The Rough Collie, also known as the Collie, is a large breed. Its shoulder height often falls around 55 to 66 centimeters and its weight around 23 to 34 kilograms. When walking such a dog, owners may be pulled strongly if the dog surges forward. Many people are naturally wary of medium large or large dogs, and if one frightens children or older people, the situation can become difficult to manage.
The Rough Collie eats a great deal and needs plenty of food to maintain its strength. The same portion that leaves another dog eighty percent full may leave a Rough Collie only half full, which can create real pressure for an ordinary family. During coat blowing season, shedding becomes extremely heavy, and cleaning can be very troublesome. Because the breed is also physically large, it needs more living space and is therefore not ideal for many households.
Large food intake
Because the Rough Collie is a big dog, it needs a large amount of food to maintain energy. A portion that makes an ordinary dog feel quite full may leave a Rough Collie only partly satisfied. For many average households, keeping up with that appetite can be difficult.
Heavy shedding
All dogs shed to some extent when the seasons change, but the Rough Collies shedding is especially serious and much more noticeable than in many other breeds. It takes a great deal of time to clean up, and busy owners may struggle to stay on top of it.
Takes up a lot of space
Because the Rough Collie is large, it needs more room than an ordinary dog. This is especially difficult for people living alone in smaller homes. Adding such a large dog can make the living environment feel crowded, and for that reason many people do not choose this breed.
These are some of the main reasons why fewer and fewer people keep Rough Collies today. To keep the coat clean, owners need to brush the dog every day and remove dirt trapped in the fur. In spring and autumn, a bath every one to two months is reasonable. In the hot summer, about once a month is common. In cool autumn weather, the dog should be dried immediately with a towel after bathing. In winter, a hair dryer should be used to dry the coat thoroughly so the dog does not catch a chill.