Dog breed profile
Collie (rough & smooth)
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Rough and Smooth Collie are coat varieties of the same herding breed developed in Scotland and northern England. The Rough Collie has a long, abundant outer coat, while the Smooth Collie has a short, dense coat. Most adults stand around 51 to 61 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 18 to 34 kilograms.
Both varieties have a long refined head, semi-erect ears and a graceful, athletic build. Common colours include sable and white, tricolour, blue merle and white. Collies are usually gentle, intelligent, sensitive and strongly devoted to their families. They commonly live well with respectful children and other animals and are often naturally alert without being excessively confrontational.
Their herding instincts may cause them to chase, circle or bark at moving people, livestock, bicycles or vehicles. Collies are generally responsive to positive training but may become worried or withdrawn under harsh correction. They require regular activity and mental engagement but are often more adaptable than highly intense working sheepdogs. The Collie (rough & smooth)'s typical alert, athletic, devoted qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement.
When assessing a Collie (rough & smooth), owners should look beyond puppy appeal and consider the mature dog's requirements. Responsible selection of a Collie (rough & smooth) should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type. Any interaction between a Collie (rough & smooth) and children should be actively supervised, with the dog given an undisturbed resting place and the children taught respectful handling. A prospective Collie (rough & smooth) owner should plan for a moderate activity commitment and routine maintenance, while allowing for the breed's alert and athletic manner.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Rough and Smooth Collie require daily exercise, positive training and coat care appropriate to the variety. Walks, obedience, scent games, herding and controlled play are suitable activities. Training a sensitive Collie (rough & smooth) should preserve trust: lower the difficulty when the dog disengages and reward small correct responses instead of escalating pressure. Give the Collie (rough & smooth) structured outlets for controlling movement while separately rewarding calm responses to runners, bicycles, children and other fast-moving triggers. Reward quiet alternative behaviour before the Collie (rough & smooth)'s alert barking becomes habitual, and reduce repeated exposure to triggers that cannot yet be handled calmly. For the Collie (rough & smooth), fencing and lead equipment are part of welfare: gates should close reliably, boundary gaps should be checked and identification details kept current.
Early socialisation should include people, children, dogs, traffic, grooming and veterinary handling. Rough Collies should be brushed thoroughly several times a week and daily during heavy shedding. Mats commonly form behind the ears, beneath the legs and around the tail. Use each grooming session to examine the Collie (rough & smooth)'s skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Collie (rough & smooth) in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
Smooth Collies usually need weekly brushing and more frequent grooming during seasonal coat loss. Routine hygiene for the Collie (rough & smooth) includes regular tooth brushing, short nails and checking the ears for irritation.
Food portions should maintain a lean body condition. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor eyes, hips, thyroid health, skin and neurological function. Owners should inform veterinarians that some Collies carry a mutation associated with sensitivity to certain medications. Responsible breeding should include appropriate genetic and eye screening. Secure fencing and calm redirection of chasing or herding behaviour are important.
Conditions linked to this breed
Atopy, Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases
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Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Cerebellar Abiotrophy [Cerebellar Ataxia]
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Collie Eye Anomaly [Choroidal Hypoplasia]
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Copper Hepatopathy
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Corneal Dystrophy
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Degenerative Myelopathy
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Demodectic Mange
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Dermatomyositis
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Epilepsy (Idiopathic, Primary or Inherited Seizures)
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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
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Focal Multifocal Acquired Retinopathy
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Haemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Inherited Deafness
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Merle Associated Diseases Merle Ocular Dysgenesis and Pigment Associated Deafness
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Osteochondrosis
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Persistent Pupillary Membrane & Persistent Hyaloid Remnants
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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