Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Collie (Rough)
The elegant, long-coated herding breed made famous by Lassie — gentle, devoted and highly attuned to its family's moods, with a strong instinct to watch over children and other animals.
Large12–14 yearsScotlandNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Herding / Pastoral
- Origin
- Scotland
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–34 kg (45–75 lb)
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long, dense, straight outer coat with thick undercoat
- Temperament
- GentleDevotedSensitiveWatchful
History
Developed from Scottish and English herding dogs, refined in the nineteenth century and popularised worldwide after Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed.
Appearance
A tall, refined dog with a long, wedge-shaped head, small folded ears and a luxuriant mane-like coat.
Exercise and activity
An hour daily of walking, herding-style games or agility suits this active but not hyperactive breed.
Care and grooming
Brush two to three times weekly, more during heavy seasonal shedding, paying particular attention to the mane, trousers and behind the ears.
Health considerations
- Collie eye anomaly
- MDR1 drug sensitivity gene mutation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Dermatomyositis