Is the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?

Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie?

The Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie bigger?

Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie?

For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Smooth Collie: Which Is Calmer?

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Smooth Collie: full comparison

Trait	Flat-Coated Retriever	Smooth Collie
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	10 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Flat-Coated Retriever has noticeably higher energy than the Smooth Collie.

Size and living space

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Smooth Collie is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Smooth Collie needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Flat-Coated Retriever wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Smooth Collie wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Flat-Coated Retriever takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Smooth Collie takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Flat-Coated Retriever shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Smooth Collie announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Flat-Coated Retriever has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Flat-Coated Retriever if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Smooth Collie if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?: Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie?: The Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Smooth Collie?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie bigger?: Flat-Coated Retriever and Smooth Collie are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Flat-Coated Retriever or Smooth Collie?: For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Smooth Collie