Collie Smooth
Other names: Smooth Coated Collie

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
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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
Three possibilities : sable and white ; black, white, and tan (tricolour) ; or blue merle (silver-blue patches on white).
Type of coat
The Collie smooth's hair is short and smooth.
Eye colour
The Collie Smooth's eyes are brown. Blue merle Smooths will have one or two blue or blue-flecked eyes.
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
Behaviour of the Collie Smooth
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Collie Smooth to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
The average price for a Smooth Collie dog is between £215 - £650. The price will be higher if the dog is registered at the Kennel Club.
The Smooth Collie can cost around £60 per month to feed and maintain.
Grooming
The Smooth has a double-coat, and requires regular grooming to remove excess hair.
Shedding
Smooth Collies will go through a major shedding season once or twice a year, so you best have the dog brush and a Hoover ready.
Nutrition of the Collie Smooth
One of the main concerns with Scotch Collies is their tendency to bloat, which can become very serious if it gets out of hand. Feed him a meat-based diet without too much in the way of grains; avoid corn and soy altogether. It is better to divide his total daily intake across two or more daily meals rather than one lump sum. You might also use a puzzle feeder to slow him down at the dinner bowl.
Health of the Collie Smooth
Life expectancy
12-14 years.
Strong / robust
Although the Scotch was originally a strong and robust breed, irresponsible breeding methods may have softened some genetic lines. Make sure to find your dog from a reputable breeder. In general, the ideal Smoothie should indeed be strong and robust and keen for the great outdoors.
Withstand heat
Scotch Collies have a moderate level of tolerance for the heat; the Smooth can handle it a bit better than the Rough, since he has less fur to contend with. However, in all cases your dog should be provided with adequate fresh water and shade, and not subjected to undue extremes of temperature.
Withstand cold
Your collie’s undercoat will protect him from the cold and wind, but all the same this is not a dog who should spend the entire winter outdoors. His cousin, the Rough Collie, may be more suited to chilly weather since she is associated with work in the cold highlands.
Tendency to put on weight
As long as he gets the moderate-high exercise levels he requires, the Smooth does not have a tendency towards porkiness.
Common illnesses
- Mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Gastric dilatation volvulus