Is the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?

Both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie?

The Rough Collie sheds more than the Smooth Collie. If shedding is a concern, the Smooth Collie is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie?

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

Is Rough Collie or Smooth Collie bigger?

Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie?

For apartment or apartment living, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie: full comparison

Trait	Rough Collie	Smooth Collie
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Medium
Shedding	Very High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Rough Collie has noticeably higher grooming than the Smooth Collie.

Size and living space

The Rough Collie is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Smooth Collie is a big, substantial dog 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 Rough Collie wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Smooth Collie wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Rough Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and drops hair heavily in every season. The Smooth Collie needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Rough Collie is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Smooth Collie is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Rough Collie will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Smooth Collie will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Smooth Collie has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Rough Collie if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Smooth Collie on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Smooth Collie if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?: Both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie?: The Rough Collie sheds more than the Smooth Collie. If shedding is a concern, the Smooth Collie is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Rough Collie or the Smooth Collie?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Rough Collie or Smooth Collie bigger?: Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie?: For apartment or apartment living, Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie