Smooth Collie Standards
- AKC (Herding)
- FCI (Group 1)
- KC (Pastoral)
- UKC (Herding)
- 20-24"
- 40-66 lbs
- large herding breed
- small ears 3/4 erect with tips folding forward
- moderately long tail, carried low
- double coat, short, hard, dense and flat
- blue merle
- sable and white
- tricolor
History of the Smooth Collie
Once known as the Scotch Collie, both the Rough and Smooth varieties were developed in Scotland and have been known since the 18th century. The two varieties are virtually the same except for their coat length and were interbred in their early history. Their origin is unknown, although it has been suggested that their ancestors came with the Romans to the British Isles 2,000 years ago. After Queen Victoria acquired a Rough Collie in the 1860s they became a fashion symbol and entered the show ring. At some point in the 19th century the Smooth Collie was crossed with the Greyhound making it taller and more slender. Overshadowed by the Rough variety, the Smooth became close to extinction after both World Wars and although they have recovered they have never gained the large numbers the Rough enjoys.
Related Breeds: