Collie (Smooth)

Origins and History

The Smooth Collie descends from the traditional Scottish Collies used for herding sheep and cattle in the Highlands. The breed was refined in the 19th century, most notably by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1874 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1991. Early working Collies were prized for intelligence, loyalty, and an instinctive ability to control livestock. The smooth‑coated variety was developed to provide a shorter, easier‑to‑maintain coat while retaining the classic Collie conformation.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑large, well‑balanced dog with a graceful, rectangular outline.
• Intelligent, eager to please, and highly responsive to consistent, positive training.
• Originally bred for herding; today excels in obedience, agility, and conformation showing.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 24‑26 inches (61‑66 cm); Females 22‑24 inches (56‑61 cm).
• Weight: Proportionate to height, typically 50‑70 lb (23‑32 kg). The breed should appear athletic, not heavy‑set.

Coat and Color

• Coat: Medium‑length, dense double coat with a smooth, close‑lying outer hair and a soft undercoat. Feathering on the legs, chest, and tail is permitted but should not be excessive.
• Accepted colors (per AKC/FCI): Sable (any shade from light golden to deep mahogany), tricolor (black, white, tan), blue merle, and any combination of these with white markings. Pure white, solid black, or solid brown are not permitted.

Temperament Considerations

Smooth Collies are highly intelligent and sensitive. They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious if left isolated for long periods. Their strong herding instinct may lead to nipping or “eye‑contact” behavior with small animals and children if not properly managed.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization (8‑12 weeks) with people, other dogs, and varied environments.
• Consistent, reward‑based training methods; harsh corrections can damage confidence.
• Daily mental and physical exercise – at least 1 hour of varied activity (walks, fetch, agility, obedience drills).
• Potential challenges: sensitivity to loud noises, tendency to become “over‑focused” on moving objects; address with gradual desensitization.

Daily Grooming

• Brush 2‑3 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
• Bathing as needed (typically every 6‑8 weeks) using a mild dog shampoo; avoid over‑bathing to preserve natural oils.
• Trim feathering on legs and tail for a neat appearance; keep the overall coat length within the standard.
• Nail trimming every 3‑4 weeks; dental brushing 2‑3 times weekly.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming schedule 4‑6 weeks before the show: weekly baths, clipping of feathering, and a final hand‑strip to shape the coat.
• Use a finishing spray to add shine and a light mist of coat conditioner before entering the ring.
• Ensure the dog is clean, free of debris, and that the coat lies flat against the body to highlight the breed’s smooth line.

Common Health Issues

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) – inherited retinal and choroidal malformation.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – late‑onset blindness.
• Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1 gene mutation) – adverse reaction to certain ivermectin‑based medications.
• Hip Dysplasia – developmental joint disorder.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) – especially of the shoulder.
• Hypothyroidism and epilepsy can also occur.

General Care

• Exercise: Minimum 1 hour of vigorous activity daily; access to a secure, fenced area is ideal.
• Nutrition: High‑quality protein‑rich diet appropriate for the dog’s life stage; maintain lean body condition to protect joints.
• Lifespan: Typically 12‑14 years with proper care.
• Screening recommendations: DNA testing for CEA, PRA, and MDR1; hip radiographs evaluated by OFA or PennHIP; orthopedic evaluation for OCD before breeding.