ORIONSVIEW TULLY
Working Rough Collie
'Tully' was born 1st June 2013.
Purchased as a pet by Shepherdess Jess King he began showing interest around the farm
at around 6 months old, and under the watchful guidance of Jess his natural herding
instinct was nurtured into life, and he became
legendary in his herding adventures. In his prime he was adept at catching sheep during
lambing or when requiring medicines. He is fearless and will face a charging ram with
courage. Using his size and bark to advantage, he is often able to move the most stubborn
of sheep, and has also worked cattle. Now age ten, he is still working, although less agile.
Tully is an inspiration and through him I have learned the true natural working style of the
Rough Collie, which is still inherent in its true form in a small number of them.
Written by Angela Harvey
Extract from The Tofty Tattler Magazine
ORIONSVIEW TULLY
ORIONSVIEW TULLY
ORIONSVIEW TULLY
In the United Kingdom today, Rough Collies are no longer commonly used as working herding dogs. However, across many parts of the European Union, they are still valued as traditional herding dogs, continuing the work they were originally bred for.When classified under FCI herding competitions, the Rough Collie falls into the Traditional Style category. By comparison, the Border Collie is grouped under Collecting Style, a highly specialized method of herding. All other herding breeds fall within the Traditional Style, but the Rough Collie stands out for its unique approach.Unlike the intense “eye” of the Border Collie, Rough Collies are loose-eyed and upright workers. They rely on their presence, movement, and even their voice to influence livestock, often using barking as a natural tool to drive the flock. This makes the Rough Collie a true all-round farm dog. They are not narrowly specialized like the Border Collie, but instead bring versatility to the farm, able to herd, guard, protect, and even search for lost sheep when needed. Their adaptability and steady temperament made them indispensable in the past, and they remain capable working partners today.
We are grateful to Veronika Körbler, who has kindly allowed us to share photos of her beloved dogs and her own experiences with the breed, keeping the heritage of the Rough Collie as a working dog alive.
The Rough Collie as a Traditional Herding Dog
Veronika Körbler's Rough Collie Journey
'I got my first Rough Collie male Pascha 'Aslan vom Steinberg' in 2018 from a neighbor as he wasn’t able to take care of him anymore. At first I wasn’t into dog sport, but soon we started with Rally Obedience and Companion Dog training in our local dog school. He is tested successfully from RO 3 to IBGH3. In 2020 I adopted my Collie Mix Finja and my oldest Rough Collie Romy from animal welfare. In the beginning of 2021 I got my very special Rough Collie boy “Edgar of Highland Herders”. He was always very interested in things happening around and also kind of reactive and energetic.
At this point I wasn’t into sheep and herding and this was probably, why I wasn’t able to sort his behavior, till a good friend of mine with Australian Koolies told me to try him on sheep. In April 2022 we tested him on sheep and from the first second in the Roundpen there was that special spark in his eyes. Instincts kicked in and he is a perfect balance worker. At the time I was able to see my boy working with his instincts and being so balanced I fell in love with herding and sheep.
The following months and years we trained a lot and also started competing in FCI “International Herding Test” for Traditional Style Herding dogs. Doing a lot of international Seminars in herding.
In 2023 I decided that I want a second Working Rough Collie. So I got my female tri Rough Betty “Babette Blair z Lanciho dvora”. She already showed great instinct and attitude as a puppy. In December 2023 we got our first 5 Kamerun sheep. At that time I also decided to start my oldest boy Pascha on sheep with 7 years of age. At first he wasn’t interested, but with my fast young sheep he also developed that special spark in his eyes. And so things went on and developed successfully.
Currently I’m competing on international level with 3 Rough Collies. We are herding in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, France and Sweden. Edgar of Highland Herders (NHAT-HWT-IHT1-IHT2-IHT3) Aslan vom Steinberg (NHAT-HWT-IHT1-IHT2) Babette Blair z Lanciho dvora (NHAT-HWT-IHT1) All 3 dogs have FCI Working Dog Certificates and also go on Exhibitions in Working Dog Class.
All my dogs are perfect Farmdogs and helping me with my 17 sheep. (9 Kamerun Sheep, 4 Magyar Racka and 4 Walliser x Jura Sheep) Competing in any kind of dogsport and always open to learn new things. Also perfect everyday companions. Moving like professionals in the big city. Open minded and friendly with all animals and people. Since the beginning of 2025 I have my own Kennel “Working Rough Collies of Highland Herders”. Next year I plan my A litter with my Betty and Edgar.'
