Bearded Collie

However, families also adore these long-haired dogs for their loving nature, playful demeanor, and laid-back attitude. With their long beards and gentle eyes, it's hard not to fall for a Bearded Collie. Known affectionately as "Beardies," these charming dogs from Scotland sport a distinctive, warm coat that attracts a lot of attention, though it does require diligent grooming.

As an active breed, Bearded Collies need plenty of exercise and thrive in families with lots of social interaction and energetic activities. They get along well with children and other pets and are known for their outgoing, affectionate, and playful personalities.

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Appearance

Bearded Collies are known for their distinctive double coat. The soft undercoat is covered by a layer of flat, harsh, long hair, giving these dogs their iconic "shaggy dog" look. The hair on their cheeks and under their chins grows longer, forming a "beard" that gives the breed its name. Their coats come in four colors: black, blue, brown, and fawn, often with white markings. The pigmentation of their eye rims, noses, and lips matches their coat color; black-coated dogs have black features, while blue-coated ones have blue-grey features, and brown-coated dogs have brown features.

These medium-sized dogs can grow up to 22 inches tall and weigh as much as 55 pounds. They have large, expressive eyes that reflect their gentle and affectionate nature, and their furry tails are always wagging.

While Bearded Collies often get mistaken for Old English Sheepdogs due to their similar coats and colors, there are key differences. Old English Sheepdogs are much larger, potentially weighing up to 100 pounds, and they typically have bobbed tails, unlike the naturally long-tailed Bearded Collies.

Personality

Like other herding dog breeds, Bearded Collies (or "beardies") thrive on having a job to do. They are highly skilled in the field and remain popular for farm work in Scotland. However, that doesn't mean they're all about work.

As pets, beardies are loving, gentle, and very sociable. They have a knack for making friends with everyone they meet, which is handy because their distinct appearance often turns heads!

"The breed is friendly, charismatic, affectionate, and independent," says Jerry Klein, DVM's chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club (AKC). Their lively and outgoing nature makes them excellent companions for active and social owners. There is one thing to note, though: beardies are an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental engagement. Without it, they can get bored and anxious. Fortunately, bearded collies are smart, quick learners, and easy to train. After an intense training session or active playtime, these furry family members enjoy cuddling up for some quality snuggle time.

Living Needs

Herding dogs thrive when they have plenty of space to explore, so they do best in homes with fenced yards. If you don't have a yard, frequent walks and visits to the dog park are essential to help them burn off their endless energy. For bearded collies, a tired dog is a happy dog. These dogs are very adaptable and can fit into almost any family as long as they get enough exercise. However, their tendency to bark means they might not be the best choice for apartment living.

"A well-socialized bearded collie does well in a family with other dogs and children," says Klein. If bearded collie puppies are introduced to cats early on, they can live peacefully together, though their herding instincts might lead them to try rounding up other pets.

Bearded collies were bred to work independently and manage entire flocks on their own, so they could handle being alone for a few hours while their owners were at work. Just make sure these lively and friendly dogs get plenty of interaction and exercise when you're home.

Care

These dogs are full of energy and love to stay active. Plan to spend at least an hour each day exercising your beardie. Their intelligence and athletic nature make bearded collies great at activities like agility, rally, obedience, herding trials, and other dog sports.

"Bearded collies thrive with regular exercise, such as long walks, hikes, playing ball, or running around in the backyard," says Klein.

In addition to physical activity, it's crucial to keep their minds engaged. Bearded collies are smart and need mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzles, and games like hide and seek can keep them entertained and mentally sharp.

Grooming is just as important as exercise for bearded collies. Klein describes it as a "two-step process." First, daily brushing removes dirt and tangles and prevents painful mats in their long hair. The second step involves a deep brushing once a week to remove any dead hair. Using a pin rake and detangling spray can help keep their coat looking great. Occasional baths also help remove excess dirt and oil.

Besides their double coat, you should also take care of other aspects of their grooming. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth at home and professional cleanings, is necessary. Klein also emphasizes the importance of trimming their nails to prevent discomfort while walking.

Bearded collies respond best to consistent positive reinforcement training. To keep them from getting bored, make training sessions fun with games and fast-paced activities. This keeps their minds engaged while teaching new skills and tricks. Bearded collies can be independent, so patience and positive reinforcement with treats and praise are key to successful training.

Health

Bearded Collies typically live between 12 to 14 years. According to Klein, breeders need to check their dogs for health problems common to the breed. Here are some issues to look out for:

Hip dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip joint and socket don't fit together properly, leading to painful grinding instead of smooth movement. If not treated, it can result in osteoarthritis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis: The leading cause of hypothyroidism in dogs, this condition happens when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Symptoms include tiredness, sluggishness, increased shedding, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis.

Cancer: Bearded Collies are susceptible to cutaneous fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that forms malignant tumors in the soft tissue. These tumors often show up as single lumps or bumps under the skin and can cause swelling, pain, lameness, and loss of appetite.

Additionally, the Bearded Collie Foundation for Health advises regular eye exams for this breed to catch any potential eye issues early.

Exercise Requirements

Bearded Collies are energetic and need plenty of outdoor exercise to stay happy. To keep them calm and well-behaved indoors, make sure they get a good, long walk every day—at least an hour, even when you're busy.

Besides daily walks, your Bearded Collie will love spending a few hours playing in the yard. They also need indoor activities, especially on rainy days. Opt for durable chew toys to avoid quick destruction. Fun games like hide-and-seek and short training sessions are great for keeping their minds sharp and engaged.

Training

When you bring your new Bearded Collie home, it's important to start training them with basic commands like "come," "sit," and "stay" right away. You can begin as early as eight weeks old, even if they seem very young. Keep the training sessions fun and engaging to prevent your dog from getting bored and losing interest.

Since Bearded Collies love food, using treats can make training more effective. However, they can also be quite stubborn, especially if they'd rather be doing something else. Hiring a professional trainer can be a great way to get started if you're new to dog training. Once you feel confident handling and training your dog, you can continue the training at home.

Bearded Collies are also excellent at agility activities. Consider enrolling your dog in a local agility club, where they can exercise, socialize with other dogs, and learn new skills. You can set up agility exercises in your backyard if there isn't a club nearby. This will help keep your Bearded Collie fit and healthy.

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History 

Bearded Collies, also called Highland Collies or Mountain Collies, come from Scotland. They were known for their endless energy and extraordinary herding abilities, which made them favorites on cattle ranches. According to the Bearded Collie Club of America (BCCA), ranchers relied on these dogs to manage cattle and sheep in the fields and move herds to market. These dogs worked long hours, often in tough conditions and all kinds of weather.

Although commonly seen on European farms, Bearded Collies were also popular among the upper classes. They are thought to descend from European breeds like the Komondor and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.

After World War I, the Bearded Collie population decreased significantly. European breeders put in a lot of effort to preserve the breed, and although they succeeded, Bearded Collies are still quite rare. The first recorded litter in the United States didn't appear until 1967, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1976.

Fun Facts

Hollywood has a soft spot for bearded collies. These dogs have appeared in beloved films like Mary Poppins, The Absent-Minded Professor, and the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. Even Tiger, the famous dog from "The Brady Bunch," was a bearded collie.

In 2017, a bearded collie named Ellee stole the spotlight by winning Best in Show at the AKC National Owner-Handled Series dog show.