Also known as the Scottish Collie, Long-Haired Collie, and simply as the Collie, the Rough Collie is an intelligent and friendly breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Rough Collie can be traced back to early 19th century Scotland, though it is stated that the breed existed much earlier. Enthusiasts believe that the Rough Collie was created by crossing various Scottish Herding breeds with the Borzoi, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Rough Collie has been most commonly used for herding and driving cattle, guarding cattle against predators such as wolves, and as a watch dog, proving its superior abilities to work endlessly while providing gentle companionship.
Today, the Rough Collie has attained a world wide popularity as both a working and companion breed.
Personality Traits
Best known for its friendly and outgoing nature, the Rough Collie is a social and genuinely happy breed. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, love to receive attention and playing the role of watch dog. This breed is highly intelligent and generally very easy to train. As a pet, the Rough Collie is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. The Rough Collie is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors, playing games such as fetch, taking long and leisurely walks, and having plenty of room to roam, run, and play.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human relationships and willingness to learn, the Rough Collie generally responds well to basic training and commands. This bright breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Rough Collie. These dogs require a confident, patient, and caring handler with a stern yet gentle approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Rough Collie. These adventurous and curious dogs are always on the go, and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. This breed is very intelligent, obedient by nature, easy to train, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Rough Collie gets along well with children and other pets, known for its sweet and gentle approach to small children. These dogs are territorial and alert, serving as effective watch dogs by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. The Rough Collie is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent working dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Rough Collie. This active and athletic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Rough Collie not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Rough Collie has a strong instinct to herd and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are rather quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Rough Collie must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
This breed’s thick and long coat requires almost constant attention such as brushing and grooming in order to prevent tangling and maintain its attractive appearance.
Common Health Concerns
While the Rough Collie is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly – a genetic disease causing improper development of the eye and sometimes leading to blindness, progressive retinal atrophy, various immune disorders, chronic ear infection, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Rough Collie? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/r/rough-collie.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/rough_collie
