Smooth Collie
The short-coated variety of the Collie, an elegant Scottish herding dog. Gentle, intelligent and devoted, an easy-to-train family companion that is far lower-maintenance than its rough-coated cousin.
Smooth Collie scorecard
Overview
The Smooth Collie is the short-coated variety of the Collie, the elegant Scottish herding dog made famous worldwide in its Rough-coated form. Genetically the same breed as the Rough Collie but for its coat, the Smooth Collie stands around 51–61 cm and weighs roughly 18–30 kg, presenting a graceful, athletic outline clothed in a short, dense, weatherproof double coat.
Gentle, intelligent and devoted, the Smooth Collie is an easy-to-train family companion that offers much of the Rough Collie's charm with considerably less coat care. It is far less common than its long-haired cousin, even in its native UK, and is prized by enthusiasts for its sweet nature, biddability and lower grooming demands.
Good to know — a Smooth Collie is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
Collies developed over centuries as herding and droving dogs in Scotland and northern England, where both rough and smooth coats appeared. The breed rose to prominence in the Victorian era, helped by Queen Victoria's well-known fondness for Collies, and pedigree breeding refined the modern type. The Smooth and Rough Collies have at times been treated as separate breeds and at times as coat varieties of one; in the UK they are registered as distinct breeds by The Kennel Club, both within the Pastoral Group.
While the Rough Collie became internationally famous, the Smooth remained the rarer of the two. It continues to be bred as a companion and occasional working dog, retaining the herding heritage, intelligence and gentle temperament for which Collies are known.
Temperament & family fit
The Smooth Collie is gentle, affectionate and deeply loyal, typically forming close bonds with its family and being excellent with children. It is sociable and generally good with other dogs, and its herding background gives it a sensitive, attentive nature that makes it tuned in to its owners' moods.
Collies can be watchful and are often quick to bark, alerting the household to comings and goings — a trait worth managing through training. They are sensitive souls that respond poorly to harsh treatment and may be reserved with strangers until they feel comfortable. With good socialisation, however, the Smooth Collie is a calm, devoted and well-mannered companion.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
Highly intelligent and eager to please, the Smooth Collie is one of the more trainable breeds and excels in obedience, agility and other canine sports. Reward-based methods suit its sensitive temperament, and early socialisation helps prevent the shyness or wariness to which some Collies are prone.
Because Collies are quick to learn and quick to bark, training a reliable settle and managing the alerting instinct early on is worthwhile. Their herding heritage can also show as a tendency to chase or circle moving things, so channelling this into games and sports is both productive and enjoyable.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Smooth Collie typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
One of the breed's chief advantages over the Rough Collie is its easy-care coat. The short, dense double coat needs only a weekly brush for most of the year, though it sheds heavily during seasonal moults, when more frequent grooming helps manage the loose hair. Routine care — nail trimming, ear checks and dental hygiene — is straightforward, making the Smooth Collie a relatively low-maintenance choice in terms of coat work.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Smooth Collie
Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to the dog's age, size and activity level, divided into two meals a day. Collies can be prone to weight gain if overfed and under-exercised, so monitor body condition and adjust portions accordingly. Fresh water should always be available.
A large breed
An adult Smooth Collie typically weighs 18–30 kg, so a healthy Smooth Collie eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Smooth Collie weigh?
Adult 18–30 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.1–3.4 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.3–5.6 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 6.7–11.1 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 13.4–22.3 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 18–30 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Smooth Collie
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Smooth Collie's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult/Senior Weight Control Chicken and Oats
A low-fat weight control dry food for adult and senior dogs, oat-based
£35.99
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Smooth Collie health & costs
Before bringing a Smooth Collie home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Smooth Collie is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of around 12–14 years. The most important breed-specific health consideration is the same as for Rough Collies: a susceptibility to the MDR1 (multidrug resistance) gene mutation, which makes affected dogs dangerously sensitive to certain common medications. DNA testing for MDR1 is available and widely recommended, and owners should always inform their vet of the breed's potential sensitivity.
Collies are also predisposed to a hereditary eye condition known as Collie Eye Anomaly, for which screening and DNA testing exist. Responsible breeders test their stock for both MDR1 and eye conditions. With appropriate screening and routine preventive care, the Smooth Collie is typically a robust and long-lived companion.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) — an inherited developmental eye disorder; DNA testing and eye screening of breeding stock are strongly advised.
- MDR1 (multidrug sensitivity) gene mutation — makes affected dogs react severely to certain medications; DNA testing is recommended and the vet should be informed of breed sensitivity.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited degenerative eye disease; reputable breeders screen for it.
- Hip dysplasia — possible in the breed; ask breeders about hip health in their lines.
- Epilepsy — seizure disorders are reported in some Collie lines.
- Dermatomyositis — an inherited inflammatory skin and muscle condition recognised in Collies.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Smooth Collie; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Smooth Collie puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Smooth Collie
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, trainable and great with children
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- Sheds heavily, especially seasonally
- Sensitive and can be a watchful barker
Compare the Smooth Collie
See how the Smooth Collie measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Smooth Collie and a Rough Collie?
Genetically they are the same breed apart from coat. The Smooth Collie is the short-coated variety, wearing a short, dense, weatherproof double coat, while the Rough Collie has the famous long coat. The Smooth offers much of the Rough Collie's charm and temperament with considerably less grooming, though it is far less common, even in its native UK.
Is a Smooth Collie the same as a smooth-coated Border Collie?
No. The Smooth Collie is the short-coated variety of the Collie (the elegant Scottish herding dog also seen in Rough form), a distinct pastoral breed. A smooth-coated Border Collie is a separate breed entirely. They share herding heritage but differ in size, build, temperament and breed standard.
How big does a Smooth Collie get?
The Smooth Collie stands around 51–61 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 18–30 kg, presenting a graceful, athletic outline. It is a medium-to-large pastoral breed, elegant in build despite its herding strength.
Are Smooth Collies good family dogs?
Yes. The Smooth Collie is gentle, affectionate and deeply loyal, typically forming close bonds with its family and being excellent with children. It is sociable and generally good with other dogs. Its herding background gives it a sensitive, attentive nature, though it can be watchful and quick to bark, a trait worth managing through training.
How much grooming does a Smooth Collie need?
One of the breed's chief advantages over the Rough Collie is its easy-care coat. The short, dense double coat needs only a weekly brush for most of the year, though it sheds heavily during seasonal moults when more frequent grooming helps. Routine nail, ear and dental care is straightforward, making it relatively low-maintenance.
Are Smooth Collies easy to train?
Highly intelligent and eager to please, the Smooth Collie is one of the more trainable breeds and excels in obedience, agility and other canine sports. Reward-based methods suit its sensitive temperament, and early socialisation helps prevent the shyness some Collies are prone to. Teaching a reliable settle early helps manage its alerting instinct.
What health conditions are Smooth Collies prone to?
The most important consideration, shared with Rough Collies, is susceptibility to the MDR1 (multidrug resistance) gene mutation, which makes affected dogs dangerously sensitive to certain common medications; DNA testing is available and widely recommended. Collies are also predisposed to Collie Eye Anomaly, for which screening exists. Responsible breeders test for both. Typical lifespan is around 12–14 years.
How much exercise does a Smooth Collie need?
It is moderately energetic and typically needs an hour or more of daily walks plus playtime and mental stimulation. It enjoys agility, fetch and herding-style games that suit its working background. While adaptable, it is happiest with a garden and access to open space, and it benefits greatly from having its clever mind kept occupied.
Are Smooth Collies good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Smooth Collies tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Smooth Collie need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Smooth Collie needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Smooth Collies shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Smooth Collies easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Smooth Collies are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Smooth Collies bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Smooth Collies good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Smooth Collies suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Smooth Collie is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Collie (Smooth) breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Collie Smooth, Standard No. 296: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/COLLIE-SMOOTH-296.html
- PDSA — Dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Smooth Collie
Matched to a Smooth Collie's size and their typical need for help with shedding, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Bugalugs Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats – 50ml
A natural, UK-made hemp seed oil supplement rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9 to support calmness, joint mobility, and a healthy, glossy coat.
£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.