Smooth Collie

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Smooth Collie is a well known and highly appreciated farm breed, originating from Scotland. Originally bred for herding purposes, this versatile breed has become world's most popular dog due to its exceptional abilities as an excellent general farm dog, family companion, water dog and rescue dog . The Smooth Collie is a short-coated version of Rough Collie.

It's exact origin is rather unknown but it is believed that this breed has descended from a population of shepherds' dogs brought to Scotland by the Romans around the 5th century. This breed was unknown outside its country of origin, Scotland, until Queen Victoria took interest in this breed in 1860s. With the Queen's interest, it became fashionable to own Smooth Collies.

The Smooth Collie is a beautiful, dignified and well balanced breed that stands between 24-26 inches and weighs about 60-75 lbs. This breed has a light and wedge-shaped head and a long, smooth and well-rounded muzzle that tapers to a warm black nose. Small and erects ears fold forward from tip. Medium size, almond shaped eyes are dark brown or blue merle in colour. The longer than tall and well rounded body comes with a firm and broad back and deep chest with well sprung ribs. Smooth coat is short and hard and comes in colors of sable and white, tri color (black, tan, and white), blue merle, and also white with sable, tri color, or blue merle markings.

This breed is recognized by AKC under COLLIE name and by all major kennel clubs as well.

Color

The Smooth Collie is found in four colors which are sable, tri-color, blue merle and white.

Coat

As the name indicates, the Smooth Collie has a smooth coat. Topcoat is hard, harsh and dense and undercoat is soft and extremely abundant.

Personality

The Smooth Collie is a very intelligent and loving breed that loves to give love. This dog is very trainable, amenable and social. Non-aggressive and vocal by nature, the Smooth Collies are alert and attentive to their surroundings and will make excellent watchdogs though if not properly trained, may become nuisance to the family and neighbors with their indiscriminate barking. They are very good with children and generally get along well with other dogs in the family. This eager to please dog is very sensitive to harsh training. It needs training in a gentle and light manner otherwise the dog will become shy. This is a multi-talented breed that not only makes very good family dog but also excels in dog sports such as obedience competition, agility, herding trials, showmanship, flyball, tracking and other dog sports. These dogs are also capable assistance dogs for disabled.

Care

Smooth, short coat of Smooth Collie requires average grooming. Once a week brushing will remove dead hair and coat will remain in good condition.

Training

Collies are among the highest ranked dogs in terms of intelligence. They are very trainable also with their eager to please nature. Training a Collie should never be a problem as these dogs are willing to learn and eager to please their master. The Smooth Collie is a sensitive breed and will shy away from harsh training methods. Gentle training sessions conducted in a positive manner will yield more than satisfying results.

Activity

The Smooth Collie is a working breed with lots of energy. High energy levels need to be drained out and the dog needs lots of physical and mental stimulation to be happy and content. This breed will need atleast a yard where it can play and run as it likes though perfect setting is in a rural area or a farm where the dog will have lots of tasks to keep itself busy.