Anyone on here got a smooth collie?

[ellerslie83]

Am hopefully getting a smooth pup in August -touch wood they are born and survive etc and that there is a girl (too many boys in this household!). I had rough collies in the past, but know they are supposed to have different temperaments, so wondered if anyone had one and would share about them??

 

[FinnishLapphund]

My third bitch was a Smooth Collie, and I really don't understand why they're not more popular, in general I think they're a good, average family dog that likes a bit of activation, they're quite bright, usually have a low hunting instinct (= easier to train to not run after wildlife), and I think that they have an easy coat care, they shed twice a year and between that you can forget where you have their brush.

I wouldn't say that they're that different in temperament, but judging by the average value from a Swedish mentality test that is popular especially in some breeds, (as I understand the results) a Smooth Collie is in general much more playful, more curious and interested in things that happens, a little bit more interested in humans and have lower fear reactions compared to Rough Collies.

Their lower fear reaction result (in comparison to Rough Collies) can perhaps be seen as a proof of that it is much less likely for a Smooth Collie to have mentality problems linked to what I usually refer to as "Lassie syndrome". You probably know about the following, but for those that doesn't know, due to thoughtless breeding after that the Lassie films became popular in the 1940's, today's Rough Collies can have problems with exaggerated fears, and since breeders used to be allowed to cross Rough Collies with Smooth Collies, Smooth Collies can also have exaggerated fears, but if they have it, they usually have it in a milder form (as in more manageable, sometimes it can even be something that they "get" as puppies or teenagers, that they then outgrow).

Common ways exaggerated fears express itself in Rough Collies: Fear of floors/shiny floors (sometimes leads to that owners have tracks/paths of carpets in their home), fear of sounds (can be any high, loud and/or unusual sound, from fireworks, babies screaming to skateboards etc.), fear of unexpected events/things they're not used to (anything the dog isn't used to or didn't expect to happen, like going to new places or meeting new people etc.) and generalized anxiety or nervousness.

Note, neither all Smooth nor Rough Collies have these problems, and as said, if a Smooth Collie have this problem, they usually have a milder form. However, it still means that as a potential Smooth Collie owner, it is important that you make sure that the parents have a good, stable temperament (if the breeder doesn't own the stud dog themselves, they should have asked a little about his temperament before using him), that they're not afraid of loud sounds like fireworks etc., and that the brood bitch doesn't shy away from you when you come to view the puppies. It doesn't mean that she has to throw herself all over you, a dignified acceptance whilst you give her a few pats is also fully okay.


In case you're wondering, I think there is mainly two reasons for why I haven't bought a new Smooth Collie, sizewise I simply have room for more dogs if they're below 50 cm. tall, and it suits me better to have dogs that doesn't think as much, it is hard to explain what I mean with that, but e.g. out on walks, my Smooth Collie often sort of tried to figure out what I intended to do, before I did it, and even though my spitzes might do that too occasionally, they usually just takes my decisions as they come, and as I feel now, that suits me better.

 

[galaxy]

My brother has a 3yr old bitch. They work full time (have a gardener who walks her) and 2 small children and she seems to suit their busy life style. She is calmer than a border collie and tolerates the children well.

I would say her negative to me would be She is a bit if a barker generally.... (When excited etc) which would annoy me! She also is a real bossy bitch with other dogs, which is fine with my wimp of a boy who steers well clear of her but they are careful with her with strange dogs. But they live in the middle if nowhere I would say that us probably more down to not a huge amount of socialisation?

When I'm in the comp tomorrow ill put a photo on!

I can't compare to a rough collie I'm afraid as I don't know that breed really....

 

[Clodagh]

My mum has a rescue smooth collie, but they did get her direct from her first home so as far as we know she has not been ill treated. She is loud, like Galaxy says, shes whinges and carries on and barks and growls constantly if she doesn't like someone. They couldn't touch her when they first got her but now she is very affectionate with men, not so good with women. (OK with mum and lets me stroke her on her terms).

Walk wise, mum is in her 70s so doesn't go miles but she gets 3 walks a day. She is very obedient, learned to ignore sheep in one walk through a field (on a lead, still, always with livestock). She doesn't hunt except squirrels. I like her a lot and would have one.