Smooth Collie vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison

Smooth Collie vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed ComparisonSmooth Collie is originated from United Kingdom but Irish Jack Russell is originated from United States. Smooth Collie may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Irish Jack Russell. Smooth Collie may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than Irish Jack Russell. Both Smooth Collie and Irish Jack Russell has almost same life span. Smooth Collie may have more litter size than Irish Jack Russell. Smooth Collie requires Moderate maintenance. But Irish Jack Russell requires Low maintenance

History

smooth collie - historyWhen 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.

irish jack russell - historyOriginating in the United States of America, the Irish Jack Russell, also known as Short Jack Russells, was bred to bring about a calmer temperament and to also have a dog with shorter legs.

Always a working dog, breeders of the Irish Jack Russell wanted to create a dog with less of a hunting instinct in him and have a dog which would be more companionable.

These Irish Jack Russells look much like your regular Jack Russell but are more of a companion dog than a hunting dog. The Irish Jack Russell doesn’t adhere to any existing Jack Russell breed standard and isn't really recognized at major dog clubs and kennels. The truth of the whole matter is that there are different kinds of Jack Russells and different names given to them to differentiate between the taller Jack Russell and the short legged one. The shorter Jack Russell Terriers are known by many names such as Irish Jack Russell and Shorty Jack Russells.

Description

smooth collie puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Temperament:

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.

irish jack russell puppy - descriptionIrish Jack Russells are small dogs standing at roughly 18 to 35cm and weighing in the region of 5 to 8kg for both males and females.

He looks much like your regular Jack Russell but he has shorter legs, and where the regular Jack Russell has an essentially white coat with orange-tan patches, the Irish Jack Russell can be solid tan or other color variations such as red, brindle, black and tan.

The coat can be short or fairly long and coarse. The Irish Jack Russell is a sturdy, compact dog with a flat skull, brown eyes and ears which are semi-erect, semi-floppy. He has a bright, alert, intelligent look on his face. The tail is set fairly high and has always been docked but these days it is inclined to be left long, taking away from the dog’s nice compact look.

Temperament:

The Irish Jack Russell is perhaps more placid than the regular Jack Russell and that is why he can adapt to life in the city or in the country. They’re intelligent dogs and therefore easy to train and have socialized.

Even though he is a small dog, training and socialization is important as he is a feisty, stubborn, know-it-all little dog. These are dogs which can become possessive of their owner and they can become quite aggressive when protecting their family. He is a highly trainable dog but it is important to have him trained as he tends to be aggressive with other dogs.

He is busy, active, happy and inquisitive and will require regular exercise to prevent him becoming restless and destructive. He has been a working terrier and he always wants to be busy.

Characteristics

The Smooth Collie ticks all the right boxes for making a splendid pet.

smooth collie dog - characteristicsNot 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.

irish jack russell dog - characteristicsThe Irish Jack Russell is a self-confident, energetic dog who will like nothing more than to be involved with everything you’re doing. The busier he is the better, and because he has strong hunting instincts you may find him digging in your garden for rats.

Have him trained and socialized if you want to avoid certain problems with him and remember to exercise him and provide him with the attention he craves.

He is a social dog and will pine away if you just leave him to get by on his own. Make sure that he becomes every bit as part of your family as everyone else and he promises to make you a loyal, devoted companion.

Health Problems

smooth collie puppies - health problemsYour 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.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

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.

Bloat or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus:

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.

Cyclic Neutropenia:

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.

irish jack russell puppies - health problemsYour Irish Jack Russell is a dog that doesn’t battle with too many health issues, but nonetheless you still need to watch out for common health problems.

Jack Russell terriers are generally a healthy breed that can live up to 14 years of age, but still every dog is prone to the more common dog problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections and dental disease among others.

If your Irish Jack Russell is in pain, he is lethargic and sick, don’t delay – take him to the vet right away.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

smooth collie dogs - caringYour 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.

Spay or Neuter:

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.

Grooming:

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.

Grooming:

irish jack russell dogs - caringThe Irish Jack Russell is an average shedder with his short or longish coat which is easy to groom, requiring a brush once or twice a week. His nails grow quickly too and they can get caught on something and cause him damage. Trim your pet’s nails to prevent this.

Diet:

Feed your Irish Jack Russell good quality dog food each day. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, be certain to check the feeding instructions on the packaging.

He is a small dog, and overfeeding can be just as bad as under-feeding. It’s never a good idea to just go on and on feeding your pet dry or wet kibble day after day. Add in some cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables as a treat and to also provide some variety for him.

Also a little bit of raw meat occasionally can do him the world of good and you’ll see the appreciation in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
18 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
Height Female:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
18 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 12
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Collie
Irish Jack Russell, Shorty Jack Russells
Colors Available:
Light gold, deep mahogany and grey, tricolour of white, black, tan
tan, brindle, White coat with orange
Coat:
Short, dense
Short or long - coarse
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Jack Russell vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Jack Russell vs Danish Swedish Farmdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Lancashire Heeler vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  5. Telomian vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  7. Pomeranian vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  8. Maltese vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  9. Pug vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  10. Maltipoo vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  11. Jack Russell Terrier vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Schnauzer vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  13. Mal-Shi vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  14. Papillon vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  16. Japanese Chin vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature English Bulldog vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Dachshund vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  19. Lhasa Apso vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Poodle vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  21. Japanese Spitz vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  22. Italian Greyhound vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  23. Rat Terrier vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  24. Scottish Terrier vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  25. Malti-Pom vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  26. Smooth Collie vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Smooth Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Smooth Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Smooth Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Smooth Collie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Smooth Collie vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Smooth Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Smooth Collie vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Smooth Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Smooth Collie vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Smooth Collie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Smooth Collie vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Smooth Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Smooth Collie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Smooth Collie vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Smooth Collie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Smooth Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Smooth Collie vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Smooth Collie vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Smooth Collie vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  46. Smooth Collie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Smooth Collie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Smooth Collie vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Smooth Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Smooth Collie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds