Scotch Collie vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison

Russian Setter is originated from Russia but Scotch Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Russian Setter may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Scotch Collie. Both Russian Setter and Scotch Collie are of same weight. Both Russian Setter and Scotch Collie has almost same life span. Both Russian Setter and Scotch Collie has same litter size. Both Russian Setter and Scotch Collie requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Setter dog
Herding dogs
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Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
47 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
21 - 32 kg
46 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
None
Farm Collie • Old Farm Collie
Colors Available:
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
All colors and markings traditionally found on collies
Coat:
Short or long, smooth or wiry
double top harsh under soft
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

scotch collieThe landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

Description

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

scotch collie puppy - descriptionThis Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

Characteristics

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

scotch collie dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

Health Problems

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

scotch collie puppies - health problemsThe old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

  • Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

  • Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

Caring The Pet

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

scotch collie dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Russian Setter vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Russian Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Russian Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Russian Setter vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Russian Setter vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Setter vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Setter vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Setter vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Setter vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Setter vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Russian Setter vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Setter vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Setter vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  20. Russian Setter vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Russian Setter vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Setter vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Setter vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Setter vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Scotch Collie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Scotch Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Scotch Collie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Scotch Collie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Scotch Collie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Scotch Collie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Scotch Collie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Scotch Collie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Scotch Collie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Scotch Collie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Scotch Collie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Scotch Collie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Scotch Collie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Scotch Collie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Scotch Collie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Scotch Collie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Scotch Collie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Scotch Collie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Scotch Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Scotch Collie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Scotch Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Scotch Collie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Scotch Collie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Scotch Collie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Scotch Collie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison