Rough vs Smooth Collie: A Complete Comparison Guide

The Collie breed has two distinct variations: the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. The main difference between them lies in their coat type, which significantly affects their grooming needs.

The Rough Collie has a thick, double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting. This coat type is also prone to tangling, making it essential to brush them daily.

In contrast, the Smooth Collie has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their coat sheds less than the Rough Collie, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Both Collie variations are intelligent and loyal dogs, but the Rough Collie is often described as more energetic and demanding of attention.

The Rough and Smooth Collie breeds have distinct coat types that require different levels of grooming. The Rough Collie has a thick, luxurious coat that sheds heavily and requires regular brushing to prevent tangles.

Both the Rough and Smooth Collies are double-coated breeds, meaning they have a straight, harsh outer coat and a shorter, softer undercoat. The Rough Collie's undercoat sheds more than the Smooth Collie's, making it a heavier shedder.

Additional reading: Dogs Breeds That Start with B

Rough Collies need to be groomed once a week to keep their coat in good condition, while Smooth Collies require less grooming, only needing a thorough brushing every few weeks. During shedding periods, Smooth Collies will need more frequent brushing to help release their undercoat.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' grooming needs:

While neither breed is considered hypoallergenic, they both require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing and nail trimming can help keep their coat healthy and prevent any potential health issues.

Both Rough and Smooth Collies share the same size according to the breed standard. Males are 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder in height and weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, while females are 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder in height and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

Collies are known for being excellent with children of all ages and make terrific watchdogs, sounding the alarm when a stranger comes on their property. They are also very trainable but do not do well with harsh training techniques, exceling with positive reinforcement.

Here's a quick comparison of the temperament traits of both breeds:

Both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie are the same size according to the breed standard. Males are 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder in height and weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, while females are 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder in height and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

Collies are known for being very smart and trainable, but they don't do well with harsh training techniques. They excel with positive reinforcement, making them a joy to work with.

Collies are excellent with children of all ages and make terrific watchdogs, sounding the alarm when a stranger comes on their property. Well-bred, well-trained Collies are not aggressive, but rather loyal and gentle.

Here's a comparison of the temperament traits of the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie:

Both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie are sensitive dogs that don't like irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits. They're also very affectionate, genuinely loyal, and loving towards their handlers.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie as Herding breeds, with the Rough Collie being recognized in 1885.

The FCI, on the other hand, recognizes the Rough Collie in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, but does not recognize the Smooth Collie.

Both breeds are recognized by a wide range of organizations and kennel clubs, including the American Canine Registry, American Kennel Club, and Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Here's a list of some of the organizations that recognize these breeds:

Rough collies require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats, which can be painful for the dog. Brushing their coats daily, especially during shedding season, is essential.

Their thick coats also require regular bathing, ideally every 2-3 months, to keep them clean and healthy. Over-bathing can strip their coats of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

In contrast, smooth collies have a shorter, smoother coat that requires less maintenance. They still need regular brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils, but daily brushing is not necessary.

Collies are naturally energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love to move around and get their hearts racing.

If they don't get enough physical activity, they'll become excessive barkers and may cause problems for their neighbors. This is especially true if they're living in a residential area.

A daily walk or run is a great way to keep your Collie happy and exercised. You can also try playing fetch or hide-and-seek with them in a securely fenced area.

Their original purpose as herding dogs means they're built for action, so they need plenty of opportunities to run around and use their natural energy.

For your interest: How Fast Do Border Collies Run

As you consider bringing a Rough Collie or Smooth Collie into your family, it's essential to understand the potential health issues they may face.

Rough Collies and Smooth Collies can both be prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint.

Check this out: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog

Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on. Both breeds require an average of one complete physical check-up per year.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a common health issue in both breeds, causing vision loss and potentially leading to blindness.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is another eye-related condition that can affect both Rough Collies and Smooth Collies, often causing vision problems and potentially leading to blindness.

Drug sensitivity is a concern for both breeds, so it's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment options for any health issues that may arise.

Both breeds can also be susceptible to Gray Collie Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the production of white blood cells, making them more prone to infections.

Here's a list of potential health issues to be aware of:

Reproducibility is a crucial aspect of caring for your Rough Collie or Smooth Collie.

Both breeds have a similar gestation length of 60-64 days.

It's essential to breed them only once a year, as more frequent breeding can be unhealthy for the dogs.

A typical litter size for both breeds is 4-8 puppies.

Training a Rough or Smooth Collie requires consistency and positive reinforcement. With proper training, these dogs can become excellent companions.

Both Rough and Smooth Collies are very smart and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They're eager to please and love spending time with their people.

However, it's essential to remember that Smooth Collies can be standoffish with other dogs, especially when first meeting them. Proper introductions and early socialization are crucial to helping a Smooth Collie succeed in interactions with other pets.

Rough Collies are naturally protective, but they can also be trained to be gentle and calm. With consistent training and socialization, both breeds can make excellent family pets.

To train a Smooth Collie, it's recommended to spend at least 10 minutes every day working with your dog on obedience and other skills. Positive reinforcement and other positive training methods are recommended, as punitive and harmful training methods can stress these sensitive dogs.

Here's a comparison of the trainability and intelligence of both breeds:

Overall, both Rough and Smooth Collies are intelligent and trainable breeds that can thrive with consistent training and positive reinforcement.