Some native breeds are vulnerable and at risk of disappearing simply because people don’t know they exist, or their demand has fallen. This is why each month we will be highlighting a British and Irish vulnerable native breed to help raise awareness to their declining numbers and to introduce you to some lesser-known breeds!
October’s breed of the month is the Smooth Collie!
With their longer coated cousin the Rough Collie rising to fame in the 1954 TV classic, Lassie, the Smooth Collie is sometimes still classified as the same breed. It’s also one of the many breeds that have found their place among royalty, being one of Queen Victoria’s favourite breeds, which transformed them from working farm dogs, to the dog bred as a pet that we know today.
Size: Medium
Exercise requirements: Up to 1 hour per day
Size of home: Small house with good sized garden
Coat length: Short
Sheds: Yes
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Energy level: High
About the breed
It’s believed the Collie’s Roman ancestors may have been brought to Scotland 2,000 years ago and were most probably bred as herding dogs. In the 19th Century, Queen Victoria acquired a Smooth Collie for her personal kennel. She fell in love with the breed which drastically increased their popularity as family dogs. Since 1978, the Smooth Collie gained its independence and is now classified as a separate breed to the Rouch Collie however, some countries still consider them to be the same breed.
Defining features:
Always ready for action with their strong and sturdy build, the Smooth Collie stands tall with a straight back and deep chest. Their eyes are an important feature, giving a sweet, intelligent expression yet alert. Medium sized ears tend to be pricked forwards with a fold-down tip. The Smooth Collie’s short, flat topcoat can have a rough texture with a dense undercoat and can be found in three colours; sable & white, tricolour and blue merle.
Adult dogs tend to reach sizes of 51-61 cms (20-24 ins) and bitches 51-56 cms (20-22 ins).
Why are they a vulnerable breed?
The Kennel Club define a breed with fewer than 300 new registrations per year, a vulnerable native breed. The number of Smooth Collie’s registered in the UK in 2017 was only at 60 and has since dropped to 44 in 2022.
The Smooth Collie has a friendly and good temperament in need of plenty of mental stimulation and entertainment. If you think the Smooth Collie would make a good fit for your home, it’s always essential you do your research before diving in.
Take a look at the Kennel Club’s website for more information - Collie (Smooth) | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club
