Traits and Characteristics
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The Beardie is a medium-sized dog with a long, lean, strongly made body, which gives the impression of both strength and agility. This breed’s gait is supple and powerful, with good reach and drive. The ability to make sharp turns, quick starts, and sudden stops is essential in a sheep herding breed, and the Beardie must be able to keep this activity up for a long period of time under all conditions. This dog’s coat is double with a soft, furry undercoat. The outer coat is flat, harsh, and fairly straight; it is sufficient to protect the dog but not so much as to obscure the dog’s lines. The Beardie’s expression is bright and inquiring.
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Energy Level
Exercise Requirements
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness to Dogs
Friendliness to Other Pets
Friendliness to Strangers
Watchfulness
Ease of Training
Grooming Requirements
Heat Sensitivity
Vocality
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Temperament
The boisterous Beardie is lively and playful, full of enthusiasm and energy. This dog is smart and obedient, but is an independent thinker with a clownish sense of humor. Beardies like children, but may be too rambunctious for small children and may try to herd them when playing.
Upkeep
This active dog needs either a good jog, a very long walk, or a vigorous play session every day. The Beardie especially enjoys herding. The long coat needs brushing or combing every other day.
Health
- Major concerns: none
- Minor concerns: CHD, epilepsy, colonic disease, pemphigus, Addison’s
- Occasionally seen: CHD, PRA, PPM, cataract, vWD
- Suggested tests: hip, eye, thyroid
- Life span: 12–14 years
History
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 eighteenth century, hard evidence of the breed cannot be found until the early nineteenth 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 herding dogs made it difficult for outsiders to acquire one from their shepherd owners. 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 popular pet and continues as a capable herder, although is more popular as a competitor in herding trials than as an actual working dog.
