SMOOTH COLLIE

Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 38 of 197

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Group: Herding Group

ABOUT THE SMOOTH COLLIE

In the 1950s television series Lassie, you knew that the Collie would come to the rescue, whether Timmy was trapped in an abandoned mine or had fallen into a well. After all, the star of this long-running show wasn’t just any dog. She was Lassie, a Collie dog.

The Collie dog breed is a native of Scotland, mostly of the Highland regions but also bred in the Scottish Lowlands and northern England, where they were used primarily as a herding dog.

PERSONALITY

The well-bred Collie is sweet, friendly, and gentle. She is a family dog and enjoys being part of all household activities. Especially fond of kids, she enjoys playing with them and protectively watching over them.

If those qualities weren’t positive enough, the Collie tops them with her intelligence and loyalty. This dog is smart and learns quickly.

NUTRITION

Good nutrition is the very first thing the owner can do for their Collie to ensure healthy skin and coat and general well being. Collies do well on a good-quality dog food that is primarily meat-based, with fewer grains as ingredients.

Collies have a risk of bloat, so two feedings/multiple feedings per day as opposed to once a day is recommended, and some meat added to the food has been shown to reduce risk.

HEALTH

Collies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions.

• Dermatomyositis
• Collie Nose
• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Progressive Retinal atrophy
• Nodular Granulomatous Episclerokeratitis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies
• Drug Sensitivity

CARE

While there are variations among individuals and families, Collies generally are quite active and require regular exercise. They need aerobic exercise and the chance to be able to run and play.

They should not be relegated to the backyard for long periods of time, as with boredom comes barking. Collies are people dogs and want to be with their owners first and foremost.

GROOMING

Smooth Collies, while they won’t mat, require regular grooming, as they have a double coat, and the undercoat needs brushing out during shedding periods. Rough Collies need attention to avoid matting, especially in certain areas such as behind the ears and elbows, and to remove loose undercoat.

Source: dogtime, akc.