Think flowing fur, a noble head tilt, and eyes that seem to read your soul. The Rough Collie is the four-legged movie star of the dog world — famous for Lassie, but adored in real life for their loyalty, elegance, and gentle spirit. Just don’t forget: behind the glamour is a dog who needs daily care and thoughtful companionship.
Not sure if a collie with a mane is right for you? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to check.
Great Names for a Rough Collie
These dogs look like they were born to star in period dramas, so their names should match.
Regal & elegant: Duchess, Lancelot, Aurora, King, Lady, Sapphire
Pastoral & natural: Bramble, Fern, Willow, Glen, Meadow, Heather
Classic picks: Molly, Archie, Bella, Max, Daisy, Ruby
Cheeky contrast: Noodle, Pickle, Rascal, Jinx, Dash, Poppy
Need more? Head to our Dog Name Generator on CrazyDogs.club for hundreds of ideas.
Exercise
Rough Collies may not be sheep-rounding dynamos like their Border cousins, but they still need to stretch those legs and minds. Think moderate, steady exercise, not hyper zoomies.
What works best:
- 1–1.5 hours of daily activity
- Long walks with sniff breaks
- Moderate play sessions in the garden
- Gentle agility or obedience for mental work
“Our Collie loves her daily walk, but she’s just as happy snoozing by the fire afterwards.”
Temperament
Rough Collies are famously loyal — the kind of dog that will shadow you from room to room. They’re gentle, affectionate, and often a little sensitive. If you want a loud, boisterous clown, this isn’t the breed; if you want a soulful, family-friendly dog, you’ve found it.
Common traits:
- Loyal and affectionate with their people
- Naturally gentle with children
- Often reserved or shy with strangers
- Sensitive — harsh words can really upset them
“She’s the sweetest dog we’ve ever had — but she definitely sulks if told off!”
Sensitive Soul Warning
Rough Collies don’t respond well to shouting or heavy-handed training. Use kindness, patience, and encouragement.
Training
Training a Rough Collie is like coaching an eager student who wants to please, but might overthink if confused. Keep it simple, positive, and consistent.
Top tips:
- Start early with puppy socialisation
- Keep sessions light and rewarding
- Focus on recall, lead manners, and calm greetings
- Avoid harsh corrections — they’ll shut down
Need backup? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can give you personalised, gentle training plans.
“Collies are clever, but they don’t like pressure. Praise works far better than punishment.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Rough Collies will often bark to let you know someone’s coming, but they’re not aggressive watchdogs. More like the polite butler announcing visitors at the door.
- Alert and aware
- May be shy with new people
- Usually warm up once trust is earned
Other Animals
With their gentle nature, Rough Collies usually do well with other dogs and even cats — as long as introductions are respectful.
- Early socialisation helps build confidence
- Monitor play with boisterous breeds
- Herding instincts are mild compared to Borders
Grooming
The coat is the glory of the Rough Collie — and also the workload. Skip grooming and you’ll be battling mats, tangles, and enough shed fur to knit a jumper.
Routine care:
- Brush thoroughly 2–3 times a week
- Daily brushing during seasonal sheds
- Check behind ears, tail, and trousers for mats
- Occasional bath and blow-dry
Grooming Commitment Warning
A Rough Collie coat takes dedication. If you’re not up for brushing, budget for regular groomer visits.
Health
Rough Collies are generally hardy, but there are a few breed-specific concerns.
Common issues:
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hip dysplasia
- MDR1 gene sensitivity (reaction to certain drugs)
- Bloat (though less common than in some breeds)
“Ours tested positive for the MDR1 gene … we always remind vets before treatment.”
Always ask breeders about health testing, and check our Best in Breeder Guide for what to expect.
Cost of Ownership
A glamorous dog doesn’t come cheap. In the UK, expect:
- Puppy price: £1,200–£2,000 from health-tested lines
- Insurance: £40–£80 per month (higher if eye or hip issues arise)
- Food: £40–£60 per month (medium appetite, quality diet)
- Grooming: £20–£50/month (DIY supplies or pro visits)
- Vet care: £200–£400/year for basics; tests/surgeries can add more
Famous Owners & Moments
- Lassie made the Rough Collie one of the most recognised breeds in the world.
- Historically used as herding and farm dogs in Scotland, prized for loyalty and beauty.
- Still adored as calm, family-friendly companions today.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re the same as Border Collies.” | Borders are high-drive workers; Roughs are gentler, calmer companions. |
| “All that coat must be filthy.” | With brushing, their coat naturally repels dirt and stays surprisingly clean. |
| “They’re just show dogs.” | Rough Collies can herd, train, and thrive in active homes too. |
FAQs
Are Rough Collies good with children?
Yes — famously gentle and protective, though always supervise with young kids.
Do they bark a lot?
They can be vocal when alerting, but not excessively noisy with training.
Are they easy to train?
Yes — eager to please, especially with positive reinforcement.
How much exercise do they need?
1–1.5 hours daily, plus mental enrichment.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you dream of a dog that’s noble, loving, gentle, and gorgeous to look at, the Rough Collie could be perfect. But be ready for grooming, sensitivity, and a dog who thrives on family connection.
Stay organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner and turn their movie-star looks into a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Medium–large
- Weight: 18–30 kg
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Best Trait: Loyalty, gentle nature, stunning coat
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, sensitivity, shyness with strangers