Overview
The Smooth Collie shares its ancestry with the Rough Collie and, in Britain, the two were shown together until the 1990s. The difference is the coat: short, dense and flat instead of long and flowing. It carries the same long, refined head, the same sable, tricolour or blue merle colours and the same intelligent, slightly wary expression. It is now one of the UK's vulnerable native breeds.
The breed is gentle, biddable and devoted to its household, with a tendency to be reserved with strangers. Some are sound-sensitive or shy, so a calm handler and a steady introduction matter.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a quarter a day in two walks keeps an adult fit, with some off-lead running and a bit of training. Smooth Collies enjoy learning and respond quickly to clear, kind instruction.
They are agile and like a brisk pace, but they are not high-mileage dogs and are content with a solid daily routine.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally good; the breed stays near its handler and likes to be told it has done well. Chase of bikes or runners is the usual gap.
- Pulling: Light. The Smooth Collie is an easy dog on the lead once it knows you and trusts your hands.
- Other dogs: Polite and reserved. Usually fine in groups but not fond of rough-and-tumble play.
- Noise: Fireworks, loud vehicles and shouting can unsettle a sensitive dog. Choose quieter routes and give the dog room to move away.
Tips for professional walkers
- Keep your voice low and your handling calm; this is a breed that notices tone.
- Use training breaks on the walk, such as a sit at kerbs or a wait at gates, to keep the dog engaged.
- The coat needs little more than a towel, but check the ears and feet after wet walks.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog nervous of anything specific, such as traffic or sudden noises?
- Has the dog been tested for drug sensitivity, and are there any medication concerns you should know about?
- Does the dog herd or chase anything on walks, and how does the owner manage it?