Smooth 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

High shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

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.

Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Best with a garden. A Smooth Collie is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.