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Smooth Collie

General
Other Names
Dog Group Kennel Club		Pastoral
Breed Classification		Smooth Collies belong to the pastoral group, originally used for sheep-herding the majority are now family companions, they are also seen in the show-ring and increasing numbers are taking part in obedience and agility trials.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The breeder will give you a diet sheet for your puppy which should be followed. As adults, Collies are an easy breed to feed as they are not fussy eaters.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average price of a puppy is between £500 to £600.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years Smooth Collies will live from 12 to 14 years.
Average Litter Size		5 Litter sizes can vary from 2 to 8 puppies, but 5 is normal.
General Physical Description		Smooth Collies are dogs that are gifted with intelligence. They appear alert and active, stand with dignity and are always in proportion - with the appearance of working capability. The eyes have a sweet expression.
Height Min Max Bitch 51cm (20") 56cm (22") Dog 56cm (22") 61cm (24") Weight Min Max Bitch 18kg (40lbs) 25kg (55lbs) Dog 20kg (44lbs) 30kg (66lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Bitches measure between 51 to 56cms at the shoulder and weigh between 18 to 25kgs, whilst dogs measure between 56 to 61cms, weighing between 20.5 to 29.5kgs.
Ailments		Generally healthy however good nutrition is important. Some collies are affected by CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) but breeders are working to eradicate this and screen puppies and breeding stock. As with all breeds, ensure a good routine for dental hygiene is in place.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness
Other
History		Opinions differ, the Smooth Collie is the same breed as the Rough Collie but whereas the Rough Collie has a long heavy coat to cope with the harsh weather in the Scottish Highlands, the Smooth Collie has developed a shorter coat more suited to the milder lowlands. Most people believe that the Smooth Collie was bred to herd sheep or drive cattle so stamina and endurance are traits of this breed with the ability to work in all weathers. From January 1 1994, Smooth Collies have been considered an entirely separate breed from Rough Collies.
Intelligence		Smooth Collies are gay and friendly, never nervous or aggressive. They develop close bonds with their families and make excellent companions. They are versatile, clever and will enjoy activities such as agility and flyball. The smooth collie should always be treated with a positive manner avoiding physical abuse or harsh verbal treatment; this applies equally to any training.
Show Characteristics		The head is of great importance and should appear in proportion to the body as a blunt and clean wedge with a flat skull and sides tapering smoothly from the ears to a black nose. The nuzzle should be well-rounded and blunt with a strong clean-cut underjaw. Eyes also important, of medium size with an almond shape and deep brown colour unless the dog is of the blue merle variety, in which case one or both eyes or part of one or both are commonly blue or blue flecked, intelligent alert expression. Ears moderately large, when alert the ears are brought forward and carried semi-erect, but otherwise carried thrown back, they should not be to close together or too much on the side of the head but again in proportion. Mouth – teeth should be good size, strong jaws with upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. The neck should be powerful, muscular, of fair length and well arched. The body should be slightly long with well sprung ribs, a deep chest and fairly broad behind the shoulders, the shoulders should be sloping and well angulated the forelegs straight and muscular. The hindquarters should be muscular at the thighs. The tail should be long with bone reaching to hock joint to be carried low when quiet but with a slight upward swirl at tip, may be carried gaily when excited but never over the back. Gait / movement – moves with front feet close together but never out at the elbow, hindlegs from hock joint to ground when viewed from the rear are parallel, movement is smooth, light and should appear effortless with a reasonably long stride.
Country Of Origin		Scotland
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		40 - 60 minutes per day. Smooth Collies will easily adapt to family circumstances and enjoy as much exercise as you can give them. However, free-running should be given, allowing them time to play. Obedience and agility are also ideal forms of exercise for these dogs.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		High
Personal Protection		Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog		Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		Smooth Collies are friendly, active and intelligent dogs with no traces of nervousness or aggression. They make good house dogs that bond very closely with their families and will get on well with other dogs and household pets. Collies are good companions for children, always willing to play. They are quick to bark if a stranger is about but also quickly make friends with invited guests.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Smooth collies have a short double coat which can be easily groomed and this should be done weekly. Although they do shed, a bath at this time along with a couple of grooming sessions with a steel toothed comb will remove the loose hairs.
Colour		These dogs come in shades of sable and white, tri-colour and blue merle.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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