Collie (Rough)
Dogs: 20.5-29.5 kg; Bitches: 18.0-25.0 kg.
Dogs: 56-61 cm; Bitches: 51-56 cm at the shoulder.
12-14 years
Scotland
About the Collie (Rough)
The Collie (Rough) is an iconic herding breed, famously known for its elegance and the legendary 'Lassie' expression. Originating from the harsh climates of the Scottish Highlands, they were developed to be hardy, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to their shepherds. Their most striking feature is their magnificent, abundant coat and their refined, wedge-shaped head, which conveys a high degree of intelligence and a sweet, melting expression. Unlike many other working breeds, the Rough Collie is known for being particularly attuned to human emotions, making them exceptional family companions. In the home, they are dignified and generally calm, provided their mental and physical needs are met. They are not 'kennel dogs' and thrive on being part of the family unit, often following their owners from room to room. Their heritage as a vocal herder means they are naturally alert and will bark to signify the arrival of strangers, though they are rarely aggressive. This breed represents a perfect balance of a capable working dog and a gentle, sensitive soul that requires a kind, reward-based approach to training and a high level of social interaction.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Collie (Rough) is a masterpiece of symmetry and 'finish,' defined by a head that is perfectly balanced and wedge-shaped with a very slight stop and a sweet, apprehensive expression that is unique to the breed. Their movement is a 'characteristic' gait—smooth, effortless, and seemingly floating, showing great reach and drive without any hint of coarseness. The coat must be of correct texture, fitting the body like a well-tailored garment while maintaining the iconic ruff and frill.
In Australia
Reliable Australian historical records indicate the breed was established significantly earlier than 1900, with documented imports occurring as early as 1872, as noted by Walter Beilby in The Dog in Australasia in 1897.
Bred For
Herding and guarding sheep in the Scottish Highlands
Temperament
Devoted, intelligent, sensitive, and gentle with a calm disposition and keen alertness.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), (), MDR1 Mutation (multi-drug sensitivity), , and ().
Exercise Needs
Moderate to High: Requires approximately 60-90 minutes of daily activity including long walks and mental stimulation such as herding games or obedience training.
Grooming Needs
High: Requires thorough brushing at least twice a week (daily during shedding season) to prevent matting in the dense undercoat.
Living Suitability
Suited to homes with medium to large yards; they can adapt to smaller spaces if provided with vigorous daily exercise, but they are not ideal for small apartments due to their size and vocal nature.
Good with Kids
Excellent; known for being extremely gentle, protective, and patient with children of all ages.
Good with Other Pets
Generally excellent; they usually coexist peacefully with other dogs and are typically respectful of cats and other small household pets.
Trainability
High; they are exceptionally intelligent and eager to please, though they are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections.
Coat & Colours
Double coat: straight, harsh outer coat and a soft, furry, very close undercoat.. Sable and White, Tricolour, and Blue Merle.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Collies are predisposed to certain conditions, notably the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them dangerously sensitive to common veterinary drugs like Ivermectin; while not every Collie has this, it is critical to test for it and inform your vet. They are also prone to 'Collie Eye Anomaly' (CEA), a hereditary condition affecting eye development—reputable breeders screen for this, but it remains a breed-specific consideration. Being a deep-chested breed, they are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), so feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating is a wise precaution. On a daily level, the Rough Collie is a heavy shedder, particularly during 'coat blow' season twice a year, which means your vacuum will be busy. Their heritage as herders means they can be frequent barkers—they 'talk' to their owners and alert them to everything; with consistent training, this can be managed, but they are naturally vocal. Finally, they are sensitive dogs who can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, but this trait is simply a reflection of their profound devotion to their humans.
Feeding Guide for Your Collie (Rough)
Healthy Weight
18-29.5 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
540-750 grams
For an adult Collie (Rough) at a healthy weight of 24 kg, we recommend a fresh, raw diet of approximately 600g per day. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. Ensure the diet includes high-quality proteins such as Majestik's Beef or Lamb, supplemented with seasonal vegetables and essential fatty acids for coat health.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
High-quality protein sourced from lean meats, rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support their dense double coat and sensitive skin.
The ideal raw diet for a Collie (Rough) should focus on coat health and maintaining a lean physique. We recommend a protein base of Majestik Beef or Kangaroo (for leaner maintenance), comprising 70% of the bowl. Include 10% edible bone (such as chicken necks or lamb ribs) for dental health and 10% organ meat (liver/kidney) for essential vitamins. The remaining 10% should be a blend of leafy greens and carrots. Given their susceptibility to skin irritations, incorporating Majestik's fish-based proteins or adding sardines twice a week provides the Omega-3s necessary to keep that thick double coat glossy and the skin beneath it hydrated. Portion sizes should be strictly monitored to prevent weight gain, which can exacerbate joint issues.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Collie (Rough) Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Collie (Rough)? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Oldest Recorded
19 years (Taffy, UK)
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.