
Height
51–61 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Sable and White · Tricolor · Blue Merle
Rough Collie
About This Breed
The Rough Collie was made famous by the TV show Lassie and is one of the most recognized breeds in the world. With their magnificent flowing mane and refined head, they are gentle, devoted herding dogs and ideal family companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Rough Collie
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Herding |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 20–34 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 51–61 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Sable and White · Tricolor · Blue Merle |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Loyal · Gentle · Intelligent · Graceful |
Often enjoys a mix of activity and rest.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Collie is a lovable, intelligent, and loyal dog that makes a great family pet. Queen Victoria is credited with the breed’s original popularity in the 1860s, as Collies were originally used as herding dogs in Scotland and England. In more recent years, the book Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight and subsequent TV shows and movies have made the Collie better known as an all-American family dog. Today, the Collie ranks within the top 50 most popular dog breeds, ranked by the American Kennel Club. The Collie is a medium to large breed dog, weighing 50-75 pounds and standing about 2 feet high at the shoulder.
Care Guide
Collies are known for their intelligence, protective tendencies, and responsive nature. They thrive on bonding with their humans and often excel at obedience, agility, and herding work. They typically live 10-14 years with appropriate care. Collies are affectionate with humans, especially children, and are good with other animals. They do, however, have a high energy level and require at least an hour of outdoor exercise daily to stay mentally and physically fit. They tend to calm down and enjoy time with the family indoors as well. They are equal parts herding champion and couch potato! Collies have a medium to long length coat that comes in many color varieties, including mixes of black, brown, tan, and white. Collies have a double coat that requires routine brushing, bathing, and the occasional professional grooming appointment.