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Rough Collies

19 replies

georgedawes · 03/03/2013 19:45

I had a Rough Collie as a child and am just doing some research about perhaps getting another one in the future. I understand how intelligent dogs they are and think I would be able to give them the attention they need, as my DD is starting nursery soon and I will be home all day.

However, I'm not sure where to start with looking to find a dog. I would prefer to get a dog from a rescue than a breeder, however I'm not sure where to start with this when looking for a specific breed. Do I just contact local rescue places?

I'd prefer a younger dog or puppy if possible.

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MiffieandMaddy · 03/03/2013 21:20

Hi there, how exciting to be getting a new dog SmileI would contact all your local rescue centres and let them know what you re looking for and a google search 'rough collie rescue' and see if there is a charity for that breed. I bet there will be.

One word of caution (hope this doesn't come across as patronising) but collies are like you said very intelligent and personally I don't think they the the best around young children. They need company and hours of exercise a day. Ours goes to work with DH but on the weekends he is manic with only just a ride with the horse. They can also get very anxious and I would recommend getting an older dog with a proven temperament. All puppies will nip at some point and all small children will poke or annoy dogs at some point and its unfair on both parties really.

Anyway good luck with your search I hope you find a fabulous dog for you all to enjoy and sorry if I sound preachy, I just have had lots of experience if my friends kids torturing and teasing my dogs and the parents thinking 'they are just playing'!!! Argh rant over Wink

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LadyTurmoil · 03/03/2013 21:46

www.facebook.com/pages/Heathlands-Animal-Sanctuary-Royston/162793817103330?fref=ts and www.facebook.com/pages/Wiccaweys-Rescued-Border-Collies/177417218973267 seem to have a lot of collies, mostly border and rescued from Ireland but they might be able to point you in the right direction.

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georgedawes · 03/03/2013 22:34

Thanks both. Miffie do you have a border collie? In my experience they require a lot more exercise than rough collies, ours didn't require hours of exercise but did need a lot of company and mental stimulation. They're quite different breeds really in my opinion.

That's not to say they would find it easy with small children, however! Dd is 3 soon though so perhaps old enough.

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georgedawes · 03/03/2013 22:34

Thanks both. Miffie do you have a border collie? In my experience they require a lot more exercise than rough collies, ours didn't require hours of exercise but did need a lot of company and mental stimulation. They're quite different breeds really in my opinion.

That's not to say they would find it easy with small children, however! Dd is 3 soon though so perhaps old enough.

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paddythepooch · 04/03/2013 07:17

Hi. From my understanding rough collies are quite different to border collies. We have a lurcher who is probably a rough collie greyhound mix. He has the most lovely temperament with everything and body. He's fine being left though we don't do it for long. An unusual mix but not unheard of as his twin sister came into the same rescue and I suspect another one has turned up there. Celia cross. Reading up about RCs he has that gentle benevolence. Grey will have helped.

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tabulahrasa · 04/03/2013 08:26

There's a rough collie rescue in the midlands and the kennel club have a list of rescues

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georgedawes · 04/03/2013 08:50

Thanks tabulah will have a look at those links. Paddy your dog sounds gorgeous!

I've only had one rough collie but it was really quite different from a border collie. Not nearly so energetic, no nipping, just a very loyal, intelligent dog. Didn't like being on his own and wanted to be next to you at all times if he could.

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tabulahrasa · 04/03/2013 09:31

They're like chilled border collies Smile

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georgedawes · 04/03/2013 09:40

My one would've run a mile if he came face to face with a sheep!

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tabulahrasa · 04/03/2013 09:56

lol, you don't get as many of them about as you used to and I don't know why because they're much better suited to being just pets than border collies* and smooth collies are on the vulnerable breeds list - which baffles me, teh personality of a rough collie without all that fur, ideal, lol.

*Border collies are great, but they're not exactly ideal for most dog owners.

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georgedawes · 04/03/2013 11:13

Are they listed as a vulnerable breed? I didn't know that. How sad :( I suppose it's been a long time since Lassie was on the telly!

Their coat is a pain but if looked after they look so beautiful. And it's nice they don't smell too dog like too. Ah I miss my boy, getting all nostalgic now.

I agree with you about the border collies, great if you know what you're doing (and live on a farm) but not the kind of dog I could have.

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paddythepooch · 04/03/2013 13:51

ah georgedawes you've reminded me - Mr P smells of warm biscuits - DD says hobnobs. you might want to think about a cross? They make v nice ones - see photo on my profile. Smooth ones seem rare but ever so handsome.

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georgedawes · 04/03/2013 15:09

I used to love burying my face in my dog's hair :)

Would be open to a cross, definitely. Not actively looking just now but hoping to find one to adopt maybe later this year.

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Owllady · 04/03/2013 18:00

I know it's not a rough collie and tbh I am not the kind of person who chooses a dog for what it looks like, BUT I had a lovely sable border collie from wiccaweys - I know she isn't a rough collie but collies are collies imo Wink and she is so bloody clever, but I don't and never have seen that as a negative. I don't want a dog that just lies about the house (and nor do you by the sounds of it)

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Owllady · 04/03/2013 18:02

aww ladyturmoil, I am in love with lady pasha on your link! she reminds me of my older dog (who is a welsh border collie with summot else in her:o)

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Ullena · 08/03/2013 23:24

I have a Smooth Coated Collie cross Australian Kelpie...amazing dog. So very loyal and gentle as anything Smile. Totally different to a Border Collie, imo. Quite reserved with strangers, but never nasty - just waits to be introduced unless it is a lady with biscuits before saying hello to them, iyswim!

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LadyTurmoil · 12/03/2013 16:36

saw this earlier and thought of you georgedawes He may be a bit older than you were thinking of but he sounds a beauty... www.manytearsrescue.org/display_mtar_dog.php?id=6353

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LadyTurmoil · 12/03/2013 16:36
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MrsVamos · 12/03/2013 20:32

I have a rough, the coats are not as difficult to look after as you might think. Smile

Roughs are different to borders, different temperaments, roughs aren't quite so manic, if you know what I mean.

My girl is lovely, and I can thoroughly recommend a breeder in the SE if you wanted. If you want to know more, feel free to message me !

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