Short-haired Collie

Breed Description

The Short-haired Collie is a unique herding breed that shares common roots with the Long-haired Collie but stands out with its distinct characteristics. The history of this breed spans several centuries and is linked to the shepherding traditions of Scotland. Short-haired Collies emerged as a result of natural selection and the need for resilient dogs capable of working effectively in harsh climatic conditions.

Initially, Collies were used by Scottish shepherds to manage and guard sheep herds. The earliest mentions of similar dogs date back to the 17th century. They were essential in mountainous areas, where shepherds relied on their dogs to work with large flocks. Unlike their long-haired counterparts, the short-haired Collie proved to be better suited to the windy and rainy conditions of Scotland, as its short, dense coat didn’t retain moisture and was less prone to tangling.

The modern form of the short-haired Collie began to take shape in the 19th century when breeders recognized the need for standardization among herding dogs. One of the first to contribute to the breed’s development was Sir James Lee, who focused on breeding dogs that not only possessed exceptional working qualities but also met aesthetic standards. At that time, the short-haired Collie remained less popular than the long-haired variety, as the latter was considered more visually striking for show rings. However, the short-haired Collie retained its value among farmers due to its practicality and work ethic.

A significant boost in the breed’s development occurred in the late 19th century when these dogs began to gain attention outside of Scotland. In England, short-haired Collies became popular among aristocrats who valued their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. These dogs also started appearing at exhibitions, where they were judged not only for their working abilities but also for their beauty.

The breed achieved international recognition in the early 20th century when the first short-haired Collies were exported to the United States. American farmers quickly appreciated their endurance, intelligence, and adaptability to various conditions. In the 1920s, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and subsequently by other international canine organizations.

Today, the short-haired Collie maintains its reputation as an intelligent, loyal, and hardworking dog. Despite its herding origins, it has become a wonderful companion for families, thanks to its friendly nature and ease of care. The breed remains an essential part of Scotland’s cultural heritage, combining historical roots with modern qualities.The price for a puppy ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Smooth Collie is an elegant and harmoniously built medium-sized dog, characterized by refined lines and an athletic physique. Its appearance combines grace, strength, and endurance, reflecting the breed’s shepherding origins. The dog has a straight and sturdy body with smooth proportions that highlight its natural grace. The coat is short, dense, and smooth, fitting closely to the body, which provides protection against adverse weather conditions and gives the dog a tidy look.

The average height for males is 55-61 cm, while for females, it is 51-56 cm. Weighing between 18 to 30 kg, depending on sex and build, the Smooth Collie appears both powerful and elegant thanks to its lightness and proportions, making it versatile for active tasks and family life.

The lifespan of a Smooth Collie is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular exercise, these dogs maintain their health and activity throughout their lives. The appearance of the Smooth Collie emphasizes its natural intelligence, energy, and friendliness, making this breed suitable for both work and as a loyal companion.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of a short-haired collie is elegant, with distinct lines and proportional to the body. The skull is flat, gradually narrowing toward the muzzle. The transition from forehead to muzzle is subtle, which creates a graceful and noble appearance. The head emphasizes the dog's intelligence and alertness.

Морда

The muzzle is elongated but not sharp, harmoniously combining with the shape of the head. The lips are tightly closed, dry, and without sagging. The nose is black, medium-sized, with well-developed nostrils, providing excellent scenting ability.

Уши

The ears of a short-haired collie are medium-sized and set high. They are semi-erect, with the upper third of the ear slightly tilted forward. This shape of the ears emphasizes the dog's alertness and readiness to work.

Глаза

Almond-shaped eyes, medium-sized, with a friendly and attentive expression. Their color is typically dark brown, but dogs with a blue merle coat may have blue or iridescent eyes. The collie's gaze is intelligent, kind, and slightly insightful.

Зубы

The teeth are strong and white, with a proper scissor bite. The jaws are strong, highlighting the breed's working qualities. Regular dental care helps maintain their health throughout life.

Корпус

The body of the short-haired collie is sturdy and proportional, with a straight back and well-developed muscles. The chest is deep and moderately wide, allowing the dog to maintain endurance and lightness in movement. The belly line is tight, emphasizing a sporty silhouette.

Конечности

The limbs are long, strong, and straight, with well-developed musculature. The front legs are straight, while the hind legs have pronounced angling at the joints, providing elasticity and a powerful push when running. The paws are oval-shaped, compact, with dense pads suitable for various types of terrain.

Хвост

The tail is long, moderately low-set, and in a calm state, it hangs down. When in motion or excited, the tail may lift slightly, but it never curls over the back. It is thickly covered with short fur, which emphasizes a neat and well-proportioned appearance.

Шерсть

The short-haired Collie's coat is smooth, dense, with stiff guard hairs and a thick undercoat. It fits snugly against the body, creating a barrier against the elements. This coat structure makes it easier to care for the dog and makes it ideally suited for an active lifestyle.

Окрас

The coat can be of three main types: sable (in various shades from light golden to dark brown), tricolor (black with red markings), and marbled (blue with black spots). Each coat highlights the elegance and natural beauty of the dog.

Character

The Smooth Collie is a dog with a balanced, friendly, and intelligent character. It is characterized by innate loyalty and a desire to please its owner, making it an ideal companion for families. The Smooth Collie is open to communication, easily gets along with children and other pets, exhibiting patience and gentleness. However, it also remains alert and cautious, which makes it an excellent guard and protector of its family.

This breed is known for its energetic nature and love for activity. The Smooth Collie enjoys long walks, outdoor games, and tasks that stimulate its intellect. Thanks to its herding roots, it has an exceptional ability to learn and quickly grasps new commands. It happily participates in training and activities where it can showcase its intelligence and energy.

One of the habits of the Smooth Collie is its desire to be close to its owner. These dogs form strong attachments to people and seek to be involved in the family’s daily life. They crave attention and do not cope well with solitude. If left without proper socialization or activity, they may become bored and even exhibit destructive behavior, which is tied to their high energy levels and need for constant engagement.

The Smooth Collie has a strong sense of responsibility. It aims to protect its family and territory, always remaining vigilant to strangers but not prone to aggression. This breed values stability and consistency, which helps it feel secure.

Overall, the Smooth Collie is an ideal combination of intelligence, activity, and loyalty. It loves to work, be useful, and interact with people. These dogs need an owner who is ready to dedicate time to their training, physical activity, and socialization so they can realize their potential and remain happy.

Care and Maintenance

The short-haired collie does not require complex grooming, but it does need regular attention to maintain its health and appearance. Its short, close-lying coat hardly mats and is easy to clean, so brushing the dog once a week is sufficient to remove dead hair and maintain the coat’s shine. During the seasonal shedding period, more frequent grooming will be necessary, as the loss of undercoat can be intense. Bathing should be done as needed, using a mild shampoo to avoid drying out the skin.

This breed is active and energetic, so it requires daily walks and physical activity. The short-haired collie enjoys long walks, running, playing with a ball, and tasks that stimulate its intelligence. It is essential for the dog to have the opportunity to expend energy; otherwise, it may become bored and exhibit destructive behavior. Outdoor activities are not only a pleasure for the dog but also contribute to its psychological and physical health.

The short-haired collie values communication and attention from its owner. It loves to participate in family life and seeks to be close to its people. It is important for the dog to feel needed, so it responds well to any tasks related to helping or training. These dogs are very attuned to their owner’s mood and do not tolerate harshness or abrasive treatment. They respond to a gentle yet firm approach, making soft discipline based on respect and consistency crucial.

The short-haired collie does not like prolonged solitude. Left without interaction, it may experience stress, become anxious, or even destructive. Additionally, this breed does not handle boredom well, so it is important to provide a variety of activities. Excessively hot weather can also cause discomfort, so during warm seasons, it is vital to ensure the dog has a cool place and plenty of water.

Proper care, an active lifestyle, and close bonding with the owner help the short-haired collie maintain good health, a positive attitude, and loyalty to its family. This breed thrives in environments where it is treated as a full-fledged family member.

Training and Education

The Short-Haired Collie possesses high intelligence and a desire to please, making it easy to train and suitable even for novice owners. However, for successful training, it is essential to consider the breed’s natural sensitivity and friendliness. It responds best to positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and affection. Too harsh methods or rough treatment can lead to stubbornness or loss of trust, so it is important to be patient and kind.

Training should begin at an early age, focusing on both basic commands and socialization. Despite its natural friendliness, the Short-Haired Collie can be slightly cautious around unfamiliar people or new situations, so early exposure to other animals, people, and environments will help develop confidence. This breed enjoys intellectual challenges, making varied exercises that incorporate play elements truly enjoyable for them.

The Collie is people-oriented and eager to be helpful, so it chooses an owner who demonstrates confidence, care, and consistency. This dog quickly bonds with a person who spends a lot of time with it, participates in its training, and provides sufficient physical and mental activity. The Short-Haired Collie values stability in relationships and listens best to those who clearly establish boundaries and rules, while also remaining patient and gentle.

In a family, the Short-Haired Collie typically bonds with one person, whom it considers its primary owner, but it shows respect for all household members. This dog loves teamwork and readily follows commands if it sees that its actions are beneficial and receive approval. The Short-Haired Collie is very attuned to its owner’s mood and tries to adapt to it, making it not only intelligent but also a sensitive companion. At Zooinika, they offer puppies with lineage and a health guarantee.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting a smooth-coated collie puppy, it’s important to consider both its physical characteristics and temperament to ensure it grows into a true representative of the breed. Start by choosing a reputable breeder who specializes in this breed and can provide information about the puppy’s pedigree, health, and the achievements of its parents. The parents should not only conform to the breed standard in appearance but also possess a balanced temperament, as these traits are passed on to the offspring.

The puppy should be active, curious, and friendly. Pay attention to its behavior: a good puppy shows interest in its surroundings but does not display excessive wariness or aggression. It should readily engage but not be overly clingy. A puppy that is too timid or overly dominant may require extra socialization work, which is important to consider when making your choice. A smooth-coated collie should exhibit signs of intelligence and a quick response to stimuli, indicating its ability to learn.

In terms of appearance, the puppy should look strong and healthy. Its coat should be smooth and shiny, the skin clean and free of rashes. The ears, eyes, and nose should be free of discharge, and the legs should be strong with free and confident movements. Pay attention to the bite; it should be correct and scissor-like. The puppy’s tail should be straight, reaching down to the hock joints.

The breeder should provide all documents for the puppy, including a metric or puppy card confirming its lineage. It’s also important that the puppy has a veterinary passport with records of vaccinations and deworming. Inquire with the breeder about the health of the parents, particularly regarding the absence of hereditary diseases such as joint dysplasia or eye conditions.

The smooth-coated collie is a dog that requires attention, activity, and social interaction, so choose a puppy that fits your lifestyle. This breed enjoys learning and working, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re ready to dedicate time to its training. With the right choice and care, the puppy will grow into an intelligent, active, and loyal companion that will bring you joy for many years. At Zoonik, you’ll find only verified offers with a health guarantee.

Health and Diseases

The short-haired Collie is considered a healthy and resilient breed, but it has predispositions to certain hereditary and specific diseases that owners should pay attention to. One of the most well-known issues is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause limping and discomfort. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring the dog’s weight can help minimize the risk of developing this condition.

Genetically, short-haired Collies may be prone to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and Collie eye anomaly (CEA). These conditions can range in severity from minor vision impairments to complete blindness. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these genetic mutations, and when choosing a puppy, it is important to ensure that the parents have undergone the necessary tests.

Sometimes, short-haired Collies exhibit a tendency towards skin allergies triggered by food or external factors such as pollen or chemicals. Symptoms include itching, reddened skin, and fur loss. Regular skin care and proper nutrition can help reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Some dogs of this breed may be sensitive to certain medications due to a mutation of the MDR1 gene. This genetic disorder affects the body’s ability to process certain types of drugs, including antiparasitics and pain relievers. Before starting treatment, it is important to consult a veterinarian and, if necessary, conduct genetic testing.

Short-haired Collies sometimes suffer from hypothyroidism, associated with insufficient thyroid activity. This condition can lead to lethargy, weight gain, and deteriorating coat condition. Regular blood tests can help identify the problem and initiate treatment at an early stage.

With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, a short-haired Collie can live a long and active life, lasting from 12 to 14 years. Caring for the dog’s physical and emotional well-being is key to its health and happiness.