A rough coat border collie is also known as blue-eyed collie or rufous-coated collie. They are the result of breeders crossbreeding rough coated Border Collies with red dogs, such as English Setters, Blue and Red Tick Coonhounds and other breeds. Thanks to the hound in their bloodlines, these dogs often have a harsher hair texture – rougher than regular Border Collie coats.
Oftentimes, many people get confused with rough coat border collie and dual-coated border collies – dogs whose fur consists of two different types of hair. Dual-coated border collies can be either smooth or rough coated.
The main difference between the two is:
- Dual-Coated Collies – they grow either a coarse outer layer or a soft undercoat.
- Rough Coated Collies – this feature is more of an inherited trait, not a type of hair density.
History of Rough Coat Border Collie
Border Collies are among the world’s most famous herding dogs. The breed was initially bred by Scottish farmers as a sheepdog and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in United Kingdom.
The breed became famous after the two-day sheepdog trials at the annual Sheep Shearing Fair. The Rough Collie Club of America had been established in 1893, followed by the Border Collie Club in Great Britain in 1901. The Rough Collie was recognized in the US in 1914, whereas the Border Collie was recognized in the UK in 1946.
Appearance of Rough Coated Border Collie
Rough coat border collies appear very similarly to other rough-coated dogs. These dogs have a rough, crinkled coat, which is harsh to touch. These coats can be either straight or slightly wavy, and they are often very thick. The hair on the head of rough-coated dogs is usually shorter than on the rest of the body. It is usually darker in color than the rest of the coat.
Shedding of Rough Coat-ed Border Collie
Rough coat border collies shed moderately. The shedding season usually lasts from May to August. These dogs are outdoor dogs, so they can be a good choice for someone who can’t deal with a lot of dog hair indoors. Given that rough coat border collie prefer the outdoors, they are often highly energetic. It would be a great idea to plan a schedule to exercise them.
If you don’t exercise your dog regularly, they can develop many behavioral issues, such as:
- Excessive Barking
- Chewing
- Digging
- Aggressive
Having a dog is like having a kid, and both need daily physical and mental stimulation. You can either walk your dog or go for jogging with them. Believe it or not, swimming is a great exercise for your pet, especially if you have a collie with joint or hip problems.
Temperament of Rough Border Collie
The rough-coated border collie is an extremely intelligent dog that thrives on a challenge and will get bored very quickly if it doesn’t have anything to do. In fact, the only common health issue that rough-coated border collies are known to suffer from is boredom-induced behavior issues, such as excessive barking and chewing.
While you can certainly provide your border collie with mental stimulation inside the house, outdoor stimulation is also very important. This is especially true during the warm months of the year when your dog can get plenty of time to run around and play in the fresh air and sunshine.
When you have a rough-coated border collie, it is important to make time to engage your dog’s brain in a variety of different ways. This can include training classes, jogs and hikes in the woods, playing fetch in the yard, scent-work and more.
Health of Rough-Coated Border Collie
Relatively, your rough coat border collie can live between 12 to 15 years. These figures are considered to be the average lifespan for these breeds.
On the other hand, it is important to stay responsible in taking care of your pet. A rough coat border collie can suffer from various health issues including but not limited to the following:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Disorders
- Allergies
- Joint Problems
It is important to have your dog’s health checked by a veterinarian as often as recommended, so you can catch any health issues as early as possible.
Care of Rough Coat Border Collie
Because rough-coated border collies are so active, it’s important to provide plenty of opportunities for this dog to get its energy out. This can be done through:
- Walks
- Jogs
- Hikes
- Outdoor Activities
It’s also important to feed your border collie a high-quality diet, preferably one that is formulated for large-breed dogs. This type of diet will contain plenty of protein and other nutrients needed to keep your dog healthy. Because rough-coated border collies are so active, it’s important to monitor your dog’s weight to make sure it doesn’t gain too much or too little.
Border collies need more grooming than most other dog breeds. It’s important to brush their coat at least once per week to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy. Rough-coated border collies also need to be bathed regularly to get rid of excess hair.
Rough vs Smooth Border Collie
Rough coat border collies and smooth coat border collies are two different breeds of dogs. While they may look to be extremely similar in appearance, you must know that there is a difference between the two. Prime examples of these differences are their coat texture, color, and length.
Conclusion
Do you want a companion for your outdoor activities or perhaps, one that can keep everyone in the family entertained and loved? If yes, then the rough coat border collie is what you’re looking for!
However, it might be a challenge to train your rough coat border collie to follow your commands. This is exactly the reason why it is more important to learn how you can establish yourself as a leader. To do this, you need to show consistency and of course, to always reward your dog’s good and positive behavior. Start with puppy kindergarten or basic obedience training, and remember that it takes more time and patience to train this breed.
