Rough Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia but Rough Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Cattle Dog may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Rough Collie. Australian Cattle Dog may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Rough Collie. Both Australian Cattle Dog and Rough Collie has same life span. Australian Cattle Dog may have less litter size than Rough Collie. Australian Cattle Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Rough Collie requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
8 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Lassie Collie, Long-Haired Collie
Colors Available:
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
dark brown and sometime black, Fawn, white
Coat:
short double coat
Long, double-coated, silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

rough collieMany people have seen the movie ‘Lassie’, and of course this movie made the Collie popular and famous.

Apart from the Rough Collie, you also get the Smooth Collie. The Rough Collie’s origins start in the 1800’s in Scotland and Wales but unfortunately, the Rough Collie's exact origins are shrouded in lack of information.

These dogs were used as herding dogs in real-life and in movies, and it was in 1879 that the first English Rough Collie was imported to the USA, but it is the UK from whence the dog comes.

Description

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

rough collie puppy - descriptionThe Rough Collie or Long-haired Collie is considered to be a medium to large sized dog with a long, double-layer coat.You’ll find the coat mainly as tri-colored – white, fawn and dark brown and black.

The Rough Collie stands at between 51 to 61cm in height and weighs between 18 and 30kg. The long, thin muzzled dog has semi erect, semi-floppy ears, sweet, gentle eyes and a long, plumed tail.

Temperament:

Rough collies are loving, gentle dogs who thrive on spending time with their human families. Their kindly nature makes them good therapy dogs.They don’t do well when left in the back yard on their own day after day. They’re social dogs who love playing with the children in the home and they get on well with other family pets.

The Rough Collie is highly intelligent and he is easy to train. With training and socialization he becomes so well behaved you can take him anywhere.

Characteristics

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

rough collie dog - characteristicsThe Rough Collie is such an intelligent dog, but he is loving and devoted too. He can slot into life in the city or countryside because all he really wants is to be close to his human family.

Wherever you live with your Rough Collie though, he will need to be well exercised. He is sweet but slightly timid and will want to be with a family that isn't too noisy in terms of lots of shouting.

People who have had Collies say these dogs make he most awesome pets, and in the right environment these wonderful intelligent dogs will make splendidly loyal, loving pets and companions,

Health Problems

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

rough collie puppies - health problemsThe Rough Collie can reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care. There are always some health issues to be aware of such as hereditary eye diseases. Also, as with most larger breeds, hip dysplasia is always a concern.

Other illnesses to look out for include cancer, skin allergies, bloat and Grey Collie Syndrome. As a responsible dog owner, get your pet to the doctor when you notice a change in his behavior – tiredness, vomiting, lethargy, unusual lumps, swelling and a feeling of depression.

Gray Collie Syndrome:

This is a form of canine cyclic neutropenia which affects the Collie breed. There is a low concentration of neutrophils in the blood. It can be hereditary or it can develop because of a side effect of chemotherapy for instance. It is essentially caused by a defect in the bone marrow stem cells. Affected dog will always battle with gastrointestinal problems and infections of the eye.The life expectancy of a Collie with this ailment will be less than 3 years.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

rough collie dogs - caringYour Rough Collie does shed so he will require a good brush twice a week. The long silky hair can matt so this grooming session will be important.

Exercise:

Your film-star collie is an active, athletic dog. He has always been used to herding sheep, and instinctively he wants to be active. His bright eyes are always alert to some action, and his exercise needs go beyond just allowing him to run around in your back yard.

He is the kind of dog that wants something more energetic such as going on hikes or long walks and running after sticks or balls on the beach.

Diet:

A Collie is an energetic dog and will require the best dog food there is. If you give him commercially manufactured food make sure it is the right food for his size, his breed and his energy levels.

To add some variety, feed him some home-made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Try and feed him some raw meat occasionally. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Australian Cattle Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Cattle Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Australian Cattle Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Australian Cattle Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Australian Cattle Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Cattle Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Australian Cattle Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Cattle Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Cattle Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Cattle Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Australian Cattle Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Australian Cattle Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Cattle Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Australian Cattle Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Australian Cattle Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Australian Cattle Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Australian Cattle Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Australian Cattle Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Cattle Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Australian Cattle Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Australian Cattle Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Australian Cattle Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Australian Cattle Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Rough Collie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Rough Collie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rough Collie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rough Collie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rough Collie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rough Collie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rough Collie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rough Collie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rough Collie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rough Collie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rough Collie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rough Collie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rough Collie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rough Collie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rough Collie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rough Collie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rough Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rough Collie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rough Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rough Collie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rough Collie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Rough Collie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Rough Collie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison