Smooth Collie: Your Complete Guide
The smooth collie may not be as famous as their rough-coated counterpart, but that doesn’t mean they have less to offer prospective dog owners. In fact, many find that they can even be better suited to their needs, as their coat is easier to maintain and requires less grooming.
While the smooth collie was initially developed to herd livestock, they can make a remarkable family companion for those who can fulfill their needs. They’re friendly, eager to please, and loyal to their loved ones. They’re also one of the most intelligent breeds in the world and will impress you each day with their quick wits and exceptional problem-solving skills.
If you’re considering adding a smooth collie to your family, then keep reading. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this brainy, active pup, from their care needs and trainability to their history and physical traits.
Table of Contents
Quick Look at the Smooth Collie
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | Up to 26 inches tall, weighing between 50 and 75 pounds |
| Coat Type | Smooth short double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Eager to please, faithful, energetic, intelligent, and work-driven |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
What Is the History of Smooth Collies?
The smooth collie shares the same roots as the closely related rough collie; they are thought to have first emerged in the Scottish Highlands over two hundred years ago. They were selectively bred to herd livestock like sheep and cattle, and their alert nature, athletic build, and strong work drive allowed them to excel in this line of work.
While the collie’s popularity steadily grew in Scotland, it was in the early 1860’s when they captured the rest of the world’s eye (or we should say Queen Victoria’s eye). During her visits to Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, she encountered collies and quickly fell in love with them. She took these dogs back with her to England to keep as her companions, and as a result, public interest skyrocketed.
Over the years, they became noticed throughout the world and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Unfortunately, while smooth collies have earned themselves a reputation as fantastic family pets in modern times, they are still fairly rare compared to rough-coated collies.
The Royal Kennel Club considers the smooth collie a vulnerable native breed. They have advocated for prospective dog owners to consider adopting this pup before immediately opting for popular breeds like the Labrador retriever or French bulldog.
What Do Smooth Collies Look Like?
The smooth collie has a strong, agile frame, deep chest, and muscular hindquarters. They also have almond-shaped eyes with a bright, alert appearance.
The overall look exudes equal parts power and grace. It ultimately conveys exactly who the smooth collie is at heart: an intelligent, dignified herding dog well-built to handle any task their owner requires of them.
The collie can have two coat varieties: rough (long) or smooth (short). Smooth-coated collies, who we’ll be focusing on in this article, come in an array of colors. The most common coat colors are black, white, tan, sable, and blue merle. Many smooth collies also have bi-color markings.
What Size Is a Smooth Collie?
The smooth collie is a medium-to-large herding dog who stands up to 26 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 75 pounds. Male smooth collies are usually larger than females, with most males averaging around 24 to 26 inches and weighing 60 to 75 pounds. In comparison, female smooth collies stand 22 to 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
What Is a Smooth Collie’s Coat Type and Length?
As their name suggests, the smooth collie’s coat is distinctively smooth in texture. The coat is also short and double-layered, consisting of a harsh, flat top coat and a dense, soft undercoat.
This double coat helps to keep them protected from poor weather and harsh terrain, and served them well during their time as herding dogs on the rugged, often treacherous Scottish Highlands.
What Is a Smooth Collie’s Temperament?
The smooth collie is a resilient dog whose quick wits, strong work drive, and endless energy have allowed them to excel as a herding dog for decades.
However, they also have plenty of attributes that make them just as well-suited to family life. They’re affectionate, loyal, and famously people-oriented, with an envious ability to make friends with practically anyone. They are also playful and energetic, making them great playmates for both kids and other canines.
The smooth collie needs companionship throughout the day to thrive. They shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours at a time, as otherwise they can experience separation anxiety. They may try to self-soothe through potentially destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking.
You should only consider the smooth collie if you’re prepared to adjust your schedule around them.
Are Smooth Collies Good With Kids?
The smooth collie adores children of all ages and often gets along very well with them. They aren’t aggressive and are generally patient and tolerant. They are also naturally playful with kids, and their observant nature often means they keep a close eye on them to ensure they’re not in any danger or putting themselves in harm’s way.
The smooth collie pairs best with active older kids who will view their endless energy as a perk and match up to it well. They can still get along well with young kids, but just be mindful that they do have strong herding instincts. This can cause them to try to herd toddlers and accidentally knock them over in the process.
No matter your kids’ ages, you should never leave them unsupervised around the smooth collie. You should also teach them proper handling etiquette.
Are Smooth Collies Good With Other Animals?
Smooth collies can get along well with other dogs in the family and are often the first to greet them and initiate play. They are also outgoing and aren’t particularly standoffish around unfamiliar dogs.
With proper socialization and an early, gradual introduction, a smooth collie can get along well with small pets like cats and rabbits. However, they typically aren’t the best choice. Just as they tend to herd toddlers, they may attempt to herd pets smaller than them, which can potentially lead to accidents. They are also energetic and can be overly rambunctious.
If you’re considering a smooth collie and currently have small pets living with you, make sure to see how they interact together before finalizing any adoption paperwork.
Are Smooth Collies Aggressive?
Smooth collies aren’t inherently aggressive dogs. They have been selectively bred to be fond of people and go to great lengths to please them. Even when they do get anxious or overwhelmed, this typically shows as barks or pacing rather than growls.
Although aggression is rare in smooth collies, they may still develop aggressive tendencies if their needs are neglected or they lack socialization. That’s why you should always prioritize their training and care to help them grow into a well-adjusted, even-tempered adult.
If your smooth collie does show any aggression, make sure to deal with it quickly before it escalates. Consider the underlying cause and work with a professional dog trainer.
Do Smooth Collies Bark?
The smooth collie isn’t a “husky” tier — aka barking at absolutely everything and anything — in terms of their barking tendency. However, they are still vocal and will bark to communicate their needs. They often bark when they’re working, playing, or trying to catch their owner’s attention. They have also been known to bark to alert their family to passersby and visitors.
The smooth collie tends to bark more when they’re feeling bored, so you’ll want to ensure they always have access to mentally-enriching toys. However, don’t expect the smooth collie to be a quiet dog. Barking is their main way of communicating with the world around them. Their barks are also loud and audible from afar, so they aren’t a good fit for apartment dwellers.
Are Smooth Collies Affectionate?
The smooth collie is an affectionate dog who loves nothing more than spending time by their owner’s side. While they are energetic and work-focused, they’ll still enjoy a good cuddle with their family at the end of the day. You can also expect them to follow their favorite human everywhere around the house.
Since smooth collies are affectionate and outgoing dogs, they also won’t take long to warm up to strangers. This is especially the case if a whole lot of “good boys” and treats are involved.
Are Smooth Collies Intelligent?
The smooth collie didn’t earn their reputation as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world by accident. They’re exceptionally intelligent and can even outwit their fellow humans. They can master complex commands effortlessly, sometimes within mere minutes, and they’re also exceptionally perceptive and intuitive.
While their high intelligence is an admirable trait, it does mean they need plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day. If their brain isn’t challenged enough, they’ll soon let you know by engaging in destructive habits like counter surfing and scratching.
Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and interactive games like hide-and-seek offer fantastic sources of mental enrichment. You should also explore new places regularly with your smooth collie to prevent their daily walks from feeling monotonous.
Are Smooth Collies Energetic?
As you would expect from a herding dog, the smooth collie is exceptionally energetic. Most will require at least two hours of exercise each day to feel their best. They’ll also benefit from a variety of exercise activities to keep them engaged, such as walks, hikes, and frisbee, as well as dog sports like agility and herding trials.
Considering their athletic nature, the smooth collie is best suited to people who lead active lifestyles and have easy access to a secure outdoor space.
Are Smooth Collies Easy to Train?
The smooth collie is an extremely intelligent dog who is happiest when working alongside their owner. They also love to have their brain challenged and enjoy learning new things, whether that’s a new obedience command or a trick like leg weaving.
These qualities combined make the smooth collie one of the easiest breeds to train. They also have a natural talent for dog sports like agility (and of course herding trials), though they’ll excel at practically anything.
While the smooth collie often sees training as a reward in itself, it’s important to give them lots of praise and treats to keep them engaged. You should also ensure training sessions don’t become overly repetitive. Teach them new commands regularly, change up their training environment, and add various distractions to keep things feeling novel and exciting.
Are Smooth Collies Good Watchdogs?
The smooth collie is best known for their herding capabilities. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t make a good watchdog. They are alert and will often bark to inform their owner of visitors or anything they perceive as unusual. Their barks are also loud and fairly imposing, which can make intruders second-guess breaking into the house.
Still, the “all bark, no bite” saying is certainly true of the smooth collie. They’re sociable and affectionate with everyone they meet and aren’t likely to chase off any threats. Rather, they’ll likely welcome them with open paws and tail wags.
Are Smooth Collies Good Service Dogs?
Absolutely! Service dog work requires plenty of brainpower, a strong work drive, and an outgoing temperament, and the smooth collie scores top marks in all of these categories.
While some breeds may struggle to perform certain mobility assistance service tasks, the smooth collie is also athletic and powerful enough to handle them with ease (and undeniable grace).
However, the smooth collie should only be considered for service work if you’re capable of fulfilling their needs. They should be paired with those who lead active lifestyles, so they aren’t an ideal fit for people whose symptoms hinder their capacity to exercise.
Smooth collies aren’t just remarkable service dogs; they can also excel as therapy dogs and emotional support animals thanks to their affectionate, loving hearts.
How to Care for a Smooth Collie?
Caring for a smooth collie does take hard work, but if you’re committed to them, you’ll be rewarded with a faithful, loving friend who will see you as their whole world. For the smooth collie to thrive and lead a healthy, long life, they’ll require at least two hours of exercise each day and plenty of attention, training, and mentally-enriching play.
However, this is only the basics. You also need to consider their grooming, health, and dietary needs.
Do You Need to Groom a Smooth Collie?
The smooth collie’s coat is much easier to maintain and care for than a rough collie’s coat. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t require grooming. They still have a double coat that can become unkempt without regular upkeep, particularly in areas like their legs, chest, and belly.
As a rough idea, the smooth collie should be given a good brush at least once a week to keep their fur looking its best. During seasonal changes when they shed their coat, you’ll need to brush more frequently to remove the excess, loose hairs. Make sure to use a fine-tooth steel comb to effectively penetrate the undercoat layer.
Smooth collies usually won’t require professional grooming trips. However, you’ll still need to bathe them every six to eight weeks, clean their ears regularly, and keep their nails trimmed. You should also prioritize their oral hygiene and make daily teeth brushing a part of your routine.
Do Smooth Collies Shed?
While the smooth collie’s coat is manageable, they still shed a moderate amount throughout the year, with periods of heavier shedding when the seasons change. They aren’t considered hypoallergenic and won’t be a good match if you’re sensitive to dog fur and dander.
How “noticeable” the smooth collie’s fur will be around your house can depend on factors like your cleaning routine, the color of their coat, and even the fabrics of your furniture and carpets. Some materials will attract fur more readily. That said, regular brushing will help contain their shedding and stop it from spreading everywhere and anywhere.
What Health Problems Do Smooth Collies Have?
As a general rule, smooth collies are typically robust and healthy dogs who can lead long lives with good care. However, their genetics do make them prone to certain health conditions. This includes health problems such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Multi-drug resistance (MDR1 mutation)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Dermatomyositis
These conditions sound daunting and can lead to serious complications. However, it’s important to remember that most can be avoided by working with a responsible breeder who screens their breeding stock thoroughly.
Regular vet appointments, a nutrient-dense diet, and an active lifestyle can also help keep your smooth collie in good health for years to come.
How Long Do Smooth Collies Live?
The smooth collie lifespan is between 12 and 14 years on average. However, keep in mind that this is only a loose guideline. Some smooth collies can live a lot longer than this with proper care and careful breeding, while others can live a lot shorter if they experience a genetic health issue like the MDR1 mutation.
Other factors that can affect the smooth collie’s lifespan include their diet, lifestyle, and activity level.
What Should a Smooth Collie Eat?
The smooth collie usually needs 2 to 4 cups of nutrient-dense dog food each day to feel energized and satiated. However, their exact caloric intake can depend on their weight, size, health, and age, so it’s best to speak to a veterinarian to ensure they’re being fed an appropriate amount.
It’s not just about the quantity of food they eat; the food should also contain all the nutrients needed to support their body and mind. This means high-quality protein sources and a good blend of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and complex carbs.
When choosing a commercial dog food, ensure the nutritional profile matches your smooth collie’s life stage and size. You should also stick to dog foods that adhere closely to the AAFCO’s pet food standards, and ideally, have been formulated in collaboration with veterinarians.
Is a Smooth Collie the Right Dog for Me?
The smooth collie may be relatively rare compared to the rough-coated collie. However, they can still be a great family companion for those seeking a furry friend who can accompany them on all their adventures.
While the smooth collie bonds strongly with practically anyone, this isn’t a pup for those who aren’t willing to put in a lot of time into their care. If you can’t exercise a dog for at least two hours daily, or aren’t prepared to keep their brain busy throughout the day, then the smooth collie may not be the right pup for you.
The smooth collie’s manageable coat can be a great choice for those who would prefer to splurge on dog toys rather than professional grooming trips. That said, they still shed and aren’t considered hypoallergenic, so those with fur allergies will want to look elsewhere.
With a family who can help the smooth collie feel (and look) their best, they’ll surely flourish and show you exactly why they won over Queen Victoria’s heart: they’re irresistibly adorable and overflowing with love for their family.