A cheerful, outgoing and alert dog with a kind, steady nature, free of nervousness or aggression. It learns readily, responds best to gentle handling and usually mixes well with children and other pets.123
how to spot oneSmooth Collie coat and colours
short, flat, harsh outer coat with very dense undercoat
An athletic, graceful herding dog built for strength and agility, slightly longer than tall, with a clean, blunt wedge-shaped head. The close, short topcoat feels harsh to the touch and sits over a thick, soft undercoat; it is shown naturally, never trimmed.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Smooth Collie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksSmooth Collie exercise needs
Moderate to high: up to about an hour of exercise a day, and it enjoys dog sports such as agility, obedience and herding.32
where they are happiestSmooth Collie at home
Adapts well to family life as long as it gets daily exercise and mental activity.23
who they like aroundSmooth Collie with people and other pets
A sociable family dog that likes company and generally gets on well with children and other animals.2
the hands-on bitsSmooth Collie grooming and care
About one good brush a week, with more frequent brushing when the dense undercoat sheds heavily at seasonal coat changes.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Smooth Collie, and at what times?
Feed your Smooth Collie at least two meals a day at consistent times, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.4
What should a Smooth Collie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw bones. Ask your vet for a complete list.5
How often should I bathe a Smooth Collie?
Bathe your Smooth Collie about every two to three months, or more often if they get dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.6Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Smooth Collie need brushing?
Brush your Smooth Collie weekly with a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair. During heavy shedding seasons, brush daily. Their short double coat sheds, so regular brushing helps keep your home cleaner.3Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Smooth Collie's nails, and how often?
Trim your Smooth Collie's nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Smooth Collie need?
Your Smooth Collie needs about an hour of exercise daily, including walks, play, and dog sports like agility. They are an active herding breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Smooth Collie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Smooth Collie's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check their ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.6Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Smooth Collie live?
A Smooth Collie typically lives around 10 years, though some may live longer with good care. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle support a long, happy life.3
Is a Smooth Collie good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Smooth Collie is known for its kind, steady nature and usually mixes well with children and other pets. They are a sociable family dog that enjoys company. Always supervise interactions with young children.123
Can a Smooth Collie be left alone?
Smooth Collies are sociable dogs that thrive on company and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. They adapt well to family life but need daily exercise and mental activity. If left alone, provide toys and gradually accustom them to alone time.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchSmooth Collie health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Smooth Collie. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
MDR1 drug sensitivity
A common gene fault that makes some everyday drugs, including some wormers, dangerous; a DNA test tells you before the vet prescribes. Collie Club of America calls it widespread, with many Collies carrying at least one copy ↗
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
A developmental eye fault present from birth; usually mild but can affect sight, and a DNA test exists. Named by the Collie Club of America; no published rate ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A gradual loss of sight; a DNA test tells breeders who carries it. DNA test highly recommended by the Collie Club of America; described as less common than other genetic diseases ↗
Dermatomyositis
An inherited skin and muscle inflammation that causes scaly patches on the face and legs in young dogs. Named by the Collie Club of America with an optional test; no published rate ↗
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid causing weight gain and a dull coat; treated with daily tablets. Named by the Collie Club of America with an optional test; no published rate ↗
Degenerative myelopathy
A slow nerve disease of older dogs that weakens the back legs; a DNA test shows risk. Named by the Collie Club of America with an optional test; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
MDR1 DNA test Collie Club of America (highly recommended) ↗
PRA DNA test Collie Club of America (highly recommended) ↗
Eye exam of puppies by a veterinary ophthalmologist Collie Club of America ↗
CEA DNA test, hip evaluation, thyroid panel Collie Club of America (optional) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Smooth Collie costs
Running costs for a Smooth Collie, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Smooth Collie legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Smooth Collie in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Smooth Collie tip
Collies can rush their meals without chewing, which can upset the stomach and raise the risk of bloat, so a slow feeder helps and treats should be small. Match portions to activity, since a quiet Collie needs far fewer calories than a working one.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Queen Victoria owned a Smooth Collie named Sharp, who moved with her from Balmoral to Windsor Castle.3
2
Until the early 1990s rough and smooth collies could be bred together in the UK, so both coat types could turn up in one litter.3
3
In the United States and Canada it counts as a coat variety of the Collie, while the UK and Australia treat it as a breed of its own.2
4
Smooth Collies work as assistance dogs as well as in herding, agility and obedience.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Collie' is thought to derive from the Scottish word for a sheepdog, and 'Smooth' refers to its short, flat coat, distinguishing it from the rough-coated variety.2
stars of the breedFamous ones
Sharp Queen Victoria's favorite dog, a Smooth Collie, taken from Balmoral to Windsor Castle.7
I started my day with a big stretch and a grin – my tail never stops wagging. My human took me to the park, where I joined a game of fetch. I ran like the wind, my short coat shining in the sun. Some kids came over to pet me, and I sat politely, my tongue lolling. Later, we practiced some tricks – I love learning new things. My human says I'm a quick learner. At home, I followed my human from room to room, just to be near. In the evening, I rested my head on their knee, content. Life is simple, and I'm happy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSmooth Collie history
The smooth-coated collie developed from Scottish working farm dogs and shares its roots with the Rough Collie. Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for collies from the 1860s moved them from farm to show ring. In the UK the smooth and rough types were long interbred, and the smooth gained its own challenge certificates in 1979.23
Rough Collie
Shetland Sheepdog
Border Collie