Rough Collie
Made famous by Lassie, the Rough Collie is a gentle, loyal and very family-minded dog with a magnificent mane.
Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog
Side by side
| Trait | Rough Collie | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Weight | 18–30 kg | 6–12 kg |
| Height at withers | 51–61 cm | 33–40 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Rough Collie (about 24 kg vs 9 kg on average)
- Taller: Rough Collie (about 56 cm vs 36.5 cm on average)
- Suited to apartments: Shetland Sheepdog only
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Shetland Sheepdog is the better fitBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Rough Collie is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Shetland Sheepdog is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Shetland Sheepdog
An elegant little herding dog with an abundant coat, the Shetland Sheepdog is intelligent, sensitive and devoted to its family.