The Rough Collie is a large, intelligent, and gentle dog that makes a wonderful family pet. They are known for their long, flowing coat, piercing blue eyes, and regal bearing. Rough Collies are highly trainable and make excellent working dogs, but they are also content to be couch potatoes. They are loyal and loving companions and are always eager to please their owners.
History of the Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is a descendant of the ancient Scottish sheepdog, which was used to herd sheep on the rugged Scottish Highlands. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Rough Collies quickly became popular show dogs and family pets. They were even featured in the famous book and movie “Lassie Come Home.”
Rough Collies quickly became popular show dogs and family pets. They were even featured in the famous book and movie “Lassie Come Home.” Today, rough collies are still popular pets all over the world.
Appearance of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies are large dogs, with males standing 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and females standing 24 to 26 inches. They have a long, flowing coat that can be either black and white or sable and white. Their eyes are a deep blue and their ears are set high on their head.
Temperament of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies are intelligent, gentle, and loyal dogs. They are good with children and other pets. They are also highly trainable and make excellent working dogs. Rough Collies are active dogs and need plenty of exercise. They also need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
Health of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and collie eye anomaly (CEA). It is important to have your rough collie screened for these conditions before you buy a puppy.
Care of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies need plenty of exercise. They are best suited for homes with a large yard or access to a dog park. They also need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
Training of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies are highly trainable dogs. They are eager to please their owners and learn quickly. Basic obedience training is a must for all rough collies. They can also be trained for more advanced activities, such as agility and herding.
Diet of the Rough Collie
Rough Collies are large dogs and need a high-quality diet to maintain their health. A good diet for a rough collie will include a mix of kibble, wet food, and raw food. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your individual dog.
Cost of Owning a Rough Collie
The cost of owning a rough collie varies depending on a number of factors, including the breeder, the location, and the age of the puppy. The average cost of a rough collie puppy is $1,000 to $2,000. The cost of food, grooming, and veterinary care will also add to the overall cost of ownership.
Pros of Owning a Rough Collie
- Intelligent and trainable
- Gentle and loving
- Good with children and other pets
- Active and playful
- Loyal and protective
- Beautiful and majestic
Cons of Owning a Rough Collie
- High-maintenance coat
- Requires plenty of exercise
- Can be prone to health problems
- May be too large for some homes
- Can be vocal
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a rough collie is a personal one. If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion who is also intelligent and trainable, then a rough collie may be the perfect breed for you. However, it is important to be aware of the high-maintenance coat and the need for plenty of exercise before making a decision.
Conclusion
The Rough Collie is a wonderful breed of dog that makes a great family pet. They are intelligent, gentle, and loyal companions. If you are looking for a large, active dog that loves to cuddle, then the Rough Collie may be the perfect breed for you.
Here are some additional things to consider when owning a rough collie:
- Grooming: Rough collies have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming. This includes brushing at least once a day and bathing every few weeks.
- Exercise: Rough collies are active dogs and need plenty of exercise. A good rule of thumb is to give your rough collie at least one hour of exercise per day. This can be anything from walking to playing fetch.
- Training: Rough collies are highly trainable dogs and learn quickly. Basic obedience training is a must for all rough collies. They can also be trained for more advanced activities, such as agility and herding.
- Health: Rough collies are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and collie eye anomaly (CEA). It is important to have your rough collie screened for these conditions before you buy a puppy.
If you are considering getting a Rough Collie, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Rough Collies can make wonderful companions, but they require a lot of time, attention, and care.
