'WILLOW'
Imaginist Willow Wren
Willow has proudly achieved the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award; the highest level in the UK’s largest dog training programme. The Good Citizen scheme is designed to promote responsible dog ownership and well-behaved, happy companions, testing everything from lead walking and recall to advanced control exercises. Reaching Gold demonstrates not only excellent training, but also a strong bond between dog and handler.
Beyond her Good Citizen success, Willow is a shining example of the versatility and diversity of the Rough Collie. She has enjoyed and excelled in agility and hoopers, showcasing her athleticism and willingness to work. She has also stepped into the show ring, where her elegance and character have earned her several Best Veteran awards - a wonderful testament to her enduring quality and presence.
Willow’s achievements highlight just how adaptable Rough Collies can be: capable of excelling in training and obedience, thriving in fun dog sports, and holding their own in the world of showing. She is a true ambassador for the breed, combining beauty, brains, and heart.
OBEDIENCE
PADDLE-BOARDING
MUNRO BAGGING
THERAPY DOGS
SCENT WORK
ALFIE
'WICANI ALTITUDE AT IMAGINIST'
Alfie has masterfully achieved level 5 in the world of scent work! When he's not busy sniffing out hidden scents, you'll often find him strutting in show rings, showcasing his beauty. Here you can see Alfie at Crufts, one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. Alfie's versatility and charm not only make him an exceptional companion but a brilliant example of how diverse the breed can be. His owner Di Collino is most proud of his achievements in all fields.
LEWIS
'STREGATO CARAID DILEAS'
Here we have the Lovable Lewis, brother to Hamish above. Lewis has been trained to follow human scents through all kinds of environments, from rugged terrains to urban landscapes. It's not just a training exercise for Lewis, it's a thrilling adventure that sharpens his problem-solving skills while mirroring some search and rescue techniques.
HAMISH
'STREGATO CALEDONIAN SPIRIT'
Meet Hamish, an energetic and dedicated scentwork enthusiast who has made incredible strides with his owner Fiona Alexander's guidance. Together, they have taken his scent work training to the next level, achieving level 2 in this thrilling discipline. With his keen sense of smell, Hamish has a natural talent for scent discrimination and he does it all for the love of snacks!
GUS
'SASSARI SMUDGE'
Nothing says adventure like a pup on a paddleboard! Dogs love being part of the journey- whether they’re balancing up front like a captain, or lounging while you paddle. Just make sure they’ve got a well-fitted life jacket, a calm introduction to the board, and plenty of treats for encouragement. Not all collies are a fan of water, but they're so eager to please and learn.
OBREEDIENCE
Did you know we have a Rough Collie Obedience Team? They are dedicated to showcasing the incredible abilities of our breed, with a clear goal: to compete in the top 10 at Crufts next year. The team is passionate about obedience training, and strive to represent the Rough Collie both on and off the competitive stage. Through hard work and dedication, they have been highlighting the intelligence and grace of our beloved dogs.
DESERT RAT ASSOCIATION MASCOT
Mr Glenn
'Stregato Highland Glenn'
Allow me to introduce Mr. Glenn, famously known as the Desert Rat Mascot! Since taking over in 2017, he has embodied the spirit of the community and represented the society with honour.
Mr Glenn made it his mission to support and inspire troops while bringing a smile to the faces of everyone he meets along the way.
Diverse Collies
Rough Collies are not only stunning to look at, they are also incredibly versatile beings with untapped potential. Their intelligence and loyalty make them perfect partners in pursuing any endeavour.
If you're looking to find a new activity to take part in with your dog why not take inspiration from some of the amazing stories below:
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Florence’s agility journey is one of excitement and achievement. She proudly became the first Rough Collie to reach grade 7 in agility, the highest competitive level in the UK. Alongside this milestone, Florence was awarded the prestigious platinum agility warrant, another first for the breed! This recognition is not just a badge of honour; it represents countless hours of practice, dedication, and a passion for the sport from both Florence and her proud owner Pamela Kane.
What is a munro you ask? They are hills in Scotland over 3,000 feet. There are varying levels of difficulty involved in climbing them, some involving a lot of scrambling and tough terrain. The views can make all of it worthwhile though! There are 282 munros in total, I know of one rough that completed 90 prior to his well earned retirement.
Below you'll find carefully curated websites that will help you discover safe routes to explore with your furry friend.
DOUGAL
'CARRISTINA BLUEBELL WOOD'
Meet Dougal, the Rough Collie putting smiles on everyone's faces. Dougal is a Pets At Therapy Dog and is trained to spend time with patients in hospitals, residents in care homes and he also support children in schools. Recently Dougal has received a 'thank you' card from a school that he has been doing visits for. Dougal helps the kids learn to read.
Like Dougal, many other Rough Collies have made amazing therapy dogs due to their gentle nature and friendly temperament.
AVA
Isobel adopted Ava when she was 13 months old, from the moment she entered their home, she blended smoothly into family life. Her sweet and intuitive nature is what inspired them to explore therapy pet training.
Ava's first patient, an end of life individual, found comfort and solace in her presence that was truly remarkable. Another unforgettable encounter was with a male patient who, deemed aggressive and uncommunicative, looked into her eyes and found the strength to speak. His touching words were a heartfelt 'I love you, Ava, please come back and see me.' Moments like these inspire Isobel & Ava to continue spreading joy and comfort wherever they go. Ava can be found regularly attending Barleystone Nursing Home to brighten both resident and staff members days.
Ava was also recently nominated for the CCST (Canine Concern Scotland Trust) Annual Award; Therapet of the Year 2025. This is a massive award, considering only 21 dogs were nominated from over 2000. Ava's pedigree name is 'Arklethill Ava' and she is a daughter of 'CH Arklethill Helena.' Although unplaced in the final selection, Ava was the only Rough Collie to be nominated for this award.
Congratulations to them both!
