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Pet Insurance for Rough Collies

Find out all about Rough Collies and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$800–$3,000

Height

51cm - 61cm

Weight

23kg - 34kg

Personality

Intelligent, obedient, energetic

Coat length

Long, silky

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 17 years

Rough Collie

Overview

The Rough Collie, known for its intelligence as well as its magnificent coat, originates from the border country between England and Scotland. The Collie dogs are one of the best herding dogs in the world. The breed is divided into different varieties; the Rough Collie, made famous by the TV series dog called Lassie, the Smooth Collie, which is better known as a farm working dog, and the Border Collie, which is renowned for its herding abilities. It can be difficult to tell the different varieties apart from one another, and the length and type of coat are the main distinguishing features. 

The Rough Collie has a luxurious long, flowing coat that requires very regular grooming. They are high shedding dogs which may require daily brushing when they are shedding, which may happen twice a year. They come in a range of colours including sable, sable and white, tricolour and blue merle. 

Collies are known for their high intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature, although they can be shy with strangers. They are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports and agility activities, so are often used as show dogs. Collies are excellent family pets and are good with children but do require a great deal of exercise.  

Common diseases and conditions of Rough Collies

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.  
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Collie Eye Anomaly is a very common congenital hereditary eye condition in Rough Collies. It is caused by a genetic mutation in chromosome 37, and this mutation is thought to be present in more than 70% of the world's Collie population. It can result in vision impairment or in the worst scenario, blindness. Responsible breeding practices and screening aim to reduce the risk of CEA in the breed. 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect all types of Collies. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition. 

Breed-specific issues:   

The high intelligence of Collies means they require constant mental engagement, and they may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours, particularly digging, if not provided with activities and tasks. They can be known to bark excessively if they are unhappy or lonely.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Rough Collie?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Collie, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Rough Collies

Do Rough Collies get on well with other pets?

Yes, Rough Collies generally get along well with other pets, including cats and other breeds of dogs. Their gentle and friendly disposition makes them very suitable for multi-pet households. 

How do you tell the difference between a Border Collie and a Rough Collie?

The most noticeable difference is their coat. Border Collies have a shorter, dense double coat, often with a sleek appearance. In contrast, Rough Collies have a long, flowing double coat with a prominent ruff around their neck. In addition, Border Collies tend to be slightly smaller than Rough Collies, and their ears are more upright and erect. In Rough Collies the ears can droop slightly at the tips.  

 
 
Do Rough Collies need a lot of exercise?

Yes, Rough Collies are a highly active breed that benefits from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy, and they are the type of dog that benefits from a large back yard to play in. 

Do Rough Collies usually bark a lot?

Rough Collies are known to be vocal dogs, and they may bark when they perceive something unusual, or when they want to alert their owners. They also have a wide vocal range, and will also whine, whimper and yip when they want to communicate. However, Rough Collies are typically not considered excessive barkers compared to some other breeds. 

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Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Rough Collie

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