Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, also called Beardie, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Scotland. They have a distinctive shaggy coat and an amiable personality.

Bearded Collie Breed overview

The Bearded Collie is an affectionate and playful breed that loves to be around its human family members. They are great with children and other dogs, and enjoy regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. While they have a moderate tendency to shed and may require regular grooming, they are a healthy and adaptable breed that can do well in a variety of living situations. However, due to their high energy levels, they may not be suitable for apartment living or for novice dog owners. Overall, the Bearded Collie is a lively and intelligent breed that excels in herding, obedience, and other tasks.

Height:
20-22 inches
Weight:
45-55 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-14 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Bearded Collie

Grooming

Beardies have a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They should be brushed at least once a week and carefully combed to remove any tangles. They also need to be bathed and trimmed periodically to keep their coat healthy and clean.

Health

Beardies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain eye disorders. It is important to have them regularly examined by a veterinarian and to keep up to date with their vaccinations and preventative care.

Nutrition

Beardies should be fed a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It's important not to overfeed them or give them too many treats, as they can be prone to weight gain. Owners should consult with their veterinarian for advice on the best diet for their Beardie.

Training

Beardies are intelligent dogs that generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are eager to please and enjoy learning new tricks and skills. Early socialization is important to help them grow into well-adjusted adults.

Exercise

Beardies are an active breed and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and games of fetch. They also love to participate in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding trials.

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Bearded Collie Traits & Characteristics

Beardies stand between 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) tall and weigh between 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg). They have a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, blue, and fawn. They are a well-proportioned dog with a square head, broad skull, and strong jaws. They have a friendly, inquisitive expression.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Bearded Collie is a highly affectionate breed that loves to be around its human family members. Their gentle and loving nature makes them perfect for families with children or seniors.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Bearded Collie is a great dog for families with children. They are playful and energetic, and love to be around kids, making them great companions and playmates.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Bearded Collies are very sociable and enjoy the company of other dogs. However, due to their herding background, they may occasionally try to herd other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Bearded Collies are generally friendly with strangers, but can be reserved or cautious at first. Proper socialization and training can help them become more comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Bearded Collie is a playful and energetic breed that loves to play and run. They enjoy games of fetch and other activities that require them to use their brains and bodies.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Bearded Collies are very alert and watchful, thanks to their herding background. They are quick to alert their owners of any unusual activity or suspicious strangers.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Bearded Collies are adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations. They are able to adjust to new environments and situations, but may need some time to settle in.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. They shed moderately, and may not be suitable for people with allergies.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and looking its best. Regular brushing and trimming is required to prevent mats and tangles.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Bearded Collie is not a drooler. They keep their mouths clean and dry, making them a great choice for people who are concerned about cleanliness.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Bearded Collies are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular walks, playtime, and other activities that allow them to use their bodies and minds.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular walks, playtime, and other activities that allow them to use their bodies and minds.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Bearded Collies are a working breed that excel at herding, agility, obedience, and other jobs. They enjoy having a job to do, and thrive in environments that allow them to use their intelligence and energy.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Bearded Collies are not a breed with strong hunting tendencies. They may not be suitable for people looking for a hunting companion.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Bearded Collies are a high-vigor breed that have plenty of physical endurance and stamina. They are able to maintain high levels of activity and energy for extended periods of time.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and other health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are recommended.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Bearded Collies have a moderate tendency to become overweight or obese, thanks to their love for food. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent obesity.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Bearded Collies have a moderately high tolerance for cold weather, thanks to their long, thick coats. However, they may need extra protection in extreme cold temperatures.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Bearded Collies have a low tolerance for hot weather, thanks to their long, thick coats. They may need extra cooling and protection in hot temperatures.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that may not be suitable for apartment living. They require plenty of space to run and play, as well as regular exercise.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Bearded Collies have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, thanks to their herding instincts. They may need to be supervised when outside of a secure area.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Bearded Collies are a sensitive breed that may become stressed or anxious with negative reinforcement. Positive training methods are recommended for this breed.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Bearded Collies are social dogs that enjoy being around their human family members. They may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Bearded Collies are not excessive barkers, but they do have a tendency to bark when they are excited or when they want attention.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Bearded Collies are an intelligent breed that require plenty of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy games and puzzles that challenge their problem-solving abilities.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Bearded Collies are an intelligent and trainable breed, but may not be the best choice for novice dog owners. They require consistent training and plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Bearded Collie is an intelligent and trainable breed that is eager to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency in training.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Bearded Collie is a highly affectionate breed that loves to be around its human family members. Their gentle and loving nature makes them perfect for families with children or seniors.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Bearded Collie is a great dog for families with children. They are playful and energetic, and love to be around kids, making them great companions and playmates.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Bearded Collies are very sociable and enjoy the company of other dogs. However, due to their herding background, they may occasionally try to herd other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Bearded Collies are generally friendly with strangers, but can be reserved or cautious at first. Proper socialization and training can help them become more comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Bearded Collie is a playful and energetic breed that loves to play and run. They enjoy games of fetch and other activities that require them to use their brains and bodies.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Bearded Collies are very alert and watchful, thanks to their herding background. They are quick to alert their owners of any unusual activity or suspicious strangers.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Bearded Collies are adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations. They are able to adjust to new environments and situations, but may need some time to settle in.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. They shed moderately, and may not be suitable for people with allergies.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and looking its best. Regular brushing and trimming is required to prevent mats and tangles.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Bearded Collie is not a drooler. They keep their mouths clean and dry, making them a great choice for people who are concerned about cleanliness.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Bearded Collies are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular walks, playtime, and other activities that allow them to use their bodies and minds.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular walks, playtime, and other activities that allow them to use their bodies and minds.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Bearded Collies are a working breed that excel at herding, agility, obedience, and other jobs. They enjoy having a job to do, and thrive in environments that allow them to use their intelligence and energy.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Bearded Collies are not a breed with strong hunting tendencies. They may not be suitable for people looking for a hunting companion.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Bearded Collies are a high-vigor breed that have plenty of physical endurance and stamina. They are able to maintain high levels of activity and energy for extended periods of time.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and other health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are recommended.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Bearded Collies have a moderate tendency to become overweight or obese, thanks to their love for food. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent obesity.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Bearded Collies have a moderately high tolerance for cold weather, thanks to their long, thick coats. However, they may need extra protection in extreme cold temperatures.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Bearded Collies have a low tolerance for hot weather, thanks to their long, thick coats. They may need extra cooling and protection in hot temperatures.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Bearded Collies are a high-energy breed that may not be suitable for apartment living. They require plenty of space to run and play, as well as regular exercise.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Bearded Collies have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, thanks to their herding instincts. They may need to be supervised when outside of a secure area.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Bearded Collies are a sensitive breed that may become stressed or anxious with negative reinforcement. Positive training methods are recommended for this breed.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Bearded Collies are social dogs that enjoy being around their human family members. They may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Bearded Collies are not excessive barkers, but they do have a tendency to bark when they are excited or when they want attention.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Bearded Collies are an intelligent breed that require plenty of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy games and puzzles that challenge their problem-solving abilities.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Bearded Collies are an intelligent and trainable breed, but may not be the best choice for novice dog owners. They require consistent training and plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Bearded Collie is an intelligent and trainable breed that is eager to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency in training.

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History of the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is an ancient breed that was developed in Scotland as a herding dog. It is believed that they are descended from Polish Sheepdogs that were brought to Scotland by foreign traders. They were originally called Highland Collies or Mountain Collies and were later renamed Bearded Collies because of their distinctive facial hair.

Bearded Collie Puppies

Beardie puppies are born with short, smooth coats that develop into the shaggy, tousled look as they grow older. They are lively, curious, and full of energy. They require plenty of socialization and positive reinforcement training to help them grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.