Smooth Collie

The Smooth Collie is the short-coated variety of the Collie, sharing its origins, breed standard and fundamental character with the Rough Collie but presenting with a short, dense, flat outer coat rather than the profuse, flowing coat of the more widely recognised Rough variety. Both varieties were developed in Scotland and northern England as herding dogs for sheep and cattle, working over wide areas of open terrain with intelligence, speed and a close working relationship with the shepherd. The Collie type was brought to public attention by Queen Victoria's patronage in the mid-nineteenth century and the Smooth Collie was shown alongside the Rough Collie from the earliest dog shows in Britain. The Smooth Collie is registered by the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Group.

The Smooth Collie is a medium-to-large, well-built and elegant herding dog of notably refined and graceful appearance. The coat is short, dense and harsh on the outer coat with a soft, thick undercoat, providing weather resistance without the grooming commitment of the Rough variety. The expression is intelligent, gentle and enquiring - entirely characteristic of the Collie type. The same colour varieties exist in both Rough and Smooth - sable and white, tricolour, and blue merle. Adults typically stand 51 to 61 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 18 to 34 kilograms.

The character is gentle, loyal and deeply sensitive - one of the most family-friendly and good-natured of all herding breeds. The Smooth Collie is devoted to its family, good with children, generally sociable with other dogs and responsive and perceptive in a way that reflects centuries of close working partnership with people. The herding instinct is present and may manifest in the tendency to round up children or other animals, but it is mild compared to more intense herding breeds and is generally manageable.

Training is a genuine pleasure. The Smooth Collie is highly intelligent, eager to please and responds excellently to positive, gentle reinforcement. It is sensitive to harsh handling and raised voices, and kind, consistent methods produce the best results.

Health considerations include CEA DNA testing, MDR1 gene awareness and Hip Dysplasia assessment of parents. The MDR1 mutation is important to flag to any veterinary team before administering ivermectin or related antiparasitic compounds.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,400. Monthly running costs average £75 to £130. The Collie Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Loyal, gentle, intelligent and sensitive. Devoted to its family. Good with children and generally sociable. The herding instinct may manifest in gentle rounding behaviour. Responsive and perceptive. Not aggressive. One of the most gentle and family-friendly of all herding breeds. Alert but not reactive.

Highly intelligent and very trainable - the Collie is one of the most responsive of all herding breeds to positive reinforcement. Excels in obedience, agility and herding competitions. Sensitive to tone and harsh handling - positive methods work best. Early socialisation is important. A rewarding breed to train that engages enthusiastically with learning.

Needs 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. The herding background produces a dog with stamina and a need for both physical and mental challenge. Agility, obedience and herding sports all suit the breed. Mental stimulation through training is as important as physical exercise.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a hereditary eye condition affecting both Rough and Smooth Collies and DNA testing of breeding animals is strongly recommended. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been documented. Hip Dysplasia testing of parents is recommended. Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) gene mutation is present in the breed, causing sensitivity to certain medications including some antiparasitic drugs - owners and vets should be aware. The Collie Club of Great Britain maintains health testing guidance.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a medium active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight. The short coat makes weight monitoring straightforward.

The short, dense double coat requires brushing once or twice weekly. Shedding is moderate to heavy seasonally. The coat is significantly lower maintenance than the Rough Collie. Bathing every four to six weeks. A very manageable coat for a medium-to-large breed.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £700 to £1,400. Monthly running costs: £75 to £130.

Excellent family dog suitable for active households of all types. Gentle with children, sociable with other dogs and responsive to training. Lower maintenance than the Rough Collie given the short coat. Requires regular daily exercise and enjoys having a purpose. Sensitive - responds best to gentle, positive handling.