With its shaggy, long coat, agile movements and boundless energy, the bearded collie is a breathtaking and graceful sight when it is running free in the yard. The breed is also affectionate and playful, making it a winning choice for family companionship. The bearded collie is one of the oldest breeds in the United Kingdom. Once a Scottish shepherd developed the breed during the early 1500s, the dog was utilized for hundreds of years to herd sheep and cattle throughout Scotland. In those days, the breed was called a Highland collie and a Highland sheepdog. The bearded collie’s name today reflects the appearance of the long facial hair that resembles a beard and differentiates the breed from other collies. By the early 1900s, the bearded collie was being bred and shown in England. It was not until 1967 that the first litter of bearded collies was born in the United States. In 1976, the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed. The bearded collie is a member of the herding group.
The Beardie is a medium-sized, agile dog with a shaggy appearance due to its long coat. This breed was bred for herding and can run very fast. Beardies have long double coats with soft, thick undercoats and wooly, straight outer coats. They need regular weekly brushing to prevent mats from forming. Some owners prefer to trim Beardies’ coats. The bearded collie stands 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 45 to 55 pounds. The long, coarse coat of a bearded collie is waterproof. The outer coat is flat and drapes downward over the entire body. Bearded collie puppies are born with black, blue, fawn or brown coats, and these colors may lighten over time as the puppy matures into adulthood. The coat may or may not also display white markings. The eye color coordinates with the coat color. A black or brown bearded collie has brown eyes. A blue dog has blue or gray eyes, and a fawn coat pairs with hazel or lavender eyes. Their expression is bright, alert and playful. The ears, also covered with long hair, hang downward. Unless it is wagging with excitement, the shaggy tail is carried downward as well.
Personality
The Bearded Collie is a very energetic dog that is full of life and enthusiasm. It is a clever and playful dog with a high degree of independence. It’s very friendly towards children and loves to goof around. It needs ample daily exercise otherwise it may get rambunctious and bored. Bearded collies can be boisterous and bouncy when their enthusiastic energy gets revved up. This can overwhelm some people, but these dogs are affectionate, playful and love children. They are herders, however, so this instinct will likely be demonstrated with small children and other pets. Bearded collies prefer to spend all of their time alongside household family members. They are intelligent and active, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation. Bearded collies are happy and exuberant, and their excitement is expressed with a lot of barking. They do well in agility coursing, which keeps them active and mentally challenged.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Highland collie, Mountain collie, Beardie |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Bearded Collie Build Information
The Beardie is a medium-sized, agile dog with a shaggy appearance due to its long coat. This breed was bred for herding and can run very fast. Beardies have long double coats with soft, thick undercoats and wooly, straight outer coats. They need regular weekly brushing to prevent mats from forming. Some owners prefer to trim Beardies’ coats. The bearded collie stands 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 45 to 55 pounds. The long, coarse coat of a bearded collie is waterproof. The outer coat is flat and drapes downward over the entire body. Bearded collie puppies are born with black, blue, fawn or brown coats, and these colors may lighten over time as the puppy matures into adulthood. The coat may or may not also display white markings. The eye color coordinates with the coat color. A black or brown bearded collie has brown eyes. A blue dog has blue or gray eyes, and a fawn coat pairs with hazel or lavender eyes. Their expression is bright, alert and playful. The ears, also covered with long hair, hang downward. Unless it is wagging with excitement, the shaggy tail is carried downward as well.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Bearded Collie is a very energetic dog that is full of life and enthusiasm. It is a clever and playful dog with a high degree of independence. It’s very friendly towards children and loves to goof around. It needs ample daily exercise otherwise it may get rambunctious and bored. Bearded collies can be boisterous and bouncy when their enthusiastic energy gets revved up. This can overwhelm some people, but these dogs are affectionate, playful and love children. They are herders, however, so this instinct will likely be demonstrated with small children and other pets. Bearded collies prefer to spend all of their time alongside household family members. They are intelligent and active, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation. Bearded collies are happy and exuberant, and their excitement is expressed with a lot of barking. They do well in agility coursing, which keeps them active and mentally challenged.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
A bearded collie’s long coat requires daily brushing to maintain a healthy luster and to prevent tangling and matting. The coat presents a challenge when it comes to spotting fleas or ticks, so be diligent with inspections for these parasites as you brush. Check the ears weekly, and keep them clean and dry to reduce the incidence of ear infections. Brushing the teeth as part of his daily grooming routine will help to prevent periodontal disease and preserve overall internal health.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Brown |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Bearded Collie Common Health Conditions
Bearded collies live an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypoadrenocorticism, epilepsy and pemphigus are some of the health concerns to be aware of. Some eye conditions also join the list, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Bearded Collie Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
The bearded collie originated in Scotland. The bearded collie is also called a Highland collie, mountain collie and a beardie. The bearded collie is an intelligent, enthusiastic and energetic dog that is always in need of something to do and always eager to play and spend time with human family members. The bearded collie stands 20 to 22 inches tall and weighs 45 to 55 pounds. Bearded collies have a high energy level. Bearded collies require extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a bearded collie is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
