Collie (Rough)

Historical Development and Temperament

The Rough Collie, a breed of immense elegance and historical significance, traces its origins to the rugged landscapes of Scotland and Northern England. Originally developed as a versatile herding dog, the breed was prized for its intelligence, stamina, and unwavering loyalty to its shepherd. The transition from a working farm dog to a refined companion began in the late 19th century, largely influenced by the patronage of Queen Victoria, who became enamored with the breed during her visits to Balmoral. This royal endorsement propelled the Collie into the spotlight of dog shows, where its aesthetic appeal and refined temperament were highly celebrated.

The breed is characterized by a sweet, alert expression and a gentle disposition. Despite its aristocratic appearance, the Rough Collie retains a strong instinct for protection and a deep bond with its family. When evaluating these dogs, FCI judges look for a dog that exhibits a perfect balance of physical beauty and functional utility. The breed's history is meticulously documented through various pedigree names that trace back to the foundational sires of the Victorian era, ensuring that the breed's integrity remains intact across generations.

Anatomical Standards and Requirements

The Rough Collie is a dog of great beauty, standing with impassive dignity. The structure must be sound, showing no sign of coarseness.

• Head: The head is wedge-shaped, with a smooth, well-rounded muzzle and a flat skull. The stop is slight but perceptible.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium size, set obliquely, and dark brown in color, except in the case of blue merles where one or both eyes may be blue.
• Coat: The coat is the hallmark of the breed, being very dense and straight, with a soft, furry undercoat. It must be maintained according to strict exhibition standards to ensure the dog presents correctly in the ring.
• Movement: The gait is distinct, with a smooth, effortless stride that covers ground efficiently.
• Training: Due to their high intelligence, many owners enroll their dogs in cynology schools to channel their energy into agility or obedience.
• Registration: All breeding programs should be registered with official kennel clubs to maintain the health and genetic diversity of the breed.

• The Rough Collie became a global pop culture icon due to the television series 'Lassie'.
• The breed is known for its 'Collie nose', a sensitivity to certain medications that owners must be aware of.
• Despite their long coat, they are surprisingly clean dogs that do not have a strong 'doggy' odor.
• They are highly vocal and are known to 'talk' to their owners with a variety of chirps and barks.
• The breed was originally used for herding sheep, but they are equally adept at herding cattle and even ducks.