Also known as the Smooth-Coated Collie and simply as the Collie, the Smooth Collie is an intelligent and social breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Smooth Collie can be traced back to early 19th century Scotland. Enthusiasts believe that the Smooth Collie dates back as far as the 15th century and descended from various ancient herding breeds, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Smooth Collie has been most commonly used for herding, driving, and guarding cattle against predators such as wolves, and as a show dog, proving its superior abilities to work endlessly while providing warm and devoted companionship.
Today, the Smooth Collie has attained a world wide popularity as a working dog, companion, and family pet.
Personality Traits
Best known for its social and outgoing nature, the Smooth Collie is a genuinely happy breeds that loves to keep busy with work or play. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and often look to their owner for leadership and support. This breed is highly intelligent and generally very easy to train. As a pet, the Smooth Collie is obedient, loyal, loving, and very affectionate. The Smooth Collie is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors, playing games such as fetch, taking long and leisurely walks, and having plenty of room to roam, run, and play.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human relationships and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the Smooth Collie generally responds very well to basic training and commands. This bright breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training the Smooth Collie. These dogs can be somewhat sensitive to criticism and respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Smooth Collie, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This active and outgoing breed is always on the move, and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. These dogs are very intelligent, easy to train, obedient by nature, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Smooth Collie gets along well with children and other pets, known for its sweet and gentle approach to small children and its ability to make friends quickly with other pets due to its social nature. The Smooth Collie is obedient, loyal, loving, and very affectionate, making an excellent working dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Smooth Collie. These active and athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Smooth Collie not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Smooth Collie has a strong instinct to herd and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are rather quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Smooth Collie must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
This breed is known for being somewhat excitable when greeting humans and while at play. Excessive barking, jumping, and full-body wags can often lead to headaches and accidents. Proper training can reduce these behaviors in the Smooth Collie.
Common Health Concerns
While the Smooth Collie is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Collie Eye Anomaly – a breed-specific condition causing various issues and sometimes leading to blindness, progressive retinal atrophy, drug sensitivity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Smooth Collie? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/s/smooth-collie.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/smooth_collie
