Smooth Collie

The Smooth Collie is a dog for life in a pack. The breed needs socialization and interaction with other animals and people. It doesn’t see strangers as a danger, but rather as new friends. The animal will be an excellent companion for all family members.

Breed Photos

Origin History

Some historians claim that dogs originated in Caledonia. Others say that the conquerors of Rome brought them. One way or another, the people of Rome participated in the creation of this breed. The breed used to be called the North English Shepherd Dog.

Four centuries ago, this breed was crossed with many others. Most often, breeders used members of the same group, but long-haired. As time passed, breeders disagreed about the fact that the Smooth Collie had two types of hair. Even nowadays, in the United States, both long-haired and Smooth Collies are one breed of dog. And in the breed’s home country, different coat types denote other dog breeds. This standard was adopted back in 1971.

Appearance

The Collie Shorthair is a large dog. The dog’s body is adapted for long physical work.

The height of shorthaired collie bitches – from 51 to 56 cm, male dogs – from 56 to 61 cm.
Smooth Collie dogs weigh from 20.5 to 29.5 kg, and females weigh from 18 to 25 kg.

The coat of the Smooth Collie is stiff and protects the dog from bad weather. That’s why it’s perfect for work – for example, herding sheep.

The Smooth Collie comes in many colors, namely sable, white, marbled, and tricolor.

Character

The Smooth Collie is a dog for life in a pack. The breed needs socialization and interaction with other animals and people. It doesn’t see strangers as a danger, but rather as new friends.

The animal will be an excellent companion for all family members. If the collie owner has children, the dog is sure to get along with them.

Owners should consider the fact that the dog is loud and boisterous. Barking is not a sign of aggression but a greeting and an expression of emotion. But barking for no reason should be stopped immediately. Otherwise, the dog will bark at people just because he feels like it.

Care

A Smooth Collie is an unpretentious dog. You do not need to wash your pet more than once a month. After a walk, wipe the body with a damp towel and clean his paws with water.

When a dog starts shedding, the owner needs to brush the dog twice a week.

Training

For a dog to obey his master, he needs to understand that he is the leader and in charge.

The Smooth Collie is an intelligent dog breed. The dog enjoys learning new commands. Training with the collie should start from the age of puppies.

Since it is an active dog breed, you should not forget about physical activity. If the owner likes to lie on the couch, it is not worth getting such a dog. Otherwise, from the lack of physical activity, the collie will start to destroy the apartment.

Any inappropriate behavior by the dog, whether barking for no reason or dipping his slippers, should be cut off immediately. But the owner should never be physically rude to the dog.

Common Diseases

The Smooth Collie has good immunity and health. But there are still many genetic diseases – for example, eye problems (retinal atrophy, eye structure disorder), lameness, hip dysplasia.

Nutrition

After buying a dog, the owner should see a veterinarian. Since this breed is prone to food allergies, the food should be hypoallergenic.

Dry food is the best choice for nutrition, as it contains a blanched amount of minerals and vitamins. The owner should keep the ears and teeth clean at all times.