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. Physically, a rough and a smooth collie should be identical, except for the coat length and texture. Rough Collies are also known as the Lassie dog, long-haired Collie, Scottish Collie, and English Collie. They have a straight and dense outer coat that is coarse, but a furry, soft undercoat. In my experience, the Smooth variety is a little closer to his roots, so tends to want more exercise and mental stimulation than the Rough variety. Rough Collies’ long fur requires significantly more attention than the shorter coat of their Smooth counterparts. The rough Collie is more popular compared to the smooth-coated Collie. The Collie has erect ears and a long, feathery tail. Collie vs German Shepherd. The Collie has two looks – the full coat which is known as the Rough Collie and the shorter coated Collie known as the Smooth variety. Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog . The smooth Collie is the same as the rough Collie, but without the long coat. … 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. Check with your local veterinarian which medication to use. 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. Finally, not all heartworm medications are safe for Collies. The Rough Collie is the same as the Smooth Collie with the exception of coat length. Quick Summary Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds. From a genetic perspective, Border Collies can have either smooth coats or rough coats. Sharing is caring. Collie vs German Shepherd. Due to its beauty and good character, this dog has become one of the most appreciated breeds among show dogs and pets. 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. Link to this: Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Smooth Collie – Which one is a better dog breed for you? The smooth Collie is more popular in Great Britain than it is in the United States, but is gaining some popularity in the States. Because when people think of collies the rough collie is what they have seen. Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds. Owner Experience - Both the Collie and German Shepherd are … Collies and shelties are both descendants of border collies, but they're different dogs. Maintenance. Although most people imagine the tradition rough coated, black and white dog when considering the Border Collie, the breed does, in fact, come in a variety of coat colors and coat textures. Among the many collies I have had, I have had one smooth and the comments people had when seeing her were interesting. Apart from the Rough Collie, you also get the Smooth Collie. Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds. Sharing is caring. Unlike rough collies who worked in colder Highlands and often had to do it on their own, smooths work relying more upon human leadership and contact, which could be the reason for some subtle differences in character. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Collies and German Shepherds. Rough collies have a long, lustrous coat, while smooth collies have a much shorter coat. Compare the Collie to the German Shepherd. Therefore, it is very important to understand the small differences between these confusing dog breeds. Although Rough and Smooth Collies have a working heritage, they don't need to live somewhere with acres of garden and only need moderate exercise. A Rough Collie, also know as the long-haired Collie, is a very well-known shepherd dog. The coat comes in different colors but is essentially tri-colored in white, tan and black tips. Link to this: Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever – Which one is a better dog breed for you? But when I go places with them I always meet people who have no idea what a Scotch Collie is and how they differ from the more common Rough Collie. Rough collies and Shetland sheepdogs are very easily confused dog breed for any unfamiliar person. I have owned Scotch Collies for over 12 years and I love my dogs, they are smart, obedient and human-oriented. Most of today's Rough and Smooth Collies are far removed from their heritage as active herding breeds and need only moderate exercise. Smooth Collie Database - profiles of dogs, pedigrees, puppies, links and more Expected lifespan of 12-14 years. Rough Collies VS Smooth Collies.