MyDogBreeds
Both Smooth Collie and Harrier are originated from United Kingdom. Smooth Collie may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Harrier. Both Smooth Collie and Harrier are having almost same weight. Both Smooth Collie and Harrier has almost same life span. Smooth Collie may have more litter size than Harrier. Both Smooth Collie and Harrier requires Moderate maintenance.
When you see the Smooth Collie you just assume that you’re looking at a long-haired Lassie-type Collie that was sent to the groomers.
The Smooth Collie has always been used for herding purposes and is a short haired version of the Rough Collie. The early history of this dog is unknown and there are quite a few stories surrounding its history.
It seems as though the dog’s history started during the reign of Queen Victoria who is believed to have owned these dogs.
In some countries it is thought that the smooth- and rough collie are one and the same while in other countries they are classified as separate breeds. The dog hails from the United Kingdom and they classify the Smooth Collie as a separate breed from the Rough Collie.
Developed in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.
The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.
The Smooth Collie is a medium to large sized dog, ranging in size from 51–56cm and weighing anything from 18kg to 30kg.
The Smooth Collie is slightly longer than it is tall and he has a deep chest. Most people are very familiar with the sweet, gentle expression of the Collie dogs.
The dog also has the long slender head, the semi-erect ears and a long tail. The coat of the Smooth Collie is dense and long with the outer hair being straight and harsh. The Smooth Collie comes in different colors – fawn, reddish brown, white,grey, black and tan.
The Smooth Collie is generally an amicable dog, sociable and friendly. He loves his human family and wants to be constantly with them, showing signs of separation anxiety when left for long periods on his own.
He is intelligent too so that he is easily trained. He is totally non-aggressive but that doesn’t stop him from being an excellent watchdog and he’ll alert you to strangers approaching you or your home.
They’re also energetic dogs and will require regular exercise. Although these Smooth Collies make splendid family pets, they are still used for herding purposes.
The Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.
They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog
Not only is he intelligent, he is playful and energetic too, making a good pet for children and tolerating other pets too.
Add to that the fact that he is a a good watchdog and wants to protect his family. Sweet and gentle, the Smooth Collie is guaranteed to make a wonderful addition to your family.
Yes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.
Scenting ability and wonderful personality
This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.
Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.
Your gentle smooth haired collie can live to be 12 to 14 years of age if he enjoys a good life, but like with other dog breeds, they can also be susceptible to certain common dog illnesses.
This is when the chromosomes that determine how the eyes develop are mutated, so that the blood vessels that nourish the retina and absorb scattered light are underdeveloped. When this mutation occurs it is in both eyes, but one eye could be more severely affected than the other.
Your vet will do a complete examination of your dog’s eyes to find out what the extent of the defect is.
This is a life threatening problem where the stomach twists. It is more prevalent in deep chested dogs. It can help by feeding your dog two smaller meals a day instead of one larger one which he gobbles up quickly.
Also known as Gray Collie Syndrome, this rare disease affects the neutrophils of a dog, which are an important part of the immune system. Bacterial infections and a shortened lifespan are your dog’s lot with this illness.
It seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:
This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.
Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.
Your Smooth Collie deserves the very best food there is because of the wonderful companionship he provides you with. You want him to enjoy good health and a long life with you.
If you buy one of the commercially manufactured dog foods, make sure it is one of the best – packed with vitamins and minerals and good, natural ingredients.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for portion sizes. Also include some plain, wholesome dog food made at home. The perfect example of this is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots all chopped up and added to your dog’s dry kibble as a treat twice a week. No need to add in exotic spices. Avoid onions.
Try and include some raw meat into the diet once in a while too. Make sure your Smooth Collie has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
This is one of the best things you can do for your Collie, eliminating the possibility of your pet becoming a parent of unwanted puppies.
Brush your Smooth Collie twice a week. He is a moderate shedder but has a couple of heavier shedding periods.
While brushing your pet, check inside the ears for signs of infection, check that his eyes are still bright and alert and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. He can’t tell you about a rotting tooth and this can cause a host of other problems for your dog.
Feed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.
Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.
Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.
The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.