Smooth Collie Rough Collie: Complete Guide to Ownership

If you're considering bringing a Smooth Collie or Rough Collie into your family, it's essential to understand the unique characteristics of each breed.

Both Smooth and Rough Collies are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to keep them happy and healthy.

Collies are also known for their strong herding instincts, which can manifest in a strong desire to chase small animals.

To manage this instinct, it's crucial to socialize your Collie extensively and provide them with plenty of training and mental stimulation.

A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Collie is a joy to be around, but a bored or under-exercised one can be a handful.

Intriguing read: How Strong Are German Shepherds

The Collie's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed they worked as herding dogs in the Scottish highlands, driving cattle and sheep to market.

Their ancestors may have taken their name from a Scottish breed of black-faced sheep called the Colley.

Not much is known about their early history, as shepherds were more interested in their working ability than in keeping records.

Queen Victoria's love for Collies in the 1860s changed everything, causing a surge in demand for the breed.

By 1877, Collies were being exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club show, and they quickly gained popularity among wealthy dog lovers.

The Collie Club of America became the second parent club to join the AKC in 1886, two years after its creation.

The Collie's popularity soared with the nearly two-decade run of the television show "Lassie", which aired from 1954 to 1973.

Today, the Collie ranks 38 among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.

Related reading: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler

Smooth Collies and Rough Collies are both great family dogs, but they have some key differences.

They're both loyal and gentle, but Rough Collies are more prone to shedding and need more frequent brushing, especially during their twice-yearly molting periods.

Smooth Collies, on the other hand, shed more throughout the year but don't blow coat, making them a better choice for people with allergies.

Both breeds are highly energetic and need regular exercise, such as a 30- to 45-minute walk or playtime twice a day.

They're not suited for apartment life unless someone is home to give them attention and prevent nuisance barking.

Collies are not one-person dogs and are protective of everyone in the family, making them a great choice for families with multiple children.

They're also excellent companions for active people who want a workout buddy, but they do require consistent training and plenty of space to move around.

Smooth Collies have a thick double coat that needs routine brushing to maintain. This helps prevent matting and tangling, especially in areas like behind the ears and elbows.

Their coat is lower maintenance than the Rough Collie's, but they still require regular grooming. Brush your Smooth Collie weekly with a rubber curry brush or a soft slicker brush to remove dead hair.

During shedding periods, Smooth Collies will need frequent brushing to help release the undercoat. This can help reduce the amount of loose hair around the house.

Here are some general grooming tips for Smooth Collies:

The Rough Collie's appearance is quite distinctive, with a range of colors including sable and white, tricolour, merle, and colour-headed white. These colors often feature white coat areas, such as the collar, parts of the leg, and tail tip.

The breed's head is a notable feature, with a light, blunted wedge shape that tapers smoothly from ears to black nose. The muzzle is well-rounded and never square.

The eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, while the ears are semi-prick or tipped, with the upper third folded over. However, some collies have their ears taped as puppies to encourage them to lie properly.

The size and weight of Rough Collies can vary, with males standing 55.8 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in) at the shoulder and weighing between 50-70 pounds. Females are usually 5 to 10 pounds less.

Here are the breed standards for the size and weight of Rough Collies in different countries:

Collies also come in two coat types: Long-Haired (Rough) and Short-Haired (Smooth), and four main coat colors: Sable & White, Tri color, Blue Merle, and White.

Both Collie varieties have a double coat that requires regular brushing to stay healthy and tangle-free. Brushing your Collie weekly is a good rule of thumb, with more frequent brushing needed during shedding periods.

The Rough Collie blows its coat twice a year, requiring daily brushing to keep loose hair under control. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it to keep your Collie looking its best.

The Smooth Collie, on the other hand, sheds more throughout the year, but doesn't go through the same heavy shedding as the Rough Collie. Regular brushing will still help keep its coat in good condition.

Trimming your Collie's nails is also important, as long nails can click on the floor and cause discomfort. Aim to trim them every few weeks.

Brushing your Collie's teeth daily can also improve its overall health and freshen its breath.

Rough collies are generally great with children and other animals, but they need to be well socialized to prevent shyness.

They are medium to large sized dogs, and they generally need a house instead of being in a small apartment.

Rough collies can be fairly vocal, but some are easily trained not to bark.

They are very loyal and may be one-family dogs, but are very rarely aggressive or protective beyond barking and providing a visual deterrent.

The rough collie's long coat makes them well-suited for northern Midwest farms, where they can herd and guard the farm during the winter.

They need to be gradually acclimated to the cold and provided with a suitable insulated outdoor shelter, as well as ample quality food and unfrozen water.

Smooth collies are very intelligent and intuitive dogs, highly trainable and eager to please.

They love spending time with their people and are able to pick up on training quickly.

As you consider bringing a smooth collie or rough collie into your family, it's essential to be aware of some potential health concerns that may affect these breeds. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a condition that can cause vision loss in these dogs.

Bloat is a serious condition that can occur in both smooth and rough collies, and it's crucial to know the symptoms, which include a swollen abdomen and difficulty breathing.

Collie Eye Anomaly is a congenital condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness in affected dogs. It's usually detected in puppies around 4-6 months old.

Some collies may be prone to seizures, which can be a sign of Epilepsy. This condition can be managed with medication, but it's essential to work closely with a veterinarian to find the right treatment plan.

Hip Dysplasia is a common condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues in collies. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help prevent or manage this condition.

Here are some of the health concerns that affect smooth and rough collies:

Smooth and Rough Collies are natural herders, bred to assist their masters in the highlands of Scotland. They're capable of being keen herders while remaining sensible, flexible family companions.

Collies can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, conformation, flyball, tracking, and herding events. They also excel at herding instincts and trainability, which can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests.

Rough Collies can be trained to compete in herding trials, and they've also been known to work as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. They're a versatile breed with many talents.

Participation in herding helps preserve the special heritage of the Collie and opens up new opportunities for owner and dog. Local herding clubs provide clinics, work days, trials, and tests to help owners develop their Collie's herding skills.

Here are some dog sports and activities that Collies are well-suited for:

If you're considering bringing a Smooth Collie or Rough Collie into your family, be aware that they shed throughout the year and blow coat twice a year.

Smooth Collies are a good choice for active families with children, active people who want an exercise companion, and people with dog experience. They're loyal, gentle, good-natured, active, and sensitive.

You'll need to provide a Smooth Collie with lots of space to move and a consistent training regimen to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They thrive on being with people and can become noisy and destructive if left alone for long periods.

With proper introductions and early socialization, a Smooth Collie can get along with other pets, but be aware of their herding instincts and potential to nip at heels.

Look for a breeder who is licensed and registered with a reputable organization, such as the American Kennel Club.

A good breeder will ask you plenty of questions about your lifestyle and living situation to ensure the dog is a good fit for you.

Research the breeder's reputation by reading online reviews and asking for references from other dog owners.

Related reading: Bull Terrier Breeders

A responsible breeder will also have a contract that outlines the terms of the sale, including health guarantees and spay/neuter requirements.

Make sure to visit the breeder in person to see the conditions in which the dogs are kept and to ask questions.

A reputable breeder will be transparent about the dog's ancestry and health history.

Don't be afraid to ask for health clearances for both parents of the puppy you're interested in.

A good breeder will also be willing to let you meet the puppy's parents and see the facility where they are kept.

Additional reading: Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders

Adopting a Shelter Dog can be a life-changing experience for both you and the dog. Shelter dogs are often already house-trained and can adjust to a new home quickly.

You'll need to spend time with the dog to see if there's a good match. This is a crucial step in the adoption process, as it allows you to gauge the dog's temperament and energy level.

On average, shelter dogs are between 1-3 years old when they're adopted. This age range is ideal for many families, as the dogs are often still young and energetic, but not so young that they require constant supervision.

Adopting from a shelter can save you money, as the adoption fee is often lower than buying from a breeder or pet store.

Owning a Collie requires a lot of exercise, so be prepared to take your dog on a 30- to 45-minute walk or playtime twice a day.

Collies thrive on being with people and can become bored if left alone for long periods, so make sure someone is home to keep them entertained.

They need consistent training and can become noisy and destructive if bored, so establish a regular training regimen.

Collies shed throughout the year and blow coat twice a year, which means they need to be brushed more frequently during this time.

Rough Collies are not a good choice for someone who is allergic to dogs due to their heavy shedding.

Smooth Collies shed more than Rough Collies during the non-molting days, so be prepared for some dog hair.

Collies love children and make great family dogs, but their herding heritage may cause them to nip at heels, so supervise interactions closely.

They are protective of everyone in the family, not just one person, and bond closely with all family members.

Collies need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, and a lack of exercise can lead to barking and destructive behavior.

Smooth Collies are generally great with children, loving and protective, but can be prone to shadowing their every move.

They have high energy levels, making them a perfect fit for families with active kids who spend a lot of time outdoors.

However, Smooth Collies can be standoffish with other dogs, especially when first meeting them, so proper introductions and early socialization are crucial.

This is because they're a herding breed, and chasing or herding other animals is not uncommon, so you may need to discourage this behavior through positive reinforcement and training.

Herding instincts can be strong, and you may even catch your Smooth Collie herding your cats, other dogs, or even kids, so be prepared to address this behavior.

Take a look at this: Black and White Herding Dog

If you're planning to bring a Smooth Collie puppy into your family, be prepared for some serious learning and training. They are fast learners who are eager to please.

Smooth Collies can be sensitive, so it's essential to be gentle and patient with them, especially during training. This breed may be prone to barking excessively, so you'll want to work on that right away.

As a family pet, Smooth Collies are great with kids, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Training your Smooth Collie requires consistency and patience. Positive reinforcement and other positive training methods are recommended.

You'll want to spend at least 10 minutes every day working with your Smooth Collie on obedience and other skills.

Before a training session, it's a good idea to exercise your dog just enough to garner their focus, but not so much that they're left tired afterward.

Lassie, the famous Rough Collie, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her one of the few animal actors to receive this honor.

If you're considering getting a Rough Collie as a pet, you should know that they can live up to 12-14 years with proper care and attention.

Rough Collies have been featured in various films, TV series, and novels, showcasing their intelligence and loyalty.

Reveille, the current mascot of Texas A&M University, is a Rough Collie and has been in the role since 2021.

Notable Rough Collies have made a significant impact in various fields. Lassie, a line of Rough Collies, has starred in numerous films and TV series, and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

One of the most recognizable Rough Collies is Reveille, the current mascot of Texas A&M University. Since 1966, each Reveille has been a Rough Collie, with Reveille X assuming her duties in 2021.

Rough Collies have also made a mark in the literary world, with Albert Payson Terhune's novels about his Sunnybank Rough Collies, such as Lad and Wolf, being early 20th-century bestsellers.

Pal, the first Rough Collie to portray Lassie, paved the way for future Rough Collie stars. Ch. Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven, a nine-month-old Rough Collie, is notable for being the youngest dog to ever win the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Did you know that the shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes? This brief conflict is still recognized by Guinness World Records.

The longest word in the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine particles of silica.

This word has 45 letters and was coined in 1935 by Everett M. Smith, the president of the National Puzzlers' League.