The Smooth Collie is a breed of dog that belongs to the herding group. It’s closely related to the Rough Collie, with the main difference being the length of its coat.
While the Rough Collie has a long and dense coat, the Smooth Collie has a shorter, dense, and flat coat that lies close to the body.
Both variations of Collies share similar origins and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding abilities.
Smooth Collie Breed info –
The Smooth Collie is a breed of dog known for its elegant and streamlined appearance. Here are some key characteristics of the Smooth Collies –
Appearance:
As the name suggests, the Smooth Collie has a smooth, short coat. It comes in various colors, including sable and white, tricolor, and blue merle. The breed has a well-proportioned body, a graceful gait, and an alert expression.
Size:
They are medium-sized dogs. Adult males typically stand around 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) tall at the shoulders, and adult females are slightly smaller, ranging from 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) in height.
Coat:
The most distinctive feature of the Smooth Collie is its short and dense double coat. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch, while the undercoat is soft and insulating. The coat comes in various colors, including sable and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan), and blue merle.
Head:
They have a well-proportioned head with a distinct stop (the point where the forehead and muzzle meet). Their eyes are expressive and almond-shaped, usually dark brown in color.
The ears are set moderately apart, and they can be semi-pricked or fully erect, giving the dog an alert and intelligent expression. Their muzzle is of moderate length, and the nose is typically black.
Body:
Smooth Collies have a well-balanced and muscular body. Their neck is moderately long and muscular, flowing into a deep chest and a level back. The tail is long, reaching to the hocks, and is carried low, with a slight upward curve at the tip.
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Limbs:
Their legs are straight and well-boned. The front legs are set well under the body, and the hindquarters are powerful. Smooth Collies have oval-shaped feet with well-arched toes.
Movement:
Smooth Collies are known for their smooth and effortless gait. They move with grace and agility, covering the ground efficiently.
Expression:
They are known for their sweet and intelligent expressions, with alert and gentle eyes that reflect their friendly and amiable nature.
Temperament:
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These are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable. They tend to form strong bonds with their families and are good with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Herding Instincts:
Like other Collies, the Smooth Collie has a strong herding instinct due to its history as a working dog. This instinct can sometimes manifest as a desire to chase and corral things, including children and other animals. Early training and socialization are crucial to help manage these instincts appropriately.
Exercise and Activity:
Smooth Collies are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in homes where they can participate in various activities such as obedience training, agility, and even herding trials. Without sufficient physical and mental outlets, they can become bored and potentially exhibit undesirable behaviors.
Grooming:
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While the Smooth Collie’s coat is short, it still requires some grooming. Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control and maintain the coat’s natural shine. Additionally, routine care for their ears, nails, and teeth is essential for their overall well-being.
Health Considerations:
As with any breed, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups can help mitigate potential health problems.
The Smooth Collie makes a great companion for active families who can provide the necessary exercise, training, and socialization.
They excel in various dog sports and activities due to their intelligence and willingness to please their owners. If you’re considering bringing a Smooth Collie into your home, be prepared to invest time and effort into their training and care to ensure a happy and healthy relationship.
Is a Smooth Collie a good family dog?
Yes, the Smooth Collie can make an excellent family dog under the right circumstances. Their gentle and friendly nature, along with their loyalty and intelligence, can make them wonderful companions for families. Here are some reasons why a Smooth Collie can be a good fit for a family:
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Fit with Kids:
Smooth Collies are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They often form strong bonds with their family members and are generally good with children when properly socialized. Their patient and tolerant nature can make them great playmates for kids.
Loyalty:
Smooth Collies are loyal and devoted to their families. They thrive on being a part of the family unit and often want to be involved in various activities. Their loyalty makes them excellent watchdogs, as they will alert you to any unusual activity or strangers.
Intelligence:
Smooth Collies are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy learning and engaging in activities that challenge their minds. This makes them responsive to training and eager to please their owners. They can excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports.
Herding Instincts:
While their herding instincts can be managed through training and socialization, they can also be a positive trait. Smooth Collies may show protective and nurturing behaviors towards children and other pets in the household, making them good caretakers.
Exercise Needs:
Smooth Collies have moderate exercise needs, which can align well with an active family’s lifestyle. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through training sessions or games will help keep them happy and healthy.
Adaptability:
Smooth Collies can adapt to various living situations, whether it’s in a house with a yard or an apartment, as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.
However, it’s important to note that while the Smooth Collie can be a great family dog, they are not a low-maintenance breed. They require proper training, socialization, and exercise to ensure they are well-behaved and happy.
If their needs are not met, they can become bored and exhibit unwanted behaviors. Additionally, their herding instincts may lead them to try to herd small children or pets if not trained properly.
Do smooth collies bark a lot?
Smooth Collies are known to be vocal dogs, and while they are not excessive barkers, they may bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar sounds or visitors.
Proper training and socialization can help manage their barking tendencies and promote appropriate behavior in various situations.
Why are rough collies not popular?
Rough Collies are still a recognizable and beloved breed, but there might be certain reasons why they could be perceived as less popular compared to some other breeds:
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Coat Maintenance:
The long and dense coat of Rough Collies requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its beauty. This can be time-consuming and might discourage potential owners who are looking for lower-maintenance breeds.
Shifting Trends:
Dog breed popularity often fluctuates due to changing trends and media influence. Some breeds experience periods of high popularity, while others may become less prominent. This isn’t necessarily reflective of the breed’s qualities but can be influenced by factors like media exposure and celebrity endorsements.
Size:
Rough Collies are larger dogs, which might not be suitable for people living in smaller spaces or apartments. This size factor can limit their appeal to potential dog owners.
Perception of Intelligence:
While Rough Collies are intelligent dogs, their association with the “Lassie” TV series might have led some people to believe they are only suited for pastoral work or performing tricks, rather than being seen as versatile companions.
Breed-Specific Health Concerns:
Like many purebred dogs, Rough Collies can be prone to certain genetic health issues. This could discourage potential owners who are concerned about potential health expenses.
Activity Needs:
Rough Collies are herding dogs with a need for physical and mental stimulation. Families with busy schedules might find it challenging to meet their exercise and engagement needs.
Remember, popularity doesn’t necessarily reflect a breed’s suitability as a pet. Every breed has its unique characteristics, and what might make a Rough Collie less popular for some could make it the perfect companion for others.
Smooth Collies do shed, but their shedding is generally considered to be moderate compared to some other breeds.
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Their short, dense coats shed less hair than the longer coats of Rough Collies, which is one of the reasons why some people might prefer Smooth Collies if they are looking for a Collie but want to manage to shed more easily.
While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, people with allergies may find that Smooth Collies are more tolerable due to their shorter coats shedding less dander.
However, it’s important to note that all dogs shed to some extent, and regular grooming and brushing can help keep shedding under control and keep your dog’s coat healthy.
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