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 Smooth Collie
Side by side
| Trait | Rough Collie | Smooth Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 18–30 kg | 18–30 kg |
| Height at withers | 51–61 cm | 51–61 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Needs more grooming: Rough Collie (4/5 vs 2/5)
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
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Smooth Collie is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Smooth Collie
The same gentle temperament as its long-haired cousin with far easier grooming: the Smooth Collie is a loyal, sensitive family dog.