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Smooth Collie
Herding breed from Scotland and Northern England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie is a large herding dog from Scotland and Northern England, known for its short, dense coat and elegant build. It shares ancestry with the Rough Collie but was selected for a shorter coat, which is easier to groom. Temperament traits include intelligence, loyalty, gentleness, friendliness, and devotion. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed's recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 27 to 34 kg, height from 61 to 66 cm, and lifespan from 12 to 14 years. Energy level is rated 4 out of 5, trainability 5, grooming 2, shedding 3, child suitability 4, dog compatibility 4, and apartment suitability 3. These scores are based on modelled estimates and should be interpreted as general tendencies, not guarantees.
Quick facts
Smooth Collie at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupHerding
OriginScotland and Northern England
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight27–34 kilogram
Female weight27–34 kilogram
Male height61–66 centimetre
Female height61–66 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Smooth Collie was developed in the Scottish Highlands and Northern England as a sheep-herding dog. It shares ancestry with the Rough Collie but was selected for a shorter coat, which was favored in milder climates. The breed's history is closely tied to its working role, though specific dates or events are not provided. Popularity surged after Queen Victoria became an enthusiast in the 19th century, but the exact timeline and impact are not detailed. The breed's origins are rooted in the herding traditions of Scotland and Northern England, and it remains classified in the Herding group. Recognition status varies by registry, meaning not all kennel clubs may recognize it uniformly.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
27–34 kilogramAdult weight61–66 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalgentlefriendlydevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Smooth Collie-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 5
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Smooth Collie puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight27–34 kilogramAdult female weight27–34 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Smooth Collie?
The Smooth Collie is a large breed. Estimated adult weight ranges from 27 to 34 kg for both males and females, and height ranges from 61 to 66 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Smooth Collie?
Commonly described temperaments include intelligent, loyal, gentle, friendly, and devoted. However, individual dogs may behave differently. The breed scores high on trainability (5/5) and moderate energy (4/5).
How much exercise does a Smooth Collie need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, the Smooth Collie likely requires regular daily exercise, such as walks or playtime. Specific exercise needs are not detailed, but as a herding breed, it benefits from activity.
What are the grooming requirements for a Smooth Collie?
Grooming is rated 2 out of 5 (low maintenance) due to its short, dense coat. Shedding is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate). Regular brushing can help manage shedding.
Is the Smooth Collie good for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5, and dog compatibility is 4 out of 5, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament varies, and proper socialization is important.
Can a Smooth Collie live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating it may adapt but likely needs sufficient exercise and space. It is a large, active breed, so a home with a yard may be more suitable.
Where does the Smooth Collie originate from?
The Smooth Collie originates from Scotland and Northern England, where it was developed as a sheep-herding dog. It shares ancestry with the Rough Collie but has a shorter coat.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.