What To Look For In A Rough Collie

While the Collie breed have two types, rough and smooth, they are essentially considered in the same breed. What to look for in the Rough Collie?

Let’s Get to the Details

Rough Collies have a beautiful long coat, while the Smooth Collies are the short haired version. Both the Rough and Smooth Collie carry a double coat. They carry an inner, soft, short coat as well as a coarser outer coat. This coat protects them from the heat as well as the cold. Proper grooming will keep your Collie’s coat beautiful and regal looking.

Collies come in a variety of coat colors, so there is sure to be a color to please almost every taste. The most popular is the Sable & White (the blonde collie or pure for sable), then there is the Tri-factored Sable (which has more black in it’s fur). Next, there is the Tri-color Collie (black, white and tan), and the Blue Merle Collie (grey and spotted, this is a beautiful coat color) and finally the white Collie (usually this Collie is white with a sable head and sable markings, or it is white with a Tri head and Tri markings. Then there are the many shades and degrees of merling.

So what do I suggest that you look for when choosing a Collie? First I would make the health of the puppy your first priority.

At Briarwood Collies, we have all of our puppies genetically tested and we post their genetic results right next to their photos. This is so you know without a doubt that we are providing you with a healthy puppy, and you can be sure of the results. While most Collie breeders offer a 2-year health guarantee, we are so confident of our puppies’ health that we offer an unheard of 100% 10-year health guarantee.

When you see a Rough Collie running along, you’ll see their long hair just blowing in the breeze. They are a beautiful sight to see, whether they are laying down in your front yard taking it easy, running through the park with your children, or working on a farm herding sheep or cattle.

The Rough Collie grows to about 22-26 inches tall at the shoulders and the females weigh between 50-60 lbs, the males weigh between 70-80-lbs, with a lifespan of 10-14 years. They are fast-moving at a run and will manage any herd, whether human or animal, with ease, agility and intelligence.

Many people think because the Rough Collie has such a full long coat, that they will be too hot in the summer time and will need to be shaved. A little tidbit for you: dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They sweat through their paw pads and by “panting”. You’ve probably seen that and wondered why they do so much of it in the summer. The other thing to note is that a Collies double coat, groomed correctly, will help to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The Collie also has a hollow hair shaft so the heat goes out through their pores, down the shaft of hair and is expelled from their body. Do you see how important their coat really is? Never, ever, shave your Collie!

One of the reasons we love these dogs besides their intelligence and beauty, is that they are a calm, gentle breed. They can be vocal at times when they want your attention for food, treats, or just some loving, but they also want to please and be part of the family.

Making the Decision

Now that you know more about the Rough Collie, what do you need to pay attention to? What questions should you ask the breeder? What are the most important aspects of the Rough Collie and how they will fit into your family?

Genetic testing is our number one important factor. There are possible health concerns with every domesticated animal and there are several with the Rough Collie. So ask for their genetic health certificate (a good breeder will go the extra mile to have their puppies tested). Also a good breeder will have their puppies health, Vet checked. Ask for their health certificate from their local Vet. Ask questions about the genetic results, what the codes mean? Are their shots up-to-date? Have there been any attitude issues or problems with training beyond the normal? How are they with strangers, children and other animals?

These are just a sampling, but it’s also important to ask to meet the parents and offspring and pay attention to their kennel surroundings. Is the area clean? Is there plenty of space for each of them? What about water, is it kept fresh? Are they kept cooped up all day or are they allowed to run with periods of training?

How are the Collies interacting with the owners? Is there hesitancy or is there a joy in being around the owner? Is their tail tucked under and between their back legs or freely out and wagging?

Go ahead and ask to interact with some of the puppies and determine which one would best suit your family and your needs.

We are sure you will find the best fit for your family among our own Briarwood Collies. Comment below or send us a message for a call and/or a visit. We love having visitors and our Collies do too!