Dog Breeds > Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie

Bearded Collies are generally seen as farm dogs due to their original purpose as a sheepdog. However, they are extremely excellent family pets with their very playful and patient temperament. Their lively nature and intelligence makes them a very suitable companion for children.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Bearded Collie is considered as one of Britain’s oldest dog breeds. The breed was said to have started after a Polish lowland sheepdog (traded by a Polish merchant to a local Scottish shepherd) was bred with local Scottish dogs. Before World War II, the breed was commonly called Highland Sheepdog, Highland Collie, and Hairy Moved Collie. Bearded was added after the long hairs that grow on the chin of the dog. Mrs. G. Olive Willison resurrected the Bearded Collie in 1944 after it had almost become extinct during World War II.

Physical Appearance

The average Bearded Collie is 51 to 56 cm and weighs around 18 to 27 kilos. The major characteristic is the dog’s thick, long and dense coat that covers even the eyes. The color coat varies to any pattern however the most common are gray, white, black and brown.

Grooming

Because of the long and shaggy coat, daily brushing is necessary for the Bearded Collie. To effectively do this, you must lightly mist the coat with water before you begin to brush. Make sure to use the comb carefully and pay attention to the shedding. Sometimes, you can have the coat machine-clipped once every two months.

It is also recommended to check dog’s ears, eyes as well as paws daily. Due to the dog’s thick coat, it’s hard to find ticks so a regular check is suggested. You should only bath or shampoo the dog when necessary.

Mood

The Bearded Collie is happy-go-lucky and cheerful. The dog loves to wag its tail and is very playful. The Bearded Collie is also exuberant, energetic and full of energy. On top of that, the dog is very intelligent, obedient, and trainable.

Bearded Collies are also known barkers however they do this as sign of their leadership and herding ability. They’re not considered watchdogs, as they’re not aggressive, but they’re self-confident and stable.

With Children

The Bearded Collie is a perfect companion for a child. The dog loves to be with people, especially the master and his/her friends. The Bearded Collie’s nature for being affectionate and gentle makes it just fitting for children even those who play rough and tough.

Training & Exercise

The Bearded Collie’s active nature makes it suitable for the outdoor. It’s not advisable to keep the dog inside the house as it has the tendency to become fairly active and might do things that you might not want to see. The dog is very excellent as a farm dog and is very good with rugged, wet areas as well as windy conditions.

You would need to make sure that the dog has a regular exercise such as long walks, herding, and other high-energy physical activities. Aside from that, mental exercises are also encouraged so the dog won’t develop mischief. Make sure to keep the dog socialized to reinforce its friendly nature.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Bearded Collie’s average life expectancy is about 14 to 15 years though median for most breeds is between 12 and 13 years. This is due in part of a number of health issues of the dog that include gastrointestinal (diarrhea and colitis), musculoskeletal (CLR and arthritis), urologic diseases. Other common problems are cancer, hypothyroidism, skin problems and parasites (this is due to their very dense coat), and Addison’s disease.

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