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Collie Smooth

Other names: Smooth Coated Collie

Collie Smooth

That’s just what a Smooth Collie is : a smooth version of the Rough Collie, he has shorter hair, and does not get so hot in the summer. Some groups classify the two types as being the same breed (the Scotch Collie), while others insist that respective breeds’ heritages are divergent.
The Smooth is a tall, wholesome sheepdog, who is just as comfortable and respectful herding children as he is with ruminants. He may be sable and white in colour, black-white-and-tan, or blue merle.
Alert, intelligent, athletic, and sociable, he may even be too wholesome for those who prefer the humour of the pug or the ‘boy-next-door’ affability of the Labrador.

Key facts about the Collie Smooth

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Affectionate Playful Intelligent

Size :

Origins and history

The collie’s ancestors may well have been brought to Scotland by the Romans when they invaded Britain 2,000 years ago. But we don’t know much for sure about the Smooth and Rough Collies until the 19th century, when they first enter the history books. Historians assume that the original Roman migrant was interbred with hill-faring Scottish dogs over the centuries to produce the ‘Scotch’ varieties we know today. But it was Queen Victoria who made them a star. She apparently fell in love with the breed while up north, acquiring several fine examples for her personal kennel. Today, the breed endures in both its Smooth and Rough versions.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

Section

Section 1 : Sheepdogs

Physical characteristics of the Collie Smooth

    Adult size

    Female : Between 20 and 22 in

    Male : Between 22 and 24 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 40 and 55 lb

    Male : Between 44 and 64 lb

    Coat colour

    Sand
    Black
    White
    Brown
    Blue

    Type of coat

    Short
    Hard

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    Appearing to be always ready for action, if this dog were any more proper looking he would be upright. Indeed, when he stands to attention, even if he must remain on all fours, you will find him to be a tall fellow with a straight back that slopes up to broad shoulders and a deep chest. A typically sweet, sensible face extends into an endless snout atop a somewhat neutral smile. His ears tend towards perkiness with a fold-down tip that will provide endless entertainment for the young humans in your pack.

    Good to know

    If the Smooth remains somewhat in the shadow of the Rough due to Lassie’s fame, it’s worth noting that Queen Victoria’s favourite was a Smooth. His name was Sharp.

    Temperament

    • 100%

      Affectionate

      The Smooth is known for his friendliness, which will expand towards affection within his own family ; he reserves his affections not only for his master, but for the whole pack.

    • 100%

      Playful

      As a sociable and intelligent creature who craves intellectual stimulation, a game or two is certainly not out of the question. But better said that tricks and skills are more the domain of this breed, rather than tussling and teasing.

    • 66%

      Calm

      The Smooth, as his name might suggest, is famous for his calmness. While he is not immune to high spirits and will echo the prevailing mood of the room, he is said to have a metaphorical ‘off’ button and can be calmed at a moment’s notice should activities need to be brought to an abrupt stop.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      The Smooth Collie is celebrated for his intelligence. Harnessed with adequate training, which he will enjoy, this intelligence may be nurtured to the brink of greatness.

    • 33%

      Hunter

      A herder rather than a hunter, the Smooth’s pace and vigilance are better suited to defence than attack ; that said, he has hunting ancestry, and shouldn’t be trusted in the company of squirrels.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Smooth will open his heart to strangers, although he’ll close the door to intruders. Neither shy nor gregarious he is happy to meet and entertain visitors in the manner that their appearance demands.

    • 33%

      Independent

      While the Smooth works hard to please his masters, he has an independent streak that should be indulged if he is to remain happy and fulfilled. Long walks with the freedom to explore will go some way to answering this need.

      Behaviour of the Collie Smooth

      • 33%

        Tolerates solitude

        He is not keen on alone time and, despite his sensible expression, may become destructive if he senses he’s been abandoned.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        'Easy to train/obedient’ is this dog’s middle name. Clever and eager to learn, he’ll be the first pup in class when teacher arrives in the morning.

      • 100%

        Barking

        The Smooth is quite comfortable with his voice and will sound it to alert you in times of danger or should he otherwise want your attention. It is important that he learns a little vocal discipline from a young age, so that he does not disturb the neighbours with unwarranted barkage.

      • 33%