Smooth Collie

Smooth Collie

Last updated July. 28, 2024 – Written by Asad Ali Hashmi

Introduction & Overview

Smooth Collie is a breed of dogs developed for herding(a practice used to manage livestock to keep them together and manage their directions). Smooth collies are used for herding, but they also help in rescue and search missions. Smooth Collies take care of their families and are not aggressive; smooth Collies are Famous For their Obedience, Coated Variant Rough Collie. Smooth Collie is a Rough Collie without the heavy protective coat. Smooth Collies are strong and loyal in their work. They tend to form a strong bond with one person.

Smooth Collie is Famously known for the character Lassie(A Fictional Character appeared in 1938, “Lassie Come Home” this character became famous and known for his loyalty and intelligence)

This bond can lead to over-possessiveness without sufficient work and exercise to manage its intensity. Collies love training and learning, which builds a better relationship with the owner and family. They excel in obedience, agility, herding, barn hunting, and lure coursing, thriving on positive teaching methods.

The Smooth Collie needs plenty of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and excessive barking. They tend to bark excessively.

Smooth Collie availability varies by region. In the USA, Smooth Collies are uncommon but not endangered. However, they are an endangered breed in the U.K.

Those Smooth Collies who live primarily indoors shed their hair throughout the year because of warm temperatures and dry air inside the home. You have to take care of your pet. Try to brush your pet regularly; it will protect its hair and minimize the effect of losing hair.

Smooth Collies protect families, not their property. They protect their families as a guard dog if their family is in danger. Smooth Collies are not aggressive; they are less prone to biting than other breeds. They bite due to lack of proper training, and also, in situations of anxiety and frustration, boredom is the primary key to frustration and lack of exercise. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours. Some organizations Consider the smooth and rough-coated Collies as variations of the same breed; the Smooth Collie stands out with its unique Characteristics.

Characteristics

Smooth Collies are known for their gentle and friendly temperament; they are family pets. They form close bonds with their human family members. Smooth Collie is known for its patience and kindness towards children, they are excellent choices for families. Smooth Collies typically get along well with other pets. Smooth Collie is an intelligent family dog that is easy to train and not naturally aggressive. They love cuddling and being cosy, often found on a pillow or under a blanket. The short coat is practical for wet or scorching climates. Collies typically need brushing once a week, with increased frequency during shedding season. They are a clean breed and do not have a doggie odour. The Collie is large, lean, and strong, with a flat skull and arched eyebrows.

Collies Are Friendly. They are alert, playful, energetic, and active dogs that need regular exercise. Collies are renowned for their high energy levels and intense drive to work. If you are not treating them properly, proper exercise collies will stare at you. They will change their behaviour and become bored and restless. This can lead to behavioural issues like excessive barking and may be destructive sometimes. The most common behavioural problem in Collies is excessive barking.

Smooth Collies can eat wet food. It’s a good choice because it helps keep them hydrated due to its high moisture content and can be easier to digest. 

Origin: Smooth Collie originated in Scotland

Life Expectancy

Smooth Collies typically live 12 to 15 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, they can lead long, active, and healthy lives.

Life: 12- 15 Years

Appearance:

The Smooth Collie is a medium to large, well-proportioned breed. Males stand 56-61 cm and weigh 20.5-29.5 kg, while females stand 51-56 cm and weigh 18-25 kg. They have a short, flat, harsh coat in sable and white, tricolour, and blue merle. Significant black markings, slate colour, or a rusty tinge in the top or undercoat are undesirable. Typical white Collie markings are preferred: a full or partial white collar, white front, legs, feet, tail tip, and a blaze on the muzzle or skull.

The Smooth Collie is an elegant and well-proportioned breed with a sleek, short coat accentuating its athletic build. This dog features a moderately long head with a flat skull, well-defined stop, and tapering muzzle. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and expressive, showcasing intelligence and alertness. The ears are medium-sized and can be either fully or partially pricked. The Smooth Collie’s body is characterized by a straight back with a slightly sloping croup, a deep chest, and well-sprung ribs. Its legs are straight and strong, supporting a sturdy and agile stance, while the compact feet have well-arched toes. The tail is moderately long, carried low, or slightly curved. Overall, the Smooth Collie presents a refined and athletic appearance, with its smooth, dense coat lying close to the body.

Height: 51-61cm

Adult males: 56-61 cm

Females: 51-56 cm

Weight: 18-29.5kg

Male: 20.5–29.5 kg

Female: 18–25 kg

Colors : 

  1. Sable And White
  2. Three Colors tri-colour Black with tan and white markings
  3. Blue Merle (silver-blue with black)

Health

Smooth Collies Are Healthy Dogs The Smooth Collies double coat offers protection in cold weather, but consider adding a warm sweater or coat in extreme cold weather.

History

The early history of the Smooth Collie is mainly speculative. Both Rough and Smooth Collies share the same history and breed standard. Developed centuries ago in Scotland and northern England as herding and guarding dogs, the name “Collie” is believed to come from the Scottish black-faced sheep, “Colleys,” they were bred to watch.

Rough and Smooth Collies descended from localized herding dogs in Scotland and Wales. The Scottish variety was large, strong, and aggressive, bred for herding highland sheep, while the Welsh variety was smaller, agile, and friendly, used for herding goats.

The breed is commonly believed to descend from shepherd dogs brought to Scotland by the Romans around the 5th century. 

The name ” Collie ” might describe the dog’s dark colour “, “referring to a breed of black-faced sheep ” Colley “, or derive from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ” useful.” Alternatively, it could be traced to the Gaelic and Irish words for “doggie” clean. Collies are named after the black-faced Scottish sheep known as “colleys” and were called “Colley dogs.”

The modern history of Smooth and Rough Collies began with Queen Victoria’s interest in the breed during her time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. In 1860, she purchased several Collies, making them fashionable and transforming the breed from a working farm dog into a pet and show dog.

Smooth Collie History starts from the 18th century in Scotland and Northern England.

Smooth Collies and Rough Collies have much in common, with the exact origin and characteristics.

The main fundamental difference between a smooth collie and a rough collie is coat length

Smooth Collie is used for herding, and it also helps in rescue and search missions.

They are the best companions for humans.

Smooth Collie’s popularity has increased in the past two decades, almost 20 years.

During the mid-1800s, Smooth Collies in Northern England were closer to today’s breed standard than their rough-coated counterparts in Scotland. Rough/Smooth crosses were common. H. E. Packwood noted in 1906 that Smooth Collies had made significant progress and were suitable for show and shepherd work, though less popular with the public.

The show’s history of Collies began in 1860 at the Birmingham National Dog Show. By the 1870s, Smooth Collies had separate classes in large shows.

In the U.S., Smooth Collies were first shown at the Westminster Dog Show in 1888. Popularity waned by the 1920s, but efforts in 1939 to re-establish the breed included importing Smooth Collies from England. Although competition was limited, Smooth Collies like Hewmark Hallmark won notable awards in the 1940s.

Uses

Smooth Collie is used for herding and as a family pet because of their loyalty. 

Smooth Collie is used for search and rescue missions and assistance of disabled persons

Also used as a watchdog and showdog.

Smooth Collie Exercises

Making a routine of walking a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour daily by doing this will keep them healthy and fit. Also, make a schedule for their jogging to increase their energy level and strengthen your relationship with your pet. Play games with your Smooth Collie, like frisbee, tug of war, and flyball, and also provide their interactive toys. Also, play hide and seek with your pet. It will relax your pet’s mind so that it will not get frustrated, increasing its mental and physical health.

If you try to be consistent with your pet, your Smooth Collie will be more obedient. Try to visit parks with your Smooth Collie and interact with other animals. This will increase their social skills, reduce their anxiety, and improve their mental health.

Smooth Collies thrive on a combination of physical exercise and mental challenges. Regular, varied activities will keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Regional Smooth Collie Names and Types

United States and Canada Name: Smooth Collie Type: Recognized Smooth Collie is recognized as a type of Collie breed, along with Rough Collie.

United Kingdom Name: Smooth Collie Recognition: Kennel Club (U.K.) separate Registered breed; REFIX from Rough Collie.

Australia Name: Smooth Collie Recognition: It was then recognized as a distinct breed from the rough Collie.

New Zealand Name: Smooth Collie Recognition: In the U.S., it is classified as a separate breed from the Rough Collie.

Europe Name: Smooth Collie Recognition: AKC : (Herding Group), Hound, UK KC Brendog breed club in formation FCI, aled breeds Kennel Club United Kenn kennel man on Coefficient Index Rugged as an aliased bree reference to be added. external link interbreeds Collie terminal The Smooth/ from the Rough early posers, when written, are also referring to three happy, healthy living names: Staghounds.

Germany Title: Glatthaar-Collie Recognition: Separate breed from the Langhaar-Collie (Rough Collie)

France Their name is Colley à poil court (Short-Haired Collie), which is Recognized as a breed separate from the Colley à poil long (Rough Collie).

Italy Name: Short-Haired Collie Recognition: Distinguished by other breeds from the Collie a pelo lungo (Rough Collie)

Spain Collie de pelo corto (Short-Haired Collie) Recognition: Recognized as a separate breed from the Rough Collie.

The Smooth Collie is commonly known by other names that refer to its smooth coat and regional accents. Despite being recorded as such by the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, it is considered a distinct breed in many regions.

Watchdog and Protective Nature

Watchdog Abilities Vigilant: Smooth Collies have strong, alert instincts and make good watchdogs. Vocalization: They bark when they see or hear something they feel is a threat. Sensitivity: They are susceptible to changes in their environment and notice something different immediately.

Protective Nature Not Aggressive: Smooth Collies are not aggressive, but they are protective of their family and home. Family Loyalty: Highly bonded to their family, they will stand up and defend their precious ones in case of a threat. Defenders: They display very little aggressive behaviour through their focus when they are alert.

Training for Watchdog Role Basic Obedience: You want to ensure they follow commands and situations on the campgrounds. Controlled Barking: Teach them to bark and when to be quiet (only for excessive barks). Exposure: The dog needs to meet many new people and animals to learn who they can/can bark at.

Suitability Family Companion: Smooth Collies are generally great family companions, balancing protective instincts with a gentle and affectionate nature. Kids: They are usually good with kids, offering them friendship and a little peace of mind. Other Pets: Usually do fine with other pets, adding to their image as a loving but only if necessary guardian and family dog.

Behavioural Considerations All this energy and intelligence means that if it is NOT constructively used, a Collie could destroy your furniture! If not well-exercised, Collies can be very destructive; some even chew through furniture parts! Yoga for dogs also works well with flyball for dog courses to keep them interested in more exciting and lighter activities to avoid boredom. Flyball is a fantastic sport for dogs since physical movements, such as leaping and fetching the ball, are good exercises to keep your four-legged friend in shape; these exercises also stimulate it mentally. This not only helps to fulfil their need for mental and physical stimulation, but it also reduces the chances of them finding alternative entertainment in your furniture or personal goods. It also makes them more alert and happier; a dog bored from inactivity eventually resorts to destructive behaviours to overcome frustration or not be content.

You may develop a sense of separation anxiety with them if you leave them alone; they do get very attached to their family. The Benefit of Proper Training: An appropriately trained and socialized dog will be a superior watchdog and an obedient pup. Smooth Collies are typically calm, alert, and wary. They offer a lot of comfort, and these dogs are also loving and affectionate family members who can simultaneously serve as excellent watchdogs. They must also be rigorously socialized and trained, ideally from puppyhood, to tame the innate predatory tendencies that can rapidly turn them into dangerous animals but, equally importantly, so they make good companions at home.