Collie Smooth
Summary
The Smooth Collie is identical to the Rough Collie in everything except coat length, being the short-coated version of this noble Scottish breed. Despite being often overlooked in favor of its long-haired sibling, the Smooth Collie was historically the favorite of shepherds for fieldwork, due to the ease of maintaining its coat. Queen Victoria and King Charles II of England were enthusiasts of this variety.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Large
- Height (male)
- 56–61 cm
- Height (female)
- 51–56 cm
- Weight (male)
- 20–29 kg
- Weight (female)
- 18–25 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, flat and harsh to the touch; very dense, soft undercoat
- Common Colors
- Sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, white with markings
Temperament & Personality
The Smooth Collie shares the same gentle, loyal and sensitive temperament of its long-haired sibling. It is a balanced, affectionate dog, excellent with children, that adapts well to family life. It retains the herding instinct but is easily controlled with training. Its sensitivity to tone of voice makes it a dog that responds very well to positive and gentle methods.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate to high
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Yes with exercise
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1)
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Recommended Health Tests
- CEA genetic test
- Eye examination
- Hip evaluation
- MDR1 test
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Recommended
Is a Collie Smooth right for you?
A Collie Smooth may suit you if:
- You enjoy daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or engaging in dog sports for 60 to 90 minutes each day.
- You appreciate a loyal family companion who thrives on being involved in your daily adventures and learning new things.
- You are looking for a gentle, affectionate, and sensitive companion who bonds deeply with your family.
- You are prepared to use consistent, positive reinforcement training methods to nurture their intelligent and biddable nature.
- You don't mind moderate shedding and are comfortable with a low to moderate grooming routine, including occasional bathing.
- You are willing to gently guide their natural herding instincts into appropriate activities and games.
Think twice if:
- You expect a dog that will always follow commands perfectly without consistent, gentle reinforcement and engaging training.
- You frequently leave your dog alone for long hours, as this breed thrives on companionship and family interaction.
- You are not prepared to teach children how to respectfully interact with a sensitive, large dog, despite their excellent nature with kids.
- You are unable to commit to at least an hour of daily exercise or are bothered by moderate shedding around the home.
- You do not have a secure yard or are unwilling to provide consistent outdoor exercise for a large, active dog.
- You are not prepared to manage a strong, playful adolescent dog who will need guidance on appropriate leash manners and boundaries.
The Smooth Collie is a truly delightful and adaptable companion, bringing immense joy and loyalty to the right home. While their gentle nature and relatively easy care are appealing, remember their keen intelligence and moderate to high energy demand consistent engagement, positive training, and daily activity. They thrive on being part of the family, offering deep affection, but will wilt without mental and physical stimulation. An honest look at your lifestyle ensures a happy, harmonious life together.
Training a Collie Smooth
Your Smooth Collie is a joy to train, thanks to their gentle, loyal, and sensitive nature. They thrive on positive reinforcement, responding beautifully to praise, tasty treats, and engaging toys. Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent to maintain their focus and enthusiasm. Because of their sensitivity to your tone of voice, harsh corrections or impatience will quickly lead to them shutting down or becoming anxious, making learning much harder. Instead, focus on building a strong, trusting bond through gentle guidance and rewarding good choices, and you'll see remarkable progress.
Begin with:
- Responding to name around distractions
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Herding Instinct and Recall
Smooth Collies retain their natural herding instinct, which can sometimes lead them to chase moving objects like squirrels, cyclists, or even children. This strong drive can make recall challenging, especially in exciting environments. To manage this, always start recall training in a secure, low-distraction area, using a long line for safety.
Make coming back to you the most rewarding thing ever, with high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Practice regularly, gradually introducing more distractions, and remember that consistency is key to overcoming this natural inclination. Our guide on teaching recall can help.
Leash Pulling
Given their large size and moderate to high energy levels, a Smooth Collie can become quite a strong puller on the leash if not taught otherwise. Their sensitivity means that harsh leash corrections are counterproductive and can damage your bond. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement methods.
Reward them for walking calmly by your side, stopping whenever the leash tightens and only moving forward when it slackens. Consistent practice with a comfortable harness can make a huge difference. For a detailed plan, check out our guide on stopping leash pulling.
Boredom and Destructive Habits
Smooth Collies thrive on mental and physical engagement. If under-exercised or left alone for too long without stimulation, their moderate to high energy can manifest as unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing furniture, or digging. They need their recommended 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, split into walks, playtime, and training sessions.
Incorporate puzzle toys, scent work, and regular training to keep their intelligent minds occupied. Providing a consistent routine and plenty of appropriate outlets for their energy will help them be happy, well-behaved companions. Our training feature can help you build a consistent routine.
Collie Smooth — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Collie Smooth?
The Collie Smooth is a truly noble and striking large breed, originating from the United Kingdom. As the short-coated sibling to the more widely known Rough Collie, it shares all the wonderful qualities of its long-haired counterpart, differing only in its sleek, easy-care coat. Belonging to FCI Group 1, the Sheepdogs, this breed embodies grace and intelligence. Historically, shepherds cherished the Smooth Collie for its practicality in fieldwork, appreciating its robust nature and minimal grooming needs. It's a wonderful companion that truly stands out!
What was the Collie Smooth originally bred for?
The Collie Smooth was originally bred for an incredibly important role: herding and fieldwork! These intelligent and agile dogs were the trusted companions of shepherds, particularly in Scotland, where their keen instincts and quick movements were invaluable for managing flocks. Their short coat, unlike that of their Rough Collie relatives, was a distinct advantage in the field, making them less prone to collecting burrs and debris, and easier to maintain. Even historical figures like Queen Victoria and King Charles II were admirers of this diligent and capable variety.
How much exercise does a Collie Smooth need?
Your lovely Smooth Collie will thrive with a good amount of activity! These intelligent dogs have a moderate to high energy level and truly enjoy being active. We recommend providing them with about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. This could include brisk walks, playful romps in a secure yard, or engaging in dog sports like agility or obedience. Keeping them mentally and physically stimulated will ensure your Collie Smooth is happy, healthy, and a well-behaved member of your family, ready for all your adventures together!
Is the Collie Smooth a good family dog?
Absolutely, the Collie Smooth is an excellent family dog! They share the same gentle, loyal, and sensitive temperament as their long-haired siblings. These are balanced, affectionate dogs that adapt wonderfully to family life. They are known for being particularly good with children, showing patience and a protective nature. Furthermore, with proper introductions and socialization, they can get along beautifully with other pets. Their loving disposition makes them a cherished member of any household, bringing joy and companionship to everyone.
Is the Collie Smooth easy to train?
Yes, the Collie Smooth is generally very easy to train! These intelligent dogs are eager to please and highly responsive, making them a joy to work with. They possess a sensitive temperament and respond exceptionally well to positive and gentle training methods, thriving on encouragement rather than harsh corrections. While they retain their natural herding instinct, this can be easily channeled and controlled with consistent training. Their quick minds and desire to learn mean they can excel in various dog sports and obedience, becoming wonderfully well-behaved companions.
What health issues are common in the Collie Smooth?
Like all breeds, the Collie Smooth can be prone to certain health conditions, and it's always good to be aware. Some documented health concerns for the breed include Collie eye anomaly (CEA), which affects vision, and Drug sensitivity (MDR1), which means they can react poorly to certain medications. They can also be susceptible to Epilepsy and Hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, and regular veterinary check-ups are key to ensuring your beloved Smooth Collie lives a long, happy, and healthy life by your side.
What is the Collie Smooth's coat like and how much grooming does it need?
The Smooth Collie's coat is wonderfully practical and a defining feature! As its name suggests, it boasts a short, dense, and smooth coat, which is a stark contrast to its Rough Collie sibling. This sleek coat was historically a favorite among shepherds for fieldwork precisely because of its ease of maintenance. Compared to many other breeds, the Smooth Collie requires relatively minimal grooming. Regular brushing, perhaps once or twice a week, is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy and shiny, making them a great choice for those who appreciate a low-fuss grooming routine.
What is the typical lifespan of a Collie Smooth?
It's wonderful to think about the many happy years you'll share with a Collie Smooth! These magnificent dogs typically enjoy a good, long life. You can generally expect your beloved Smooth Collie to be with you for around 12 to 14 years. Providing them with excellent nutrition, regular exercise, routine veterinary care, and plenty of love will help ensure they live a full and vibrant life, bringing joy and companionship to your home for many years to come.
