Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 8 and 12 years. Regular activity, an appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary care promote its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its general constitution is solid and resilient. This robustness does not, however, rule out certain hereditary predispositions specific to collies, particularly affecting the eyes, the skin, the nervous system and the heart.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular vigilance must be paid to the eyes, skin, heart and the possible occurrence of neurological seizures. Any visual, skin or behavioral change, or any decrease in exercise tolerance, warrants a veterinary consultation.
Collie eye anomaly : Hereditary condition that can lead to developmental abnormalities of several structures of the eye.
Coloboma : Congenital malformation linked to the incomplete development of a part of the eye.
Entropion : Inward rolling of the eyelid likely to irritate the cornea.
Retinal atrophy : Progressive degeneration of the retina that can impair vision.
Patent ductus arteriosus : Congenital heart malformation due to the incomplete closure of a vessel after birth.
Epilepsy : Neurological disorder that can cause recurrent seizures.
Dermatomyositis : Inflammatory disease mainly affecting the skin and sometimes the muscles.
Erythematous lupus : Autoimmune disease likely to affect the skin in particular.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense undercoat gives it good tolerance to cold. Its tolerance to heat is average: during hot periods, activities must be moved to cooler hours and permanent access to shade and water must be ensured.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed is not very prone to gaining weight, but its ration must remain proportionate to its age, its size and its activity. Regular monitoring of its silhouette and weight makes it possible to quickly adjust intake if necessary.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian.
- Monitor the skin and consult in case of lesions or inflammation.
- Maintain a daily activity adapted to age and physical condition.
- Regularly examine the ears, eyes and paw pads.
Vaccination
Smooth Collie vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Smooth Collie? Like all cats, the Smooth Collie receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Smooth Collie is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Smooth Collie vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Smooth Collie?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Smooth Collie
Before breeding, screening for the main hereditary eye disorders is recommended, supplemented by a careful veterinary examination of the skin and heart. Monitoring must take into account the family history of epilepsy and other hereditary diseases reported in the breed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
