Collie (Smooth)

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Need to Know

  • Good for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Generally healthy breed
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Medium/large dog
  • Minimal drool
  • Requires regular groming
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Protective and alert dog
  • Generally friendly with other dogs, but could have issues with unknown dogs
  • May need additional training to live with other pets
  • May need additional supervision to live with children
  • Needs a large yard, in suburban or rural areas
  • Can be left alone occasionally with training
Smooth Collie dog breed laying down on the grass with head up and paws out front

Personality

Smart and gentle, Smooth Collies are playful bundles of short-haired joy. These eager-to-please pups excel in training with their energetic spirit and sharp minds. Perfect for active families, their loyalty and affectionate nature make them devoted companions, always happy to cuddle or conquer an agility course by your side! They might have the zoomies of a tiny tornado sometimes, but their loving demeanor and faithful spirit make them the perfect furry friend for memorable adventures and movie marathons alike. 

The Smooth Collie hails from Scotland, where they were bred to work the sheep of the Scottish Lowlands. Their pet-worthy, sleek coat was perfect for navigating the rolling hills and keeping them cool. Nobody knows exactly when these shepherds first appeared, but rumors say they've been herding sheep since, well, forever! Fast forward a few centuries, and Queen Victoria falls head over heels for these brainy, playful pups. Thanks to her royal seal of approval, Smooth Collies became stars., They hold charm for those who love a loyal, energetic cuddle buddy by their side.

The Smooth Collie is the low-maintenance Rough Collie of your dreams! These brainiacs are all about adventure, so their owners should be just as excited about long walks, playtime in the park (they'll herd all the squirrels!), and mastering the coolest tricks. Just a heads up: Their herding instincts might lead to a playful nip at a tiny ankle now and then—just their way of keeping the little ones in line (in their minds, at least!). So older kids or an adults-only family might be a better fit for this furry friend.

Quite the opposite of a couch potato, Smooth Collies are energetic goofballs that need at least two hours a day to burn off their boundless energy. Think hikes, fetch marathons, and playtime in the park. The good news is, they're total smarty-paws and love mental challenges, like learning tricks and games. Plus, with positive reinforcement training, you can turn them into doggy superstars in any sport you choose – agility, flyball, you name it!

Smooth Collies crave wide-open spaces, the fresh scent of grass under their paws, and exciting new smells on every walk. City life with its constant hustle and bustle can be a bit much for these pups that prefer a country or rural-suburban setting for their shenanigans. An average-sized home with a yard that's big enough for zoomies but fenced in to deter their inner escapologist is the perfect place for a Smooth Collie to call home.

These short-haired Collie dogs shed, but not nearly as much as their fluffy Rough Collie relatives. They do have a double coat, so expect some shedding year-round, with a "blowout" party twice a year in spring and fall. But the good news is that weekly brush sessions are all you need to keep these short-haired babies’ fur under control. Just be prepared for a few extra pats with the lint roller—a small price to pay for such a cuddle-worthy pup!

Smooth Collies are brainiacs in fur coats. These clever pups can learn pretty much any trick you throw their way and love being challenged, so consider signing them up for doggy sports like agility, rally, or even heelwork to music. Just remember, variety is the spice of life and dog training, so keep those walks interesting with new routes and exciting smells to keep their minds sharp and their tails wagging.

While they love kids, tiny tots who are easily knocked over might be a bit much for a Smooth Collie’s playful energy. Think of them as four-legged personal trainers who need active grown-up pals, or older kids who can keep up, to join them on adventures and training sessions. Homes with lots of little visitors or constant loud noises might be a bit overwhelming for these sensitive pups. They crave calm and companionship with active humans who can match their zest for life.

The cost of a Smooth Collie from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.

puppies and kittens

Learn more about feeding and caring for your Collie (Smooth) on Purina.

Did you know?

  • Queen Victoria’s favorite Smooth Collie was a dog named Sharp and he was often featured in pictures with her.
  • Queen Victoria’s love of the Smooth Collie benefited both Smooth and Rough Collies, as they were often described simply as Collies.” Many assumed it was the Rough Collie she favored, although there were few photographs at the time to prove it.
  • It’s thought that they got their name from “Colley sheep,” which they herded, whereas others believe that the name comes from the Anglo-Saxon term meaning “useful.”