Contact Verified Smooth Collie Breeders

The Smooth Collie is a graceful, proud and devoted companion. Standing 56–61 cm at the shoulder for males (20–30 kg) and 51–56 cm for females (18–25 kg), this British herding dog brings enormous intelligence, high trainability and a very high energy level. If you want to enjoy your dog as an active, well-balanced family dog throughout its life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, choosing a knowledgeable Smooth Collie breeder is the most important first step.

In Collies, drug sensitivity, the eyes, the joints and specific skin, muscle and nerve problems form a clear health pattern that stays relevant throughout a dog's life. In addition, activity levels differ noticeably between the somewhat calmer show lines and the more driven working lines. A responsible breeder plans matings on the basis of sound health data and pays attention to parents with stable temperaments, so that the sensitive herding-dog nature is channelled in a steady direction.

A health-focused breeder never relies on appearance alone, but uses targeted diagnostics to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in their breeding programme. Within the Club für Britische Hütehunde e.V. (CfBrH), key examinations are mandatory. Before buying, always ask to see the written results for the parents:

• MDR1 defect (drug hypersensitivity): A DNA test shows the parents' status for this sensitivity to certain medicines. If the breeder knows the genetic make-up, they plan matings deliberately and give you important information for your dog's future veterinary treatment.
• Eye examinations (CEA and PRA): Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (both the generalised form and rod-cone dysplasia 2, which is recommended as a baseline standard) affect eyesight. In addition to the available DNA tests, a clinical ophthalmological eye examination by a veterinary specialist is essential for the breeding dogs and also for the puppies before they leave the breeder.
• Dermatomyositis (DMS): This inflammatory disease of the skin and muscles is identified through genetic testing, so that the risk of disease can be minimised by choosing mates wisely.
• Degenerative myelopathy (DM) & inflammatory pulmonary disease (IPD): DNA tests are available for these conditions, which affect the nervous system and the lungs respectively. Where inheritance is simple recessive, if the breeder mates a carrier only with a genetically clear partner, no puppy inherits the tested mutation from both parents, which significantly reduces the risk of this specific disease.
• Merle coat colour: Because the merle gene in its homozygous form (double merle) leads to severe eye and hearing damage, genetic testing of coat colour is a must in order to prevent prohibited merle-to-merle matings.
• Other breed-typical health issues: X-raying the parents lowers the risk of hip dysplasia (HD). You should also ask the breeder about cyclic haematopoiesis (grey collie syndrome) in their lines.

A reputable breeder raises their puppies in close contact with the family. Because the Smooth Collie is very people-oriented and attentive, it needs early, carefully planned socialisation with everyday noises, different surfaces and visitors. Good breeders will advise you honestly on whether the breed's high energy level suits your lifestyle – especially if you live in a city, which suits this run-loving herding dog only up to a point. You can also recognise a well-raised puppy from a monitored breeding programme by a realistic price range of 1,200 to 2,500 euros.

6 specific questions to ask the breeder

• “Can you show me the parents' official results for MDR1, CEA, DMS, DM and IPD, as well as their current clinical eye examinations?”
• “Do you also have the puppies examined by a veterinary eye specialist before they leave?”
• “How have the parents' hips (HD) been scored, and have there been any cases of cyclic haematopoiesis in your line?”
• “Do you test your breeding dogs genetically for the merle gene, particularly where so-called hidden carriers are possible?”
• “Do you breed the moderate show type or a more active working line, and how does that show in everyday life with the dogs?”
• “How do you accustom the puppies to different environmental stimuli, children and unfamiliar dogs in their first weeks of life?”