r/roughcollies • u/Distinct_Morning_607 Sable-Rough • 2d ago
Question when did you consider adding another collie to the family?
My girl is four months old and I’m loving every second with her!
I know it’s still VERY early, and I’m definitely not planning on adding another dog anytime soon, but I’ve already fallen in love with the breed and can absolutely see myself getting another Collie someday. I’m particularly interested in a blue merle Smooth Collie!
For those of you with multiple Collies, how old was your first when you decided to bring home a second? Did you wait until they were fully mature, or did you find that having two closer in age worked well?
I’d also love to hear how your first Collie adjusted to having a sibling and whether you noticed any differences between raising a Rough and a Smooth.
Just curious about everyone’s experiences as I daydream about Winnie’s future sibling!
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u/The-Shoremaid 2d ago
Of the two I have now, I got the first in November ‘22 when he was about 4 months old. He was always so happy when he would encounter another dog! We got the second one in February ‘24. So he was not yet 1 1/2yo and she (the new one) was 13 months old. He was so happy to get a buddy!
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u/m1ch4l8669 2d ago
I got my second collie when my first collie was 4. They adjusted well, despite my 4yo Donna wanted some peace and Bella as a puppy wanted to play constantly. Now a while ago I got Jessie, 4 (soon 5yo) collie girl. Bella is now 1,5yo. Bella grew to be very teritorial, so she had some issues, but now after a while everything is mostly fine.
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u/Lifeissometimesgood 2d ago
My boy was a little over two years old when I brought my girl home as a puppy.
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u/HorseSad3599 1d ago
When my boy turned 4. We, as a family had some serious trauma and i could tell
It weighed heavy on him. We got our puppy as an emotional support for him and its been amazing so far.
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u/DocRock717 1d ago
I added a 4 1/2 yo rescue to my 3 1/2 yo I had gotten at 8 weeks (both rough coat collies). They are 12 and 11 respectively and one of the best decisions I ever made. I never considered 2 dogs but my younger dog loves a companion and the rescue needed us.
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u/Comfortable-Today-13 2d ago
2 close in age is best. We have a 2 year old and a 9 year old and although they play together and are friends their energy level is very different.
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u/dumbbitchitiss 2d ago
I got a collie mix and was so in love, he will he 1 on nov 25 and we pick up our new collie puppy dec 11
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u/akisamara 1d ago edited 1d ago
I have a unique situation to share... as I think it depends on the attachment your dog has to you. My childhood dogs were both smooth collies.
tldr edit; Fife was about 3 when we got Griffin. He wasn't obvious about it but he didnt like having a baby brother. I wonder if opposite genders makes a positive difference. My current collie gets jealous when I give other dogs attention, so I probably won't get another for 10 years...
We got Griffin when Fife was between 2 and 3 years. Fife seemed fine with the new addition as they played and shared ok. Fife reverted to playful puppy nature after Griffin was rehomed due to a family situation.
I still think its cool that Fen has the SAME eye split as Griffin. I felt like fate had intervened somehow and I had a second chance. There are so many factors that go into the dogs personalities, and this breed is incredibly intelligent.
I would definitely socialize Winnie as much as you can to develop an understanding of her social needs. Listen to her body language and she will tell you what you need to know. I hope you can get that blue merle smooth even sooner than expected;) sometimes things are meant to be. Also, I would note to you that the smooth coat has a different texture once neutered/spayed. It goes from smooth/soft to a wired texture.
Winnie is a beautiful pup and I love seeing your photos shared. Sorry for the long and crazy answer to your question. It's been a wild road, but I will always want a smooth collie in my life. I may even try a rough one day. 😍
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u/Glum-Negotiation9666 20h ago
Our eldest is 7 and we just got a pup in September. We had been thinking about it for a few years and finally pulled the trigger.
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u/rfpels 2d ago
Usually it’s a good idea to wait until the eldest is at least 2 years old although I would advise to wait until the oldest is 4.