Smooth Collie characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Smooth Collie right for you?
The Smooth Collie is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Smooth Collie wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Smooth Collie wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Smooth Collie to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Smooth Collie needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Smooth Collie is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It prefers not to be left and handles short absences only, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Smooth Collie
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Smooth Collie genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: High — the Smooth Collie sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Smooth Collie is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Independence: Low — the Smooth Collie wants more company than most breeds. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Smooth Collie actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Smooth Collie fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | High trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Smooth Collie is ranked in
The Smooth Collie earns a place on 1 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Families with children
- Active seniors
- Moderate grooming preference
- Gentle households
Things to consider
- Less common than Rough Collie
- Moderate exercise needs
- Can be noise sensitive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Smooth Collie good with children?
- Yes — the Smooth Collie is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Smooth Collie shed a lot?
- The Smooth Collie has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Smooth Collie need?
- With medium energy, the Smooth Collie needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Smooth Collie live?
- The Smooth Collie typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Smooth Collie live in an apartment?
- The Smooth Collie is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Smooth Collie easy to train?
- The Smooth Collie is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Smooth Collie be left alone during the day?
- The Smooth Collie prefers not to be left and handles short absences only. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.