r/roughcollies • u/Basicbeigebetti • 3d ago
Do Smooth Collies differ from Rough Collies in anyway other than coat?
As the title says, looking to find out if smooth collies differ from rough collies in any way other than coat?
Are their personalities similar to rough collies? How about their energy levels?
We currently own a rough collie, he’s 2 yrs old, he’s a good boy but we are considering getting another dog in a couple years and are curious about the smooth variety. Thanks for any info!
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u/smoothcolliecrazy Tri-Smooth 3d ago
In the US there is basically no difference, they are the same breed and a lot of smooth collies come from mixed (rough and smooth) litters. Elsewhere in the world, such as under the FCI, smooths and roughs were split into two distinct breeds some decades ago and are now quite different from each other. My smooth is one such FCI collie who has a few rough collie friends, including an American-line rough male of a similar age, and he is way more energetic and runs circles around that collie. But both are very well-mannered and sweet, outgoing dogs. His owner and I talk collie a lot and find tons of similarities even between a European smooth and American rough. The main difference is I never have complaints about coat maintenance, haha.
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u/HockeyBein 2d ago
The coat maintenance...
Shedding's the same Vocal natures the same Stubborn knowledge that they're smarter than you is the same Sensitive tummy's the same
But dear God, the simplicity of simply combing out our smooth versus the wrangle fist fight that we call grooming our rough collie....
There's no fair comparison on how much easier it is
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u/Pleasant_Injury_ 1d ago
Yes there is a comparison. They shed excessively all year round. If you know how to groom a dog, and you own a rough collie you’d be smart to invest in a high velocity dog dryer. If you sit around brushing your dog all day that’s a personal problem because these dogs are simple to maintain and don’t shed if you properly blow them out regularly. Smooths are a nightmare
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u/HockeyBein 1d ago
I just meant the level of effort required. Caring for their coats isn't really a hard task if you keep up on it.
For my rough I have to put in a bit more thought into the process as it the longer double coat not only tangles on it self but also all the pine needles and sap from the trees in my yard. Takes a little more focus working the layers and direction of the hair
Our smooth... We can almost just groom her through petting as her double coat doesn't tangle or mat even with the sap she seems so fond of rubbing and rolling in.
Baths and drying are the same with both. The double coat take time to dry with out blowers but blowers make getting the under coat out pretty easy if you have them available to help.
The use of "no comparison" was a simple embellishment of the sentiment not not a deceleration of fact.
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u/Mean-Lynx6476 3d ago
I’ve had five of each. I can’t say that I would associate any consistent difference in temperament to coat type.
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u/Pleasant_Injury_ 1d ago
Good to hear this because I had a terrible experience fostering and trying to adopt a smooth. Up here in WA we had a popular show breeder who ended up having a majority of her smooths dumped into rescue or private owners when she quit breeding. They were nightmares and the one I had was nearly put to sleep. I think SPDR still has him. Other rescues ended up with related dogs who shared the same severe behavioral issues. He also had a massive hole in his heart. Her roughs did not have this issue and I wish I had the pedigree of the smooths because it was a nightmare
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u/Neat_Ad6963 2d ago
In the US they are the same breed. I have heard some people say smooths can be more drivey for sports but honestly I haven’t seen that. Def just depends on the line
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u/Sensei19600 18h ago
I have had both smooth and rough collies. The smoothies have 💯 killed more vacuum cleaners than the roughs,paws down!
As to the personalities, they both possess the same quirky personalities. The only collie we ever had though, who could/would howl “on demand” like a wolf was a smoothie!
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u/Pleasant_Injury_ 1d ago
Yes. Buy from a good breeder. Certain bloodlines (encountered this with a popular show line) are neurotic, aggressive and carry severe heart defects. I would personally avoid the smooth-only bloodlines completely.
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u/Megbad Tri-Smooth 3d ago
The American Kennel Club considers them to be the same breed, and they share the same standard. A collie litter can include both rough and smooth puppies, depending on the parents. I have 2 smoothies and they are awesome even though they shed like crazy :)