Smooth Collie
The Rough Collie's short-coated sibling - equally gentle, intelligent and loyal but with far easier grooming needs.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Smooth Collie shares identical origins with the Rough Collie, both descending from Scottish herding dogs. The smooth-coated variety was favoured by drovers who needed a tough, agile dog for driving cattle and sheep to market. While the Rough Collie gained fame through Lassie, the Smooth Collie remained lesser known but equally beloved by those who appreciate its practicality and elegant simplicity.
Appearance
The Smooth Collie is identical to the Rough Collie in structure but with a short, dense, flat coat. Same height (51-61 cm), same colours (sable, tricolour, blue merle) and same elegant, athletic build. The short coat reveals the breed's clean, athletic lines more clearly than the Rough's abundant mane.
Is a Smooth Collie Right for You?
The Smooth Collie is the practical person's Collie - all the gentleness, intelligence and loyalty of the Rough but without the intensive grooming demands. They are active, responsive dogs that excel in obedience and agility. Their short coat makes them easier to dry after wet walks and less prone to picking up debris.
Like Rough Collies, they are gentle with children, responsive to training and sensitive to their owners' moods. They make excellent family dogs for active households.
Living with a Smooth Collie
Smooth Collies are virtually identical to Rough Collies in temperament. They are gentle, loyal and devoted family dogs. They can be vocal and may bark more than some owners would like. They are active and enjoy being involved in family activities.
Training Tips
- Same training approach as Rough Collies - gentle, positive methods
- Sensitive to tone of voice
- Excel at obedience, agility and herding trials
- Manage barking with early training
- Socialise well to prevent timidity
Temperament
The Smooth Collie shares the Rough Collie's gentle, loyal temperament. They are devoted family dogs, sensitive and responsive to their owners. They are naturally good with children and other animals. Some Smooth Collie enthusiasts believe the smooth variety retains slightly more working drive than the typical show Rough Collie.
Exercise Needs
One to one and a half hours of daily exercise, including walks and off-lead running in safe areas. They enjoy agility, obedience and herding activities. Mental stimulation through training complements physical exercise.
Grooming
Much easier than the Rough Collie. The short, dense coat needs brushing once or twice a week. Shedding is moderate and manageable with regular brushing. Bathing as needed. Standard ear, dental and nail care apply. This is the low-maintenance Collie option.
Health
Same health profile as the Rough Collie: Collie Eye Anomaly (DNA test available), MDR1 gene sensitivity, hip dysplasia, PRA. Overall a healthy breed with a 12-14 year lifespan. Always inform vets about the MDR1 mutation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Smooth and Rough Collies?
Coat length only. They are the same breed with two coat varieties. Smooth Collies have short, flat coats while Rough Collies have long, flowing coats. Temperament, size and health are identical.
Are Smooth Collies rare?
Rarer than Rough Collies. The Lassie effect means most people associate Collies with the long coat, and Smooth Collie registrations are typically lower.
Do Smooth Collies shed?
Moderately. They shed year-round and more heavily during seasonal changes, but significantly less than Rough Collies and the hair is easier to manage.
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