When it comes to energy levels , training , and grooming , there ’s a big remainder among the breed .

Are you considering impart a collie to your habitation ? You might have visions of the canine TV star Lassie — a rough - coated collie — nourish your brood . However , there are actually four main types of collies . And while they ’re all intelligent and loyal , like good ol' Lassie , there are differences between the breeds , too .

We let the cat out of the bag with Brandi Hunter Munden , spokesperson for the American Kennel Club , to get the lowdown on the dissimilar type of collie . take on to find out which strain might be the best set for you and your phratry .

bearded collie, rough collie, smooth collie, and border collie together on a textured background

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What Are Collie Breeds?

" The word collie is a Scotch dialect Word of God used to describe sheepdogs , " Munden says . That ’s why some herding strain might get lumped under the collie category when they ’re not consider a true collie breed .

Collie breed were originally farm frankfurter and continue to have a strong desire to ascertain over their flock , making them excellent family dogs . They vary in activity level , but none of them are considered couch white potato . After all , these dogs were in the first place cover to work .

Rough Collie

When people think of collies , it ’s often the rough ( longsighted - haired)colliesthat come to mind . With their longsighted , thin noses and almond - regulate eyes , these graceful canines became a darling in Victorian England , and in the U.S. during the 20th hundred . They earned a loving repute for their devotedness to children . accord to the Collie Club of America , collies are playful with kid and protective , too , without being to a fault belligerent .

collie are comfortable to train ( and that includespotty training ! ) and happy when they ’re around family . They do n’t do well in an empty home for hours at a meter . Daily physical activity is substantive , but it does n’t have to be as intense as other collie types — these pup are happy to hang on the lounge with you , too .

vulnerability to other people and environment is all important for this collie stock , Munden says . " collie can be very timid , which can create unsound habits . So you have tosocializethem as soon as possible . "

two rough collies with long hair standing on grass

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Smooth Collie

While not an entirely different breed from the rough collie , smooth , aka short - haired , collies are just as described — collies with inadequate hair . These collie do n’t have those flowing locks because they were bred to serve take animals to securities industry and did n’t need the durable , extra - foresightful fur to protect them from the conditions in the mountains . As you could conceive of , their short whisker is much easier to care for , although they stillshedseasonally .

Bearded Collie

Bearded collies(beardies ) may best epitomize their Scots ancestry . The stock has a happy - go - favorable demeanor copulate with smarts , stamina , and the will to do unmanageable things , which was proceed kine historically . Popular during the straitlaced geological era , beardies are n’t as common these days . But that ’s a shame , Munden says . " They have a bouncy , maintenance - free attitude , are very warm , and get along well with other pet . "

On the downside : Taking care of a beardie ’s shaggy mane is a commitment . It needs everyday brushing to keep it detached of mats and soil . Another must ? A long workout every day . Beardies have physical and mental Department of Energy that they want to burn . If they miss too many workouts , beardies might take off become into problem around the house . They make excellent buddy for active , outdoorsy people .

Beardies are also acknowledge for being sovereign . They were bred to work on the farm with footling to no direction . But because they ’re not used to accept orders , bring patience and a lot ofpositive reinforcement(treats and praise ) to your education sessions .

smooth collie laying in grass with a ball

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Border Collie

Often called the smart click in the man , border colliesare highly intelligent and hyper . These talented canines dominate in canine sport likeagility , where they zip around , and in obeisance andtrick dogcompetitions .

" Border collie necessitate more than just a fenced - in grand to get their day-to-day exercise . They ’re strong - willed and easy bored , " Munden says . It ’s why canine sports are such a great wall plug for them and an area where they ’re often the dominate champions .

" Despite their athleticism , they have it away to settle down and cuddle with their families at the death of an active Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , " Munden says .

Bearded Collie walking in front of Autumn foliage

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Border collies do best in home where they get plenty of personal attending and are included in every activity , preferably on a farm where they can put their herding instincts to crop . This doggo does n’t need to be depart behind — not because border collie are clingy but because they always need something to do .

Medium shot of black and white border collie standing in grassy brush

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