Collie (Smooth)

The Smooth Collie resembles the Rough Collie, but it has a short, flat double coat that requires less grooming. Additionally, they tend to drool less than their Rough Collie counterparts, which makes them a great choice for people who appreciate the breed's playful nature and smarts without the mess.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Varies; can be sable and white, tri-color (black with tan and white markings), or blue merle (silver-blue with black).
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
20 to 24 inches
Type
Herding
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
39.6 to 65 pounds
Family
Companion

Personality

Clever and kind, Smooth Collies are lively little bundles of joy with short fur. These friendly dogs are quick learners, thanks to their playful energy and smart brains. They are great for families who enjoy being active, as their loyalty and loving nature make them wonderful companions, ready to snuggle or tackle an agility course with you! Occasionally, they might dash around like a small whirlwind, but their affectionate personality and devoted spirit make them ideal furry pals for fun outings and cozy movie nights.

History

The Smooth Collie originates from Scotland, where they were developed to help manage sheep in the Scottish Lowlands. Their smooth and shiny fur was ideal for moving through the hills and staying comfortable. The exact time when these shepherd dogs first came about is unclear, but stories suggest they have been herding sheep for ages! Jump ahead a few hundred years, and Queen Victoria becomes enchanted with these smart and lively dogs. With her royal endorsement, Smooth Collies gained fame. They are beloved by people who appreciate a devoted and spirited companion.

Ideal Owner

The Smooth Collie is the easy-going version of the Rough Collie you've always wanted! These smart dogs love to explore, so their owners should enjoy long walks, fun at the park (they'll try to round up the squirrels!), and learning exciting tricks together. Keep in mind that their herding nature might cause them to give a gentle nip to a small ankle now and then—it's just their way of keeping things in order (at least in their view!). Because of this, families with older kids or just adults might be a better match for this playful pup.

Exercise Needs

Unlike a lazy couch potato, Smooth Collies are lively and playful dogs that require a minimum of two hours of activity each day to use up their endless energy. Activities like hiking, playing fetch, and having fun at the park are perfect for them. The great thing is, they are very intelligent and enjoy mental tasks, such as mastering tricks and playing games. With positive training methods, you can help them excel in various sports, whether it's agility, flyball, or anything else you want!

Space Requirements

Smooth Collies love having plenty of room to roam, enjoying the feel of grass beneath their feet and discovering new scents during walks. The busy city can overwhelm these dogs, who are happier in a countryside or suburban area where they can play freely. A medium-sized house with a spacious, fenced yard is ideal for a Smooth Collie, giving them the chance to run around while keeping them safe from wandering off.

Training

Smooth Collies are smart dogs with fluffy coats. These intelligent animals can master almost any trick you teach them and enjoy a good challenge. Think about enrolling them in activities like agility, rally, or even dancing with music. Also, don’t forget that mixing things up is important in training, so make your walks fun by exploring different paths and letting them sniff out new scents to keep their minds active and their tails happy.

Grooming

Short-haired Collies do shed, but not as much as their long-haired Rough Collie cousins. They have a double coat, which means you can expect some fur to come off throughout the year, especially during their big shedding times in spring and fall. The bright side is that brushing them once a week is enough to manage their coat. Just keep a lint roller handy for those extra bits of fur—it's a small effort for such a lovable dog!

Suitability for Family Life

Smooth Collies adore children, but very young ones who are small and unsteady might be too much for their lively spirit. Imagine them as furry workout buddies that thrive with energetic adults or older kids who can keep pace with their playful nature during fun outings and training. Houses filled with many small children or frequent loud sounds could be stressful for these gentle dogs. They seek a peaceful environment and companionship with active people who share their enthusiasm for life.

Did You know?

Queen Victoria had a beloved Smooth Collie named Sharp, who frequently appeared in photos alongside her. Her affection for the Smooth Collie helped both Smooth and Rough Collies, as they were commonly referred to just as Collies. Many people believed she preferred the Rough Collie, but there were not many pictures back then to confirm this. The breed is thought to be named after the “Colley sheep” they used to herd, while others think the name comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “helpful.”

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Need to Know

Good for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Medium/large dog
Minimal drool
Requires regular groming
Chatty and vocal dog