It’s never easy being upstaged by a glamorous relative. The smooth collie’s dip in popularity is often attributed to the enduring appeal of its more flamboyant counterpart — the rough collie, made famous by Lassie.
As Country Life’s Kennel Notes observed back in 1910: ‘Possibly the fact that he has no rough coat to hide any imperfections of form makes breeders disinclined to take the trouble necessary to get a good one... Or it may be that the market is more restricted among the general public, who are led away by the taking jacket of his more widely sought-after brother.’
Yet in terms of temperament, the two breeds are almost identical. Both are friendly, intelligent, active, and trace their lineage back to the working dogs of Scottish shepherds — the name collie is thought to derive from the black-faced colley sheep they once herded.
Until a rule change in 1994, the Kennel Club (KC) permitted interbreeding between smooths and roughs, with both types born in the same litter. If there is one clear advantage to the smooth collie, it’s their low-maintenance coat — ideal for those who love dogs, but not grooming brushes.
The smooth collie comes in a range of colours — blue merle, sable and white, and tricolour — and was once favoured by royalty. Queen Victoria’s favourite, Sharp, was buried at Windsor Home Park, with a tombstone that reads: ‘Sharp, the favourite and faithful Collie of Queen Victoria from 1866 to 1879.’
Today, the smooth collie is well suited to owners interested in agility, flyball, heelwork to music, or obedience training. Without the thick mane of their rough cousins, their elegant physique is on full display — loyal, trainable, and full of charm.
In 2024, just 29 puppies were registered with the KC, highlighting the breed’s rarity today. Large and striking in stature, it thrives on space and exercise, yet proves surprisingly adaptable — equally content strolling through town as it is stretching its legs in the country.
This feature originally appeared in the March 25, 2025, issue of Country Life. Click here for more information on how to subscribe
-
Say goodbye to the traditional ski shop and hello to the 'boot room of the future' — as reimagined by Norman FosterThe British architect has completed the first phase of a major transformation at the Kulm Hotel in St Moritz.
-
Sophia Money-Coutts: A snob's guide to welliesWellington boots are a signifier, says Sophia Money-Coutts, of whether you are 'proper country' or not.
-
The English bull terrier is mischief meets muscleFrom the 19th-century show rings to the homes of artists, royals and rock stars, the English bull terrier is one of our most original and loveable dogs.
-
How American political refugees, economic migrants and devoted Anglophiles are transforming LondonOne luxury restaurant, apartment and tennis court at a time.
-
‘Sex, Money, Race, Religion’: Unlikely pair Philharmonia Orchestra and Gilbert & George collaborate on one-off concertThe artist duo once declared music to be ‘the enemy’, but this hasn’t stopped them from teaming up at the Royal Festival Hall for the orchestra’s 80th anniversary.
-
'Nowadays, little separates the literati from the glitterati': Britain's literary festivals are this season's hot ticketsBritain is synonymous with the literary festival, says Will Hosie, and they are only growing in popularity.
-
The not-so-ugly duckling: What to know about the quirky Irish water spanielWith its curly topknot, ‘rat-tail’ and boundless energy for water, the Irish water spaniel is a breed apart. Quirky, clever and affectionate, it has been winning hearts for centuries — even if it still gets mistaken for a poodle.
-
'Top Trumps: British wildlife edition': How do our native animals measure up against one anotherPatrick Galbraith rates ten of the UK's most interesting native animals on their elusiveness, speed and deliciousness, and reveals everything else you need to know about them.
-
Agromenes: Act now for Man’s best friendsA crucial bill on animal welfare is making its way through Parliament. It must pass to put an end to the illegal trade on cats and dogs.
-
Lady Bamford's next act: The Cotswold Curated Craft FairThe inaugural Cotswold Curated Craft Fair will bring together the country’s leading artists, sculptors and designers.
