A portrait of the Smooth Collie: The elegant family friend
The history of the Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie originally comes from Scotland and was bred as a herding dog. As early as the 19th century, it was an indispensable helper on the extensive pastures of the Highlands. The short-haired collie is closely related to the long-haired collie, which became world-famous through the famous TV series "Lassie". Both varieties share the same origins and basic character traits, but differ in their coat type.
Who is the Smooth Collie suitable for?
This dog breed is ideal for active families and individuals looking for a loyal companion. Smooth Collies are extremely social and enjoy the company of people and other animals. They are particularly suitable for families with children as they are patient and playful. Their strong urge to move makes them ideal for people who like to be active outdoors.
Character and behavior
The Smooth Collie is known for its intelligence, friendliness and adaptability. These dogs are easy to train and quickly understand what is expected of them. They are alert and watchful, but at the same time not aggressive. Their even-tempered nature makes them excellent family dogs that harmonize well with children and other pets.
Appearance
Smooth Collies have a short, dense coat that is weather-resistant. They are characterized by their slender, elegant stature and expressive head. The eyes are almond-shaped and give the dog a gentle, intelligent expression. Typical coat colors are sable (sandy), tricolor (black, white and brown) and blue merle (blue-grey with black spots).
Care and health
Grooming a Smooth Collie is relatively uncomplicated. The short coat needs to be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. As they are an active breed, it is important to keep their ears clean and watch out for possible injuries.
Health-wise, Smooth Collies are robust, but as with all breeds, there are some genetic susceptibilities. These include hip dysplasia and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular visits to the vet and check-ups are therefore important.
Size and weight
An adult Smooth Collie reaches a shoulder height of around 55 to 66 cm and a weight of 23 to 34 kg. Females are usually somewhat smaller and lighter than males.
Exercise requirements and suitability for the city
Smooth Collies need a lot of exercise and love long walks, hikes and outdoor playtime. They are well suited to life in the countryside or suburbs with plenty of space to run around. They can also be happy in the city, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Training and education
Smooth Collies are very eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement. They are obedient by nature and enjoy working with their owners. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure they are well behaved and comfortable in a variety of situations.
Behavior and interaction with children and other animals
This breed is known for its gentleness and patience, making them ideal playmates for children. Smooth Collies generally get along well with other pets, especially if they are accustomed to them from an early age. Their social nature makes them excellent companions that are rarely aggressive or territorial.
Recognition by the FCI
The Smooth Collie is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 1 (herding and driving dogs). The FCI describes the Short-haired Collie as a dog with a harmonious conformation and a gentle, friendly nature.
