Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie is an elegant herding dog renowned for its keen intelligence and distinctive short coat, setting it apart from its rough-coated cousin.
Originally bred to assist shepherds in managing sheep across the UK, this breed has evolved into a cherished family companion prized for both its mental agility and gentle nature.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Smooth Collie
Physically, Smooth Collies are large dogs weighing 25–34 kg, featuring a sleek, short, flat outer coat with a dense undercoat that requires regular grooming and will shed noticeably throughout the year. Temperamentally, they are highly intelligent, sociable, and sensitive dogs that genuinely thrive on human company and family involvement. Their naturally clean and gentle disposition makes them excellent companions for children, whilst their responsiveness to positive, kind handling makes training a rewarding experience. These energetic, enthusiastic dogs require up to an hour of daily exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their wellbeing. Smooth Collies dislike prolonged isolation and can become anxious if left alone without adequate interaction. Devoted and reliable, they make wonderful companions for active households that can provide consistent engagement. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, a Smooth Collie represents a long-term commitment to a loving, intelligent family member that will bring joy and companionship to the right home.
Smooth Collie at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Smooth Collie is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Smooth Collie Temperament
The Smooth Collie is a highly intelligent, sociable, and sensitive breed that genuinely thrives on human company and family involvement. Sharing the same character as its rough-coated cousin, it is energetic and enthusiastic about life, making it a wonderful companion for active households. They are relatively straightforward to train and respond beautifully to positive, kind handling. Naturally clean and gentle, they are excellent companions for children. They dislike isolation and can become anxious or vocal if left alone in the garden for too long without sufficient stimulation and interaction. Regular daily exercise is essential for their wellbeing. Devoted, good-natured, and consistently reliable, the Smooth Collie is a joy to own.
Smooth Collie Lifestyle
The Smooth Collie is well matched to a smaller property and needs a good-sized, secure garden. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Smooth Collie
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Smooth Collie
Smooth Collie Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Smooth Collie weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Smooth Collie Characteristics
The Smooth Collie requires significant daily exercise and outdoor time and picks up commands quickly and responds well to training. They are brilliant with children, but can be left alone without too much trouble if their needs are met. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and leaves some hair around the home but isn't excessive. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Smooth Collie Pros & Cons
Pros
- Naturally gentle and patient, getting on brilliantly with children of all ages
- Socially adaptable, mixing well with other dogs and pets when properly introduced
- Their short, dense coat keeps grooming requirements pleasantly manageable
- Highly trainable and enthusiastic, with a real aptitude for canine sports
Cons
- Needs regular company to stay settled, as they can become anxious and destructive if left alone
- Requires daily exercise to stay mentally and physically balanced
- Herding instincts can kick in around smaller animals or fast-moving children
- Sheds moderately throughout the year with heavier periods in spring and autumn
