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Bearded Collie - Herding


Bearded Collie

Family:

livestock, herding


Area of origin:

Scotland


Original function:

sheep herding


Average size of male:

Ht: 21-22, Wt: 45-55


Average size of female:

Ht: 20-21, Wt: 45-55


Other names:

none


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Corbis |

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Bearded Collie Temperament

The boisterous Beardie is lively and playful, full of enthusiasm and energy. He is smart and obedient, but is an independent thinker with a clownish sense of humor.

Bearded Collie Care

This active dog needs either a good jog, a very long walk or a vigorous play session every day. He especially enjoys herding. His long coat needs brushing or combing every other day.

Bearded Collie Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: CHD, epilepsy, colonic disease, pemphigus
Occasionally seen: CHD, aortic stenosis, PRA, PPM, cataract, vWD
Suggested tests: hip, (eye), (cardiac)
Life span: 12-14 years

Dogs Related to the Bearded Collie

Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie
Bouvier des Flandres
Briard
Canaan Dog
Collie

Interested in the history of the Bearded Collie breed?

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The Bearded Collie probably originated from the central European Magyar Komondor or lowland Polish Sheepdog. In fact, records show that in 1514 two lowland Polish Sheepdogs were brought to Scotland by Polish traders. Although dogs strongly resembling Bearded Collies are depicted in art dating from the 18th century, hard evidence of the breed cannot be found until the early-19th century, when the first breed description was published. These dogs were tireless herders of sheep and drovers of cattle over rough terrain in the cold Scottish mists. Long popular as a herding dog in Scotland, after the Victorian era the breed also gained favor as a show dog. Two strains, the border strain, which was brown and white with a slightly wavy coat, and the Highland strain, which had a gray and white coat, have since been interbred and merged into one breed. After World War I, the "Beardie" was once again bred solely for work. Their value as stock dogs made it difficult for outsiders to acquire one from their Shepherd family. Eventually, however, a few breeders interested in showing Beardies were able to bring some dogs to England and then to America. The AKC recognized the breed in 1977. The Beardie has since become a prominent show dog and continues as a capable herder, although he is more popular as a competitor in herding trials than as an actual working dog.


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Some animal welfare organizations with Bearded Collies ready for adoption:

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