Smooth Collie

Get to Know Smooth Collies

• Shared Heritage with the Rough Collie: The Smooth and Rough Collies are essentially the same breed, differing only in coat type, one sleek and short, the other long and flowing.
• Cleaner & Easier Coat Maintenance: The Smooth Collie’s short, flat coat sheds seasonally but requires far less upkeep than the Rough Collie, making it ideal for active families.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Smooth Collies are highly expressive, using body language and vocal cues to communicate, which makes them remarkably intuitive companions.
• All-Around Athlete: They excel in agility, obedience, and herding trials. They combine speed, focus, and enthusiasm for working with their handlers.
• Sensitive but Steady: Despite their confidence, Smooth Collies are emotionally attuned and respond best to gentle, positive interaction. They dislike harsh corrections or loud conflict.

Breed History

The Smooth Collie shares its origins with the Rough Collie, both descending from herding dogs in Scotland and Northern England. Bred to work long hours managing flocks in harsh climates, the Smooth Collie developed a short, dense coat that offered protection without collecting burrs or mud — ideal for rugged farm life. As the breed evolved, it became known for its intelligence, versatility, and gentle disposition. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria’s admiration for the Collie helped the breed gain popularity beyond farm work, leading to two varieties: the Rough (long-coated) and the Smooth (short-coated). Today, the Smooth Collie is appreciated for being a devoted companion and a capable working or performance dog.

Personality and Behaviour

• Devoted & Family-Oriented: Smooth Collies are affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. They are gentle with children and often act as watchful guardians of the home.
• Intelligent & Quick to Learn: Their natural smarts make training easy when done with patience and consistency. They love having tasks or routines that engage their minds.
• Social & Outgoing: They tend to be friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals, though early socialization helps ensure confidence in all situations.

Care

• Exercise: Smooth Collies thrive on moderate to high activity. Daily walks, off-leash play in a secure area, or agility exercises keep them fit and content. They enjoy participating in family outings rather than being left alone for long periods.
• Grooming: With their short, dense coat, Smooth Collies are relatively low-maintenance. Weekly brushing removes loose fur and helps manage seasonal shedding. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important to maintain health.
• Training: Their needs are moderate. They are intelligent and eager to please, but they respond best to kind, positive reinforcement. Overly harsh or repetitive methods can make them withdraw or lose interest. Early obedience and socialization bring out their best qualities.