Rough Collie vs. Smooth Collie: What’s the Difference?

If you research this question, you’ll usually get the same answer: The Rough Collie and Smooth Collie are the same breed.  They share the same breed standard, temperament, structure, colors, and working heritage. The biggest difference is simply the coat.  But is this the truth?  

The AKC, or American Kennel Club, views rough and smooth collies as two varieties of the same breed. As they are the same breed, American collie breeders can breed the rough and smooth collies together.  In England (UK Kennel Club) they are viewed as two completely separate breeds. In the UK, the rough and smooth collies haven't interbred since January 1, 1994, when they were classified as separate breeds. Breeding a smooth and rough collie is not allowed in most European countries and Australia.  Some Nordic countries (like Sweden, Finland, and recently Norway) have maintained open pedigree rules or voted to permit controlled interbreeding to boost genetic diversity.

In Europe, the primary goal of separating the rough and smooth, was to preserve the distinct bloodlines of the smooth collie and prevent it from simply being absorbed or diluted by the more popular rough collie.  Though they share the same ancestors, the rough and smooth collies were originally developed to perform different tasks in different climates.  The rough collie was bred to herd sheep in the harsh, freezing weather of the Scottish Highlands, requiring a long, heavy, protective double coat. The smooth collie was primarily used in the wetter, milder lowlands of Northern England as a drover’s dog, driving large herds of cattle and sheep to market.  This required a short, hard, and dense coat that wouldn't easily get weighed down by thick mud. 

Genetically, the rough coat is a recessive trait, meaning a dog needs two copies of the gene to have long hair, and the smooth coat is dominant.  When the two varieties are allowed to interbreed, a single litter can produce both coat types. Because the gene for the rough coat is recessive, if you breed two roughs together the breeding will only produce roughs.  If you breed a rough and a smooth together, you can have both rough and smooth puppies in the litter.  The smooth puppies from such a breeding would be considered rough-factored.  If you bred two rough-factored smooth collies together, you could end up with both rough and smooth puppies in the litter, because smooths can carry the recessive rough gene.  If you bred two pure-for-smooth collies together, you would end up with only smooth collies in the litter.

Nolan, CH Creekwood Winterberry Rich and Famous, DCAT

Because the smooth collie has always been far less common than its famous "Lassie" counterpart, in Europe the smooth collie has been listed on their “Vulnerable Dog Breeds” list for a number of years.  While I don’t know the the exact number of smooths vs roughs registered under the AKC, as they are not listed separately, the collie breed is ranked at #39 and continues to remain in the top 25% of breed popularity.

Individual breeding and bloodline have a greater impact on determining temperament than whether the dog is Rough or Smooth. Under the AKC, the temperaments of the smooth and rough collies are similar. Both varieties are:

• Intelligent and highly trainable
• Sensitive and responsive to their people
• Affectionate without necessarily being overly clingy
• Excellent family dogs
• Naturally alert without typically being aggressive
• Athletic and capable of obedience, herding, agility, and many other activities

The main difference in the rough and smooth collies is the coat maintenance.  Both the rough and smooth collies shed, and both are double coated.  The coat of the rough collie  is beautiful and eye catching.  The smooth collie’s shorter coat gives them an elegant, more defined appearance.  With a thicker, heavier coat, the rough collie requires more brushing.  The smooth collie is easier and quicker to groom, which makes them an ideal dog for anyone looking for that sweet collie temperament, but with less coat to groom.  

Rough or smooth collies, in the end, it’s still a collie.  Whether dressed in a flowing mane and feathered coat or wearing the sleek, shorter coat of the smooth, the collie remains the same wonderful breed at heart. Both varieties share the intelligence, sensitivity, loyalty, athleticism, and unmistakable expression that have made collies so beloved for generations.  Rough collies may capture the imagination with their classic, stylish silhouette, while the smooths appeal with their clean lines and easy-care coat. One is no more “Collie” than the other, they simply represent the breed in two beautifully different ways.

Rosie, Creekwood’s Sunshine and Roses

You can read more about collie coat inheritance by clicking here.