What's the difference between a Smooth and Rough Collie?

The main difference is coat length — Rough Collies have long fur, while Smooth Collies have a short double coat. Aside from that, their size, build, and temperament are largely the same.

Is this breed suitable for first-time dog owners?

Smooth Collies are generally considered beginner-friendly. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make basic training relatively approachable.

Do Smooth Collies shed a lot?

Although the coat is short, it's a dense double coat, so shedding increases during seasonal coat blows. Regular brushing helps keep loose hair under control.

How much exercise do they need?

With their herding heritage, Smooth Collies are active dogs that need regular exercise. Daily walks along with some active playtime help keep them content.

Can they be left home alone during the day?

Because they bond closely with their families, Smooth Collies can feel lonely if left alone for extended periods. It's best to keep alone time reasonable and suited to your daily routine.

Smooth Collie

The Smooth Collie shares nearly everything with the Rough Collie except its coat — a short, dense double coat that's noticeably easier to groom than its long-haired cousin's. Cheerful, friendly, and deeply loyal to their families, Smooth Collies tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them a welcoming presence in most households. Bred originally as herding dogs, they're intelligent and eager to please, which makes training relatively straightforward even for first-time owners. Adults typically stand 51–61 cm at the shoulder and weigh 18–29.5 kg, with a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years. They combine an active, alert nature with a gentle temperament, making them well-suited to family life.

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Smooth Collie key facts

Care level: Beginner-friendly
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: Height 51-61cm / Weight 18-29.5kg
Diet: High-quality large-breed dog food. Feed twice daily by age.
Temperament: Cheerful and friendly. Neither shy nor aggressive; easy to live with as a family dog.
Exercise: About 60 min of walks and play daily. Fairly high exercise needs as a herding breed.
Coat Care: Short topcoat with dense undercoat. Easy care with brushing 1-2 times weekly.
Origin: United Kingdom
Notes: Collie eye anomaly and MDR1 drug sensitivity are known in the breed. Consult a vet before medication.

TraitsBeginnerLargeHerding dogCheerful

About Smooth Collie

Smooth Collie: a short-coated, friendly, beginner-friendly herding breed. Adults reach 51–61cm and 18–29.5kg, with a 12–14 year lifespan.

7 things to know before welcoming a Smooth Collie

1Grooming despite short hair
Despite the short coat, Smooth Collies have a dense double coat with a thick undercoat. Brushing several times a week — more often during seasonal shedding — helps manage loose hair and keep their skin healthy.
2Needs regular exercise
With a herding heritage, Smooth Collies are active and have good stamina. Daily walks plus some off-leash play in a yard or park help keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
3Smart dogs need stimulation
Their high intelligence and quick learning can turn into mischief or excessive barking if they get bored. Regular training sessions and puzzle toys give them the mental workout they need.
4Affectionate but prone to loneliness
Smooth Collies bond closely with their families and can struggle with being left alone for long stretches. Plan your routine and living space with their need for companionship in mind.
5Plan space for a mid-to-large dog
Adults reach roughly 51–61 cm and 18–29.5 kg, so they appreciate room to move around indoors. If you live in an apartment, check in advance whether the building allows a dog this size.
6Good with kids and other pets
Their gentle, cooperative temperament tends to make them a good fit for families with children or multiple pets. Even so, introduce them gradually and let relationships develop at their own pace.
7A 12–14 year commitment
With a typical lifespan of 12 to 14 years, welcoming a Smooth Collie means committing to a long-term family member. Talk it over as a household, considering how your circumstances might change over that time.

Frequently asked questions about Smooth Collie

Q.What's the difference between a Smooth and Rough Collie?: A.The main difference is coat length — Rough Collies have long fur, while Smooth Collies have a short double coat. Aside from that, their size, build, and temperament are largely the same.
Q.Is this breed suitable for first-time dog owners?: A.Smooth Collies are generally considered beginner-friendly. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make basic training relatively approachable.
Q.Do Smooth Collies shed a lot?: A.Although the coat is short, it's a dense double coat, so shedding increases during seasonal coat blows. Regular brushing helps keep loose hair under control.
Q.How much exercise do they need?: A.With their herding heritage, Smooth Collies are active dogs that need regular exercise. Daily walks along with some active playtime help keep them content.
Q.Can they be left home alone during the day?: A.Because they bond closely with their families, Smooth Collies can feel lonely if left alone for extended periods. It's best to keep alone time reasonable and suited to your daily routine.

Useful tools for Smooth Collie care

🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity 🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets 📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance 🏠Multi-Pet Budget PlannerPlan budget for multiple pets with shared and individual cost breakdown

Learn more about Smooth Collie in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.