Collie (Smooth)

Breed Snapshot:

• Weight: 18-30 kg
• Height: 51-61 cm
• Breed size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Dog Breed Group: Herding
• Coat Type: Short Hair

Description

Smooth Collies, also known as Collie (Smooth) or Scottish Collie, are a breed of dog that originated in Scotland. They're big, lean, and strong with a wedge-shaped head and a short one-inch coat. They were bred from the same stock as Rough Collies, but with a shorter, sleeker coat. Sheep and other livestock were herded by smooth collies in the Scottish Highlands, and they were valued for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty. The breed was also popular among British royalty, including Queen Victoria, who owned several Collies.

Characteristics

Very smart, sweet, easy to train, loyal and good with other pets, the Collie is energetic outdoors, good with kids and likes to be a part of a family.

Health Problems

Smooth Collies were bred to herd and be companions, so they have a healthy life expectancy. However, they are prone to the following health problems:

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): This is a congenital eye condition that affects the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness. You can screen for it before breeding because it's a genetic disorder.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. It is also a genetic disorder and can be screened for before breeding.
• Hip dysplasia: When the hip joint doesn't fit together properly, it causes pain and mobility problems.
• Epilepsy: Smooth Collies may be prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
• Autoimmune diseases: The breed may be at risk of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Other health issues: Smooth Collies may be prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas. They may also experience skin allergies and other health issues.

Regular checkups with a veterinarian and genetic testing before breeding are essential to monitor for and prevent genetic disorders.

Exercise

While they enjoy physical activity, they don't require excessive amounts of exercise. A daily walk or playtime in the yard is usually sufficient.

Grooming

Smooth Collies should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from their coat.

Living Environment

In addition to their strong herding instincts, Smooth Collies enjoy running and playing, so a fenced yard provides them with a safe place to do so. If you get enough exercise, apartment living is fine. It's hard for Smooth Collies to handle extreme heat or cold because of their thick double coat. Ideally, you should live in a moderate climate with a temperature-controlled interior. A home with lots of attention and socialization is best.