Collie (Rough)
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Collie (Rough). Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Collie eye anomaly | high | Congenital eye defect affecting most breed members to some degree; DNA testing guides breeding. |
| MDR1 drug sensitivity | high | A majority of Collies carry the mutation; test before giving ivermectin-class drugs. |
| Dermatomyositis | moderate | Inherited skin and muscle inflammation appearing in young dogs of some lines. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Inherited retinal degeneration; DNA tests available. |
| Hip dysplasia | low | Less common than in most large breeds but still screened for. |
Pet insurance for a Collie (Rough)
Insurers price a Collie (Rough) from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Collie eye anomaly and MDR1 drug sensitivity. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Collie (Rough) is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 50–75 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Collie (Rough) sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Collie (Rough)
The Rough Collie is a Scottish herding breed made globally famous by Lassie, and the real dog largely lives up to the legend: gentle, devoted, and notably patient with children. Collies are sensitive and responsive to training, though they bark readily at anything unusual. The full coat is a real commitment — weekly line-brushing and professional help during coat blows — and owners must know the breed's MDR1 drug-sensitivity status before any vet visit. A superb family dog for homes prepared for hair.
Origin: Scotland
Temperament
Related reading for Collie (Rough) owners
Collie (Rough) FAQ
How long do Collie (Rough)s live?
The typical Collie (Rough) lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Collie (Rough)?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Collie (Rough) carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Collie (Rough) policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Collie (Rough) a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 50–75 lbs with an energy level of 4/5, the Collie (Rough) needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Collie (Rough)s prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Collie eye anomaly, MDR1 drug sensitivity, Dermatomyositis. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.