Smooth Collie breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Smooth Collies
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Smooth Collie breed
Smooth Collies are a charming and versatile breed known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. Smooth Collies are closely related to their long-haired counterparts, Rough Collies, but they have shorter and smoother coats. These dogs have a striking appearance with a well-proportioned body, elegant head, and a keen and alert expression.
Weight, height & life expectancy
On average, male Smooth Collies stand between 56-61cm tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 51-56cm in height. In terms of weight, adult Smooth Collies typically weigh between 20-29kg.
Smooth Collies have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Smooth Collie like?
Smooth Collies are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are highly affectionate dogs and form strong bonds with their families. These loyal and devoted companions are excellent with children and generally get along well with other pets when properly socialised from a young age. Smooth Collies can be watchful and protective, making them good watchdogs. They will alert their families to any unusual sounds or activities, but they are not typically aggressive.
They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their intellect. These dogs have a strong herding instinct, so providing them with appropriate outlets for their energy and mental stimulation is essential to keep them happy and content.
Our Smooth Collie Community
“Merlin is a wonderful purebred smooth collie who loves walks, children, playing and having his ears scratched. He is inquisitive and smart. He mostly likes to be outside. He is really fast and it is beautiful to watch him run.”
Merlin’s owner, James from Oxfordshire
“Olly loves long walks where he can run around & get his sniff on. He loves the freedom of being off the lead & is happy as long as he can see where you are. He is the most loving companion & will always greet you with a big cuddle.”
Olly’s owner, Simon from Yorkshire
How much exercise does a Smooth Collie need?
Smooth Collies are an active breed that requires daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. On average, they need around 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. This exercise should include a mix of brisk walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating activities such as puzzle toys or obedience training.
When it comes to exercise for Smooth Collie puppies, it's important to strike a balance. While they have energy to burn, their growing bodies are still developing. Puppies should have shorter exercise sessions multiple times throughout the day, totalling around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their age and based on veterinary advice. As they mature and their joints and muscles strengthen, they can gradually increase their exercise duration.
It's important to note that individual exercise needs may vary based on the dog's age, health, and overall energy level. Always observe your dog's behaviour and adjust the exercise routine accordingly.
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Do Smooth Collies need a lot of grooming?
Smooth Collies are known for their beautiful coats, which come in various colours, including sable, tricolour, and blue merle. Smooth Collies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, dense, and weather-resistant coats require minimal attention.
Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a grooming mitt will help remove loose hairs and keep the coat in good condition. It's generally recommended to brush them once or twice a week. Smooth Collies only need a bath every 2-3 months or if they have been on a mucky adventure.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Smooth Collies easy to train?
Smooth Collies are intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive to training. With their willingness to learn, consistent training methods, and positive reinforcement techniques, you can achieve great results in their training.
Early socialisation is crucial for Smooth Collie puppies to help them grow into well-rounded adults. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled manner. This will help them develop good social skills and become confident dogs.
Training sessions should be engaging and mentally stimulating. Incorporate interactive games, obedience training, and tasks that challenge their problem-solving abilities. Be patient, use rewards and praise, and keep training sessions fun and varied to prevent boredom.
Want to experience spending time with a Smooth Collie to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Smooth Collie near you.
What do Smooth Collies eat?
A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential to keep Smooth Collies healthy and maintain their ideal weight. High-quality commercial dog food fed twice daily, that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended. It's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size and feeding frequency for your individual dog. Avoid overfeeding, as Smooth Collies can be prone to weight gain if not properly managed.
For Smooth Collie puppies, it's important to feed them a specifically formulated puppy food 3-4 times a day, until reducing to twice a day at 6 months, until they reach approximately 12 months of age. Puppy food provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Are Smooth Collies healthy?
Smooth Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health issues that can affect Smooth Collies include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a common orthopaedic condition where the hip joints do not develop properly, potentially leading to pain and mobility issues
Eyes
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) - a hereditary eye condition that can lead to visual impairment or blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - a degenerative eye disease that leads to progressive vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
Neurological
Epilepsy - a condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
Skin
Dermatomyositis - a genetic disease that can cause skin lesions and muscle inflammation.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Smooth Collie is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Smooth Collies are intelligent and active dogs that thrive on having a job or purpose. Regular exercise combined with activities like obedience training, puzzle toys, or agility courses will keep their mind sharp and prevent boredom-related behaviours.
BorrowMyDoggy loves Smooth Collies
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
