I have done some research on this breed and as I grew up with them I know this is the dog I want I have a couple of questions
1. I have read in several books that they are brilliant with kids can anyone who has experience tell me if that is right
2. after a big problem with a border collie (farm breed) who couldnt cope with home life here I need to know I am not making a mistake and that we wont be putting a beautifull creature through hell by not having the right enviroment I have 4 youngish kids and 2 very young grandchildren will a rough collie cope with home life or become bored and stressed, again I would love some one who has experience of these dogs to tell me if I am making a mistake i dont want to ruin a wonderfull puppy
thanks in advance
Mags

Yes, they are absolutely excellent with children and very protective of them.  Not always great with strangers and need to be won over.  But are very loyal to their owners.  The Lassie films are very good representatives of the breed, they are truly very loyal.

They are very sensitive dogs though, so will need loving handling as pups.

P.S. You do not say how old your children are, but with all puppies whatever breed, supervision is needed to protect the child and the puppy.  A rough collie will be a great contribution to the family.

thanks thats put my mind at rest

Rough Collie temperament is not universally good as it was many years ago.  It is very important that you choose your breeder carefully. 

They can be good with children if the children are respectful to them. :)

They are very happy with a 'normal family life' as opposed to Border Collies who generally need more mental and physical stimulation.

I would suggest that you visit a few breeders who don't have puppies (too much temptation!) taking all your children, and see ALL of their dogs in a home situation.  I say all because I know of a number of breeders who bring in their couple of good tempered dogs and leave the not so nice ones outside!!

My parents used to breed RC's many years ago and they were a wonderful breed and the temperament at that time was wonderful.  Unfortunately I haven't seen many in the last 15 years so can't state what they are like now.  With the right one though I'm sure that you'll have many wonderful years!

I have noticed that there doesnt seem to be many breeders of rough collies I guess its not such a popular breed any more, my husband wants a cavalier king charles spaniel and we found hundreds of breeders for them LOL but I would worry such a wee dog would be at risk in our house with my monsters even though they are kind and caring its a busy house and can be noisy allthough my cats have survived well and dont seem bothered by the kids and they where wee when we got them

You're right.  There aren't as many Rough Collie breeders as there were when I bought my first one in 1983.  But it's quality, certainly for temperament, that you should be looking for, not quantity! ;)

As with all breeds, there are big breeders who continually breed pups and always have a litter available.  Smaller experienced breeders who produce a litter not just to sell puppies but to keep their quality line going.  And then the pet owners, who with no knowledge about what's genetically behind their bitch or the stud dog that they've used, and therefore don't have a clue about what sort of pups they will produce for your family.

Buying a puppy is something that the average family do once every 15 or so years, without realising what a mine field it is.

I have been spent a lot of time reading about the rough collie and I have been looking at breeders with puppies at present we are going to wait untill after christmas befor we get a dog so I will spend more time researching breeders in the hope that we get a good pup I did wonder wether it would be a better idea to go to a breeder who has been breeding for a long time I will deffinatly be staying clear from anyone who hasnt done all the relevent health checks. It is a mine feild out there I am worried we will not find the right breeder I dont want to make a mistake

If you go through the Rough Collie breeders club, you should be forwarded onto good breeders, it is a mind field out there with bad breeding but................

I still have to say growing up with my 2 brothers and our 2 Rough Collies (brother and sister) they were our best friends, the neighbourhood children were always hanging around their necks and they much prefered the company of children to adults, they were our shadows and all the children loved them, they were so gentle and loving. (Still miss them)

I have just checked there character on a few other dog sites and they are still shown to be recommended highly for children, so even though there may be some exceptions as a breed this has not affected their character analysis, as with all breeds watch who you buy from.

Cav's are also great family dogs, but maybe you are right about noisy, boisterous children and a Cav maybe feeling it a little bit overpowering.

If you get one post the photo's, it will bring back good memories. :-)

Really glad that you have good memories Carrington.  That's just the way it should be.  Unfortunately not everyone has the same. :)

If you send me an email on val@hanvale.com, I send to a picture to warm your heart! ;)

Val,  Your Hermione is absolutely gorgeous! She is so pretty, that's how I remember them. :-)

I've got some sillyer (that doesn't look right, nor does sillier!!)  pics to show you than that!  Same Dam, different sire. :D

I too spent much of my childhood with rough collies my aunt always had them and we spent evey school holiday living with her in scotland Rebel was my contstant conpainion my aunt said I was his shadow he has a big place in my heart and always will I guess that is why I love the breed so much I shall deffinaly contact the breed club and go that way thanks for the advice

Where abouts are you in Hertfordshire maglaura?  My daughter and her 2 Rough Collies, are just outside Letchworth! :)

we are in borehamwood I am not sure where letchworh is but have heard of it :-) I have realised this last few months I havent seen a rough collie in this area for a good few years now I only realise when we stated to talk about getting one

AH she's right at the end of the A1M, north of you. :)

Can I suggest that you contact Pat Hutchinson - Karibuni Rough Collies kcollies@ntlworld.com who has been involved with the breed for many years, does all the relevant health tests.  She's in Cambridge but it's worth travelling to get the right puppy.

Have a chat with her and see if she'll let you meet her dogs or point you in the right direction. :D

wow that is the kennel I have been looking at LOL her dogs are brilliant looking and its the tri colour I like best I have emailed her today and will maybe try and see if she would allow us to visit but I know she has a litter at the moment so proberbly not the best time to ask