About the breed

Bearded Collies are a Scottish breed tracing their history back hundred of years as working sheepdogs. They hail from the northernmost part of Scotland where the working conditions are harsh and call for a hardy, stable dog. There are very few records of their early history as working animals and the breed was on the brink of extinction until the 1940s when they were imported into England and across the sea to the United States and recognized by those respective kennel clubs. All modern Bearded Collies trace their lineage back to just a handful of the original imported animals.

Stats

Bearded Collies range from about 20-22” tall at the shoulder. They are a medium sized breed. They typically weigh from 40-60 lbs, males usually at the larger end of the spectrum, females at the smaller end. They are a very healthy breed in general and their lifespan is typically 13-15 years. They can come in four different colors; black, blue, brown and fawn. The color of the dog is darkest at birth, but fades out over time due to a progressive greying gene. The color of the nose pigment is most indicative of the true color of the dog. Black dogs will have black noses, blue dogs will have dark grey noses, browns have brown noses, and fawns have a lighter pinkish-brown nose. They can also carry tan markings, but these will fade in time and will become nearly imperceptible on the adult dog. The amount of white will vary depending on the dog, but most Beardies will have four white feet, a white blaze and beard, and a white chest and tail tip.

Their temperament, ideally, is a happy-go-lucky dog who is eager to work. Some Bearded Collies are more reserved than others. Some are extremely outgoing. They should be confident and biddable and willing to please. They tend to get along well with other dogs and animals, especially other Bearded Collies!

Energy Level and Exercise

Because they were originally working dogs bred to herd sheep, Bearded Collies are an active breed of dog. Most of them will exhibit some level of herding instinct and drive, meaning that they are prone to chase things that move! That can include other animals, children, cars, etc. They do need a good amount of mental and physical stimulation in order to prevent unwanted behaviors caused by boredom. The best activity for them is, of course, sheep herding. They are highly trainable and excel in dog sports like agility, rally, nosework, tracking, and barn hunt. Long walks or hikes, or jogging next to a bicycle can also provide them with an outlet for their energy. If their physical and mental needs are being met, they are actually quite content to lie around the house and nap.

Grooming Requirements

Bearded Collies are a double coated breed. This means that they have long, textured guard hairs as well as a softer, more downy undercoat. They DO shed, although compared to shorthaired breeds and most double coated dogs the shedding is minimal. The majority of dead coat will be removed with proper grooming methods. The coat grows long when it is well-maintained. When in full coat, they should be thoroughly brushed out 2-4 times per month. The hair doesn’t take a lot of skill to maintain. . . if you can operate a hairbrush you can groom a Bearded Collie. That said, they will get tangled and matted if not properly and thoroughly groomed on a regular schedule. They can be kept in shorter clips for ease of maintenance as shorter hair requires less frequent grooming. For more grooming information, click here!