Collie (rough)

I have three roughs and have also fostered them. They are great dogs for any family as long as you walk them and groom them regularly. If not they can get bored(destructive) and the hair will knot up and become a problem. You can always get a smooth collie and that will reduce the hair maintenance.

My nan has had Rough Collies since before I was born; two bitches, and their current dog.

The first lived to be 9, and the second 13. William is now 11, and slowing down. Unforunately, all of them have lost, or are losing, the use of their back legs during later life.

They all get on wonderfully with other dogs. They tend to be quite nervous, but William (a rescue) has got worse as time goes on, so we think it is how my nan reacts to things that causes it.

Also, they're not the most intelligent! They can be, but I wouldn't get one with the intention of competing in obedience.

They really are lovely, lovely dogs. They adore children, and other dogs; my late terrier and William got on really well, after the first few hours. My current terrier loves him to bits, but is a bit young for William.

I would only hestitate to get one of these becasue of the hair; they do tend to get all over your black clothes! I have looked into the smooth collie, but these are quite rare.

All in all, a great breed.

I have a Collie cross who will be 5 this year. She is a wonderful dog to have, and is protective, loyal, intelligent and quite comical. Although she is nearly 5 she is still very puppy like, and she can be quite excitable. She is good at everything from swimming to digging. The only thing is, she is a very picky eater and will refuse to eat anything that she does not think smells nice. Fair enough really.

I have two collies (sable and white) and (tri-colour) and I wouldn't be without them. But, this dog is not for those with a hectic lifestyle. I would recommend it to people with teenagers so it will be walked. If you have young children, this dog is also suited to you as long as it will be well-mantained.

David Morrison ,Derry,IRELAND

I have had two collies. Not every collie is exactly as smart as "Lassie", but they are highly intelligent. Very, very good at initial potty training and getting them to go outside. One more thing...work VERY well with electrical invisible fences. Our dog learned it in 2 days. Even without his electric collar on, still never leaves yard. Good with kids, good with other dogs. Not aggressive. Will bark sometimes, but settles down.