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Science & Nature • Dog breed

Rough Collie

The Rough Collie, also called the Long-Haired Collie, is a British herding dog breed known for its long coat and medium-to-large size.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Rough Collie, also called the Long-Haired Collie, is a British herding dog breed known for its long coat and medium-to-large size. It originated in Scotland and is closely related to the Smooth Collie, differing mainly in coat length. In the 21st century, it is commonly kept as a companion dog and show breed. In Canada, the Rough Collie is a recognised breed kept as a family companion and show dog, with breed information aligned with UK and North American kennel standards.

History

The Rough Collie developed in Scotland as a herding dog used with sheep. It is part of the broader Collie type that also includes the Smooth Collie.

Appearance

The breed is medium to large and is distinguished by its long coat, flowing mane, and elegant build. Breed standards recognise several colour varieties, including sable, tricolour and blue merle.

Temperament and use

Originally bred for herding, the Rough Collie is now commonly seen as a companion dog and in conformation shows. Popular culture, especially the character Lassie, helped make the breed widely recognisable.

Breed standards

The British breed standard recognises the Rough Collie as the long-haired variety of Collie. The Royal Kennel Club lists standard heights of 56–61 cm for dogs and 51–56 cm for bitches.

Key facts

  • The Rough Collie is a long-coated variety of Collie originating in Scotland.
  • It is essentially the same as the Smooth Collie except for coat length.
  • The breed was historically developed for herding sheep.
  • Recognised coat colours include sable, merle, tricolour and colour-headed white.
  • Today it is commonly kept as a companion and exhibition dog.
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Canadian context

Rough Collies are familiar to Canadian readers as a recognised dog breed kept as a family companion and show dog in Canada, with breed information commonly aligned with UK and North American kennel standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Rough Collie?
A Rough Collie is a long-coated British herding dog breed, also known as the Long-Haired Collie.
Where did the Rough Collie originate?
The breed originated in Scotland, where it was developed for herding sheep.
How is it different from a Smooth Collie?
The Rough Collie is identical to the Smooth Collie in most respects; the main difference is the length of the coat.
What colours do Rough Collies come in?
Recognised colours include sable, merle, tricolour and colour-headed white.
What is the Rough Collie used for today?
In the 21st century, it is commonly kept as a companion dog or bred for showing.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_Collie
    Supports: Basic breed identity, origin, relationship to Smooth Collie, modern use, and recognised coat colours.
  2. The Royal Kennel Club — https://www.royalkennelclub.com/breed-standards/pastoral/collie-rough/
    Supports: Breed standard height and recognised colours.
  3. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/collie/
    Supports: Recognition of rough and smooth varieties within the Collie type.
  4. The Collie Club of America — https://www.collie.org/about-collies
    Supports: Collies as a purebred type and distinction between Rough and Smooth Collies.