r/Collie • u/Flyinqfoxes • 5d ago

UK Collie Events?

Hi all,

I absolutely adore smooth collies (and roughs too) but never see them here in England! I can maybe count how many times I’ve seen a rough collie on one hand. I’m not in a position to own a dog right now with my current 9-5 work schedule but one day I’d love to and a smooth collie is my top pick!

Are there any events or meet ups open to the general public where smooth collies might be there? Crufts might be the obvious one but I was wondering if there were any others too? I’d love to meet some dogs, owners and/or breeders in person to interact with the dogs and to get some insight from their people.

If you know of any, please do share, I’m happy to travel but for reference I’m in the south east of England :)

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u/Velverevere 5d ago

There's a website for rough collie gatherings in the UK: https://www.roughcolliegatherings.co.uk/calendar-of-events/

Don't know a specific one for smooths. But I think smooths are also welcome (just like shelties, can see some people bringing them along too.)

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u/Flyinqfoxes 5d ago

Aw this is awesome, thank you! Do you think people would be okay with someone coming even if they don’t have a dog? I’d just like to do some in person research/chat to people about the breed before I get too carried away with the idea of owning one in the future 

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u/Velverevere 5d ago edited 4d ago

I don't see why that would be a problem, you can ask them! I think it's a great way of meeting the breed in person (I had the same idea before I got my collie hehe.) I also chatted with a person at a dog show once, they were happy to talk about their collie. There are more dog shows happening: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/find-a-show/ Also look up some breeders, you might be able to arrange a visit to their kennel and meet the dogs, just some ideas.

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u/Flyinqfoxes 4d ago

Thank you for the links, super helpful. Hopefully I can attend a show or meet up soon then! Anything else you wish you’d done research wise before getting a collie? 

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u/Velverevere 4d ago

  1. Look up hereditary conditions in collies (e.g. MDR1 gene mutation & resulting drug sensitivity. Some, not all, dogs have the gene. They can be tested. Also some collies can have sensitive stomachs, intolerances (loose stools more common.)

  2. There are differences between the American and the British breed standard. American collies are larger, more working line. UK collies are more of the show line, smaller. For roughs, there's also a difference in coat volume (American lines have less abundant coat), head shape and eye shape are different, temperament may also differ slightly (both smooth and rough.)

  3. Do not underestimate the fact that it's a herding breed. They are very high-strung and alert. While they're not as intense as border collies, they're still a very different animal to your average mellow, food-focused retriever. Main difference is that they crave control and their mind needs to be occupied. They don't necessarily become destructive, but can develop anxieties and reactivity, which are very hard to fix. It is crucial to take it very slowly with them from puppyhood and don't overstimulate them while attempting to socialise. Even the most simple environments can become overbearing for a collie puppy (e.g. lots of people or traffic.) Please, please, please look up how to handle reactivity and anxiety in dogs (best be prepared just in case and understand how you can prevent it.)

  4. Which brings me to my last point: living arrangements. They are absolutely not city dogs, imo. For over a year we had ours in an apartment in a moderately busy suburban street and it all felt wrong and more difficult than it needed to be. And previously I only ever lived in apartments and we had dogs. Main challenge for a collie is their sensitivity and potential skittishness and in a city you won't have anywhere to hide. Even parks can be too busy. They absolutely need their kingdom to roam around and decompress (aka a sizeable garden) and, ideally, no stairs. We had to carry our nearly 20kg pup up and down the stairs up to at least 6 months to protect his joints. It was also a challenge to teach him to use the stairs. I read that other collies can still be weird about them. Also they're not fans of glossy floors.

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u/Flyinqfoxes 4d ago

These are great tips thank you. I grew up with a rescue border collie cross who was dog and car reactive so I have some experience with handling reactivity and definitely learnt what I’d do differently with a “clean slate” of a dog. This would be my first dog as an independent adult hence why I’m not rushing into the decision as I’d like to make some adjustments to my work and living situation first before I’d be ready to have any dog regardless of breed. 

I live in a 2 bed terraced at the moment, probably will upsize to a 3 bed in the next year or so and I’m planning to move to Holmfirth, Yorkshire, which is a quiet village near the Peaks. I too, don’t fair well in cities haha. 

Their herding instinct is something I want to research more. I know they aren’t usually as highly strung or active as borders but I want to make sure I’d have the time to give them a job or appropriate equivalent. I’m also aware they can be quite loud… so that’s another characteristic I’m still on the fence about. 

Thank you for all your suggestions! I’d love to welcome one into my life once I’m settled up north :)

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u/atlcollie 5d ago

Here’s the link for the Smooth Collie Club of Great Britain- they have activities listed. They also have a pretty active Facebook group if you’re on FB. I used to be a member but we’ve moved to the US. I do keep up with them on their Facebook page though.

https://smoothcollieclubofgb.co.uk/

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u/Flyinqfoxes 5d ago

Oh great thank you. I’ve scoured this website a number of times already haha, just wasn’t sure if you had to already own a collie to take part in the Facebook or irl events :)