Smithfield (dog) facts for kids

The Smithfield, also known as the Smithfield Collie or Smithfield Sheepdog, was a type of herding dog. These dogs were large and strong, similar to collie breeds. They could be black, grey, or red with a white collar, or sometimes entirely white. Smithfields always had floppy ears and shaggy fur on their bodies, faces, and legs.

There were two main types of Smithfields: one with a naturally short tail (called a natural bobtail) and another with a longer tail. These dogs were used to move cattle, especially in the southeast of England, including the famous Smithfield Market in London. Today, the original Smithfield breed is thought to be extinct. It was never officially recognized by big dog clubs before it disappeared. However, dogs that look very similar are still shown under the same name in Tasmania, Australia.

What is a Smithfield Collie?

The Smithfield dog first came to Australia a long time ago, when it was a British colony. It was a very useful dog for working with animals, especially around the meat market in Smithfield, London. These dogs stood about 45 to 53 centimeters (18 to 21 inches) tall and had a shaggy, messy look.

Not much was written down about this breed. Even though it's not an officially recognized pure breed by the Australian National Kennel Council, you can still see dogs of this type at the Campbell Town Show in Tasmania. Many older farmers still own these dogs. Some breeders are also working hard to keep the original Smithfield lines going for the future.

How Does a Smithfield Look?

The Smithfield has a different look compared to the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Sometimes, people call them 'the British Smithfield' to tell them apart. Their fur grows long, rough, and shaggy. This type of coat helped them stay warm, especially since they were originally found in England and often lived on the streets.

What is a Smithfield's Personality Like?

Smithfield dogs are known for being friendly and patient. They are also very good with children. However, remember that they are working dogs. This means they need lots of exercise to be happy and calm at home. Playing fetch with a ball, learning new tricks, or catching a Frisbee can help them use up their energy if they aren't working as herding dogs. As long as they get some exercise every day, they will love being with their family. They will happily relax at home and bark in a friendly way to let you know when visitors arrive.

Images for kids

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  A Smithfield dog.

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  Another view of a Smithfield dog.