Comparison: Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog

Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

	Rough Collie	Shetland Sheepdog
FCI group	1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)	1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of origin	United Kingdom	United Kingdom
Category	Large	Small
Height at withers	51–61 cm	33–40 cm
Weight	18–30 kg	6–12 kg
Life span	12–14 years	12–14 years
Recognition features	Profuse long coat with a full mane and frill Long wedge-shaped head with semi-erect ears Sable, tricolour or blue merle with a white collar	Looks like a small rough collie, about 36 cm Dense long coat with a mane and plumed tail Semi-erect ears and a slender wedge-shaped head
Coat	Long, straight, harsh outer coat with dense undercoat and a full mane.	Double coat with a long, straight, harsh outer coat and a full mane.
Purpose	A Scottish herding dog that became a show and companion breed in the 19th century (a favourite of Queen Victoria); popularised by Lassie.	A small herding dog from the Shetland Islands that guarded sheep and ponies; refined in the 20th century along collie lines.

Breed page: Rough Collie · Breed page: Shetland Sheepdog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.