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
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
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.


