A medium/large breed, well proportioned and dignified-looking, the Smooth Collie should look as if he's capable of a day's work. Adult males stand at 56-61cm and weigh 20.5-29.5kg, and females are 51-56cm and 18-25kg. The short, flat coat is harsh to the touch, and comes in sable and white, tricolour (black with tan and white markings) and blue merle (silver-blue with black).
A friendly, good-tempered family dog, the Smooth Collie dog is alert and makes a good house watchdog. He can be prone to excessive barking if not trained or if bored, and does not enjoy being separated from his loved ones for too long. An active dog that needs mental stimulation, the Smooth Collie enjoys training and can reach high standards in many canine disciplines. He can be sensitive and needs gentle, calm handling.
The Rough and Smooth Collie might look very different, but beneath their coats they are the same dog. The Rough breed needed a thicker, longer coat to withstand the unforgiving conditions of the Scottish Highlands, whereas the shorter-haired Smooth Collie dog breed worked sheep in the lowlands, where the weather is milder. The Smooth Collie has been a recognisable breed for over two centuries, but sheepdogs of similar type have existed in Scotland long before then.
