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“Collie” can mean the Collie breed itself or, more broadly, related herding dogs. In the practical comparison here, there are four entries: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Bearded Collie, and Border Collie. Rough and Smooth are coat varieties of the Collie in the United Kennel Club standard; Bearded and Border Collies are separate breeds.
Coat is only one difference among them. Their work backgrounds, activity needs, grooming, and individual temperaments also matter when you are deciding which dog may suit your home.
What are the different types of Collies?
| Entry | What it is | Coat and care | Work and temperament context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Collie | Long-coated variety of the Collie | Long coat; regular grooming is needed | The Collie is described as friendly and active; individual dogs vary |
| Smooth Collie | Short-coated variety of the Collie | Short coat that still needs regular grooming and undercoat brushing during shedding | Shares the Collie breed context; a shorter coat does not mean no grooming |
| Bearded Collie | Separate breed | Long coat and characteristic beard; plan for coat maintenance | Historic Scottish herding and droving background |
| Border Collie | Separate breed | Rough or smooth coat; both types need regular grooming | Bred for livestock work; noted for speed, alertness, intelligence, and willingness to work |
These descriptions summarize breed standards and kennel-club guidance, not guaranteed behavior. Coat appearance alone does not tell you how a particular dog will behave or how much activity it will need.
1. Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is the long-coated variety of the Collie. The United Kennel Club describes the Collie as existing in Rough and Smooth coat varieties that are identical except for coat. Its general breed description characterizes the Collie as friendly and active, though an individual dog’s temperament depends on more than its breed label.
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A long coat needs regular grooming. Establish a gentle routine suited to the dog’s coat, and ask a groomer or veterinarian for advice if you are unsure how to manage tangles or undercoat.
2. Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie is the short-coated variety of the Collie, not a separate breed in the United Kennel Club standard. The standard describes the Rough and Smooth varieties as identical except for coat.
A short coat is not a no-maintenance coat. The American Kennel Club notes that Smooth Collies still need regular grooming and undercoat brushing during shedding. Choose care tools and frequency based on the individual dog’s coat and needs.
3. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie, often called the Beardie, is a separate breed with a long coat and characteristic beard. The American Kennel Club’s historical summary describes Bearded Collies as Scottish Highland herding and droving dogs. Droving means moving livestock from one place to another.
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That working background provides context for the breed, but does not predict the temperament or energy level of every individual. The long coat needs maintenance, so account for grooming time as well as activity and training when considering a Bearded Collie.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a separate breed with its own standard. The United Kennel Club says Border Collies developed in northern England and Scotland and were selected for herding ability. It describes them as fast, alert, intelligent, and willing to work livestock.
The American Kennel Club notes that Border Collies can have rough or smooth coats and that either type needs regular grooming. Their work background is important when considering whether your household can offer suitable daily activity and purposeful engagement. A breed description is not a guarantee that every Border Collie will behave the same way or fit every home.
What is the difference between a Bearded Collie and a Border Collie?
Both are separate breeds with herding backgrounds, but they have different historical roles and coat profiles. The Bearded Collie is associated with Scottish herding and droving and has a long coat and beard; the Border Collie was selected for livestock-herding ability and may have a rough or smooth coat.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhen comparing dogs, consider the individual’s temperament, activity needs, grooming requirements, and health information rather than relying on appearance alone.
Are Rough and Smooth Collies the same breed?
In the United Kennel Club standard, Rough and Smooth are coat varieties of the Collie and are otherwise treated as the same breed. Registry terminology can differ, so keep the organization’s classification attached to the standard you are citing rather than assuming every registry uses identical wording.
Which Collie is right for me?
Compare coat care, daily activity and work needs, the individual dog’s temperament, and health screening. Meet the dog when possible, ask breeders or rescue organizations for relevant information, and avoid assuming that a particular coat or breed label guarantees a certain personality or level of care.
| Priority | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Coat and grooming time | Rough and Bearded Collies have long coats; Smooth Collies still need brushing; Border Collie grooming depends in part on whether the coat is rough or smooth. |
| Activity and work needs | Consider each dog’s working background and the activity your household can provide. |
| Temperament | Breed descriptions offer context, not a guarantee about an individual dog. |
| Health and breeder transparency | Ask what breed-specific screening has been done and request the actual results. |
Health screening and responsible selection
Health-screening recommendations are breed-specific and can change. The Royal Kennel Club’s current guidance for Border Collies recommends eye testing, including gonioscopy for PLA, and lists additional DNA and screening tests under its best-practice guidance. Its Bearded Collie guidance lists CEA/CH DNA testing and elbow and hip screening.
These recommendations are not diagnoses and should not be treated as one checklist for all Collies. Check current guidance from the relevant registry, ask for the actual results for the parents or dog, and consult a veterinarian about an individual animal.
The Royal Kennel Club also states that it will not register Border Collie puppies from merle-to-merle matings born on or after 1 January 2013, citing associated vision and hearing risks. This is that organization’s registration rule; do not assume it applies to every registry or jurisdiction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Grooming comparison
Rough and Bearded Collies have long coats that need maintenance. Smooth Collies have shorter coats but still need regular grooming and undercoat brushing during shedding. Border Collies may have rough or smooth coats, and both types need regular grooming.
A slicker brush for long-haired dogs or a grooming comb may be useful, but no single tool suits every dog or coat. Choose a tool appropriate to the dog and use it gently; ask a grooming professional for guidance when needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Collies?
This guide covers four entries: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Bearded Collie, and Border Collie. Rough and Smooth are coat varieties of the Collie in the United Kennel Club standard; Bearded and Border Collies are separate breeds.
What is the difference between a Bearded Collie and a Border Collie?
Both are distinct herding breeds. Bearded Collies have a long coat and beard and a Scottish herding and droving history; Border Collies were selected for livestock-herding ability and can have rough or smooth coats.
Do Smooth Collies need grooming?
Yes. The American Kennel Club notes that Smooth Collies need regular grooming and undercoat brushing during shedding. Their shorter coat does not eliminate grooming needs.
What health tests should I ask about?
Ask for current, breed-specific screening guidance and the actual results for the dog or its parents. The Royal Kennel Club lists different recommendations for Border Collies and Bearded Collies, and its guidance can change. A veterinarian can advise about an individual animal.
The Bottom Line
Rough and Smooth are coat varieties of the Collie in the United Kennel Club standard, while Bearded and Border Collies are separate breeds. Compare grooming, activity and work needs, individual temperament, and current health-screening information before choosing a dog.
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