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 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
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high: up to about an hour of exercise a day, and it enjoys dog sports such as agility, obedience and herding.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
About one good brush a week; the short coat does shed.3
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family life as long as it gets daily exercise and mental activity.23
Company who they like around
A sociable family dog that likes company and generally gets on well with children and other animals.2
The story where it all began
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
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
Where the name comes from the story behind it
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
Famous ones stars of the breed
Sharp Queen Victoria's favorite dog, a Smooth Collie, taken from Balmoral to Windsor Castle.4
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.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 296, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs); definitive acceptance 1974; current standard published 27 Jul 20211
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group; first challenge certificates as a separate breed in 1979; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed3
AKC
Recognised as the smooth variety of the Collie rather than a separate breed5
Popularity The Collie (rough and smooth varieties combined) ranked 39th of AKC-registered breeds in 20256
The care rhythm a typical week and year
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
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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.7
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.8
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.9Pet 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.9Pet 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. Furry Diary 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.9Pet 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.
Rough Collie
Shetland Sheepdog
Border Collie