Origin and History

The Smooth Collie, a breed with Scottish and Northern English origins, has a history that is steeped in speculation. Its name, whose origin is unclear, may describe the early shepherd dog's dark color or be derived from the name of a breed of sheep with black faces once commonly kept in Scotland. The breed's early history aligns with the Gaelic-speaking Scottish Highlands, suggesting an origin in the region where the language and the breed's name for "doggie" are distinctly Gaelic. The modern history of the Smooth Collie, however, began in the reign of Queen Victoria, who became interested in the shepherds' dogs while at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, leading to the breed's transformation from a working farm dog to a pet and show dog.

The Smooth Collie and its rough-coated counterpart were classified as separate breeds in the United Kingdom and Australia, with the latter being a recent development. The Kennel Club (UK) allowed interbreeding until 1993, but in the United States and Canada, they are considered a variety of the same breed. The Smooth Collie Club of Great Britain was established in 1955, and the breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1974. The breed's popularity has been bolstered by its portrayal in literature, notably in the "Lassie" series of books and films, which have helped to cement its image as a loyal and intelligent companion.

Physical Characteristics

The Smooth Collie is a medium to large dog, with males standing at 61-66 cm (24-26 in) at the withers, and females about 5 cm (2 in) less. The breed has a level back, deep chest, and a long muzzle with a flat skull and semi-erect ears. The outer coat is flat, short, and harsh-textured, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Recognized coat colors include sable (ranging from pale gold to rich mahogany), tricolour (black with tan and white markings), and blue merle (silvery grey marbled with black, sometimes with tan markings), all marked with white areas on the chest, neck, feet, legs, and tail tip.

The Smooth Collie's build is elegant and active, similar to its rough-coated counterpart, though it is easier to groom due to its short coat. This breed is known for its intelligent, gentle expression, which is highly valued in the show ring. The breed's physical characteristics have been carefully selected to enhance its working ability as a sheepdog, with a sturdy build and a coat that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Temperament and Behavior

The Smooth Collie is a sociable and easily trained family dog, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature. It is alert and vocal, making it an effective watchdog when trained properly. However, if not trained well, the breed's tendency to bark can become a nuisance. Its high intelligence and eagerness to please make it highly trainable, though training should be gentle to avoid sensitivity to correction. Collies are generally friendly with children and other animals, and they often get along well with other dogs. They are used as family pets, in obedience competition, agility, herding trials, and other dog sports. Some Smooth Collies are still employed as working sheepdogs and as assistance dogs for the disabled, demonstrating the breed's versatility and adaptability.

Collies have been known to exhibit herding behavior even in non-working situations, which can be a fun activity for owners to engage in with their dogs. The breed's temperament is also reflected in its participation in therapy dog roles, where its gentle nature and intelligence make it an effective companion for those in need of comfort and support.

Health Considerations

The Smooth Collie, like many breeds, is prone to certain health issues. Progressive retinal atrophy can lead to blindness, and symptoms are often not detectable until the dog is middle-aged or older. Multidrug sensitivity, particularly to ivermectin, can be fatal, and a simple blood test can determine a dog's susceptibility. Epilepsy, a condition with seizures of unknown origin, can be managed with medication but has no cure. Cyclic Neutropenia, also known as Gray Collie Syndrome, affects the neutrophils in a dog's immune system, often leading to early death if not treated. Collie eye anomaly, an autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation in the NHEJ1 gene, can also affect the breed. Owners of Smooth Collies should be aware of these conditions and consult with a veterinarian for regular health checks and appropriate care, including genetic testing where applicable.

Vaccinations, deworming, and preventive care for fleas and ticks are also important aspects of maintaining a Smooth Collie's health. Additionally, owners should be vigilant for signs of potential health problems and seek veterinary attention promptly if any concerns arise.

Breeder Purpose and Working Traits

The Smooth Collie was originally bred for herding, and this purpose is evident in its natural herding instincts. While the breed has evolved into a companion dog, its working heritage is still evident in its intelligence and trainability. Smooth Collies can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, search and rescue (SAR), and assistance dog roles. Their herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests, and those with basic herding instincts can be trained for herding trials.

Smooth Collies have been used in herding trials since the early 20th century, where their natural instinct to control and move livestock is put to the test. The Smooth Collie's working heritage continues to be celebrated in its participation in various dog sports and activities, showcasing the breed's enduring value as a working dog.

Care and Maintenance

Bathing should be done as needed, and special attention should be paid to the ears, which can be prone to infections.

Exercise is a vital part of a Smooth Collie's care, as the breed requires mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. The breed's herding instincts can be satisfied with activities that involve guiding or herding objects, such as a ball or Frisbee.

Buying a Smooth Collie

When considering a Smooth Collie, potential owners should be prepared for the following:

• A life span of 12-14 years.
• Adult weights for males ranging from 27-34 kg (60-75 lb), and for females, 23-29 kg (50-65 lb).
• Height for males at 61-66 cm (24-26 in) and for females, 56-61 cm (22-24 in).
• High intelligence and a desire to please, making them highly trainable.
• Understanding and managing the breed's potential health issues.