Rough Collie Facts And Information

The Rough Collie is a large, courageous dog breed that excels in hard work. These dogs are also highly affectionate and make great family pets. Read on to find out more Rough Collie facts and information!

They Originated In Scotland And Wales

Two Collie dogs originated in both Scotland and Wales around the same time. The breed in Scotland was large and strong, specialized for herding sheep. The breed in Wales, however, was smaller and more agile. When British colonizers saw the two breeds, however, they decided to mix their genetics, resulting in the large, courageous Rough Collie.

The Rough Collie Is Highly Intelligent

The Rough Collie is famous for its extreme intelligence. In fact, they are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world! They can be trained to do all sorts of tricks and commands, and they are also emotionally sensitive. Many owners are impressed by their Collie’s ability to somehow sense exactly how they’re feeling.

They Like Having A Job To Do

Another fun fact about Rough Collies is that they love to work! Not only were these dogs bred to be hard-working, but a working Rough Collie is often much happier than one without a job to do. Training your Rough Collie to do tasks like retrieve objects around the house is a great form of enrichment that will keep your dog entertained and feeling important.

The Rough Collie Needs A Lot Of Exercise

The Rough Collie required tremendous amounts of exercise to stay healthy and occupied. Without proper exercise, they have a tendency to become destructive. These dogs are not well suited to apartment life, and should not live in a household full of couch potatoes!

They’re Especially Good With Kids

This is an affectionate breed that is fiercely loving and loyal towards its family members. However, the Rough Collie has a particular soft spot for children. While their herding instincts can often cause them to herd children like sheep, they are incredibly patient and loving towards kids of all ages!

A Rough Collie Played One Of The Most Famous Dog Characters In History

One of the most interesting facts about Rough Collies is that they have a long history on television. The popular show Lassie followed a Rough Collie of the same name, who was always rescuing her young owner, Timmy. This show is actually what ended up popularizing the dog breed, and now they are well known throughout the world.

Their Coat Comes In A Variety Of Colors

The Rough Collie is known for its attractive long double coat. While the traditional Collie is a mix of brown and white, they can come in a variety of coat colors, including sable and white, blue merle, tricolor, or white. It’s also important to note that, like many other long haired dog breeds, the Rough Collie needs to be brushed at least once or twice every week.

The Rough Collie Excels In Competition

The Rough Collie’s famous athleticism, combined with its uncanny intelligence, makes it perfect for agility competitions and obedience training. They’re incredibly nimble, as well as good at following all sorts of difficult commands. Training for competition is also a wonderful way to keep these busy dogs occupied, so they don’t get bored!

They Were A Favorite Of Queen Victoria

Throughout her reign, Queen Victoria was largely responsible for the popularization of the Rough Collie. She saw one in Balmoral Castle on a trip to Scotland, and she instantly fell in love with the breed. Already fond of dogs, Queen Victoria had a special place in her heart for the Rough Collie, and soon she made it popular among all her subjects, as well. Without Queen Victoria’s influence, it’s likely the Rough Collie would have faded out of existence.

The Rough Collie Has The Odd Ability To Sense Danger

One of the coolest Rough Collie facts is that the television show Lassie wasn’t much of an exaggeration. Owners of these intelligent dogs have described their dogs as highly sensitive, often uncannily in tune with the world around them. In fact, there are hundreds of stories out there about Rough Collies saving the lives of various humans and animals alike!

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