How much exercise does a Rough Collie need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities a Rough Collie enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
Plan on about 60 minutes a day for an adult, split into two outings with some off-lead time in a safe area. Collies enjoy steady walking, trotting on soft trails, obedience, rally, herding instinct tests and scent games. Many are content to relax indoors once they have had a proper outing, which suits family life.
Under-exercised Rough Collies tend to get noisy rather than destructive: more barking, more pacing, more herding of the household. The opposite risk is summer overexertion, because that coat traps heat. Walk in the cooler parts of the day and stop for shade and water when panting becomes heavy.
Rough Collie exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
60 to 90 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
large
21 to 34 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold