Bearded Collie: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, or Beardie, is a lean, active herding dog from Scotland, standing roughly 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder. Its long, flat, shaggy coat comes in slate, reddish-fawn, black or blue with white markings, and it falls in a natural part along the spine. Long hair covers the eyes and forms the beard that gives the breed its name, and the tail is carried low with a plume. Beneath the coat it is a surprisingly athletic dog, built to move easily.

Beardies were used to gather and drive sheep and cattle across rough Highland country, and that history shows in their springy gait and their endless enthusiasm. They are cheerful and inquisitive dogs that do well in families that can match their energy and tolerate a good deal of hair and mud.

Temperament and family life

A Beardie is outgoing, affectionate and playful, and it often greets people with a bounce and a wagging tail. It is usually friendly with strangers and good with children, though the exuberance and size can knock down small ones. The breed tends to remain puppyish for several years.

It usually gets on well with other dogs and pets. Some Beardies herd by leaning, nudging or mouthing, and they can be vocal, with a clear, ringing bark. They dislike being left alone for long stretches, and a bored one can dig, chew and become mischievous.

Exercise and training

Beardies are strong and need an hour or more of active exercise daily, including walks, runs, fetch and chances to explore. They enjoy herding, agility, rally and obedience as well as simple outings in the countryside. Mental stimulation matters, but the breed is happy when it is outdoors with its people.

Training works best when it is varied, gentle and fun. Beardies are quick learners but can be willful or easily distracted, and they dislike repetition or harsh words. Use rewards, keep sessions short and be consistent. Early socialization and puppy classes are recommended. Teaching a calm greeting prevents jumping, and a fenced yard is important as the breed can be an escape artist.

Grooming and shedding

The coat needs a regular routine. Brush and comb it right down to the skin at least twice a week, since mats form behind the ears, under the legs, in the beard and on the hindquarters. A conditioning spray helps, and the coat is often easier to care for if it is trimmed a little. Pet owners sometimes choose a shorter clip, but it takes the coat a long time to recover.

Beardies shed moderately through the year and more in some seasons. The beard collects water and food, so wipe the face after meals. Clean the ears, trim the nails and check the feet after outdoor walks, as burrs and mud cling to the coat.

Health

The breed is generally healthy but is known for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases including Addison's disease and pemphigus, and some eye conditions. Responsible breeders test hips and eyes, and may screen thyroid function. Knowing a pedigree for autoimmune problems is useful when choosing a puppy.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Bearded Collie is generally traced to Scotland, where shepherds kept shaggy dogs for gathering stock on hill country. The modern show breed was founded in the 1940s by Mrs. G. Olive Willison, who acquired a Beardie by accident and set out to preserve the type. The breed came to the United States in the 1950s, and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1976.

Is the Bearded Collie right for you?

A Beardie suits an active, easygoing family that wants a happy dog to join walks, travel and play, and that does not mind brushing and wet beards. It is a poor choice for people who are away from home for long hours, who dislike a shaggy coat or who want a quiet, sedate dog.

Compare the larger, more sedate Old English Sheepdog, the smoother Collie and the smaller Shetland Sheepdog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is another shaggy herder.