Bearded Collie Guide: Temperament, Grooming, Health and Adoption

Overview

The Bearded Collie is placed in the Herding Group by the American Kennel Club, which lists Scotland as its origin. It is described as an active, agile and intelligent working breed that can show some stubbornness and independence.

Bearded Collie history

The United Kennel Club says the breed is said to descend from Polish Lowland Sheepdogs left in Scotland and bred to local herding dogs. It was used widely in Scotland for herding sheep and driving cattle before becoming familiar to the wider world. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1976, and the United Kennel Club did so in 1979.

How big do Bearded Collies get?

AKC lists the breed as medium-sized, at 45-55 pounds. Both AKC and the United Kennel Club give male height as 21 to 22 inches and female height as 20 to 21 inches. The body is longer than it is tall and described as lean and strongly made.

Bearded Collie temperament and family companion qualities

AKC describes the Bearded Collie as smart, bouncy and charismatic. AKC's general ratings score the breed 5 of 5 for child compatibility and dog compatibility. VCA Animal Hospitals describes social dogs that greet people with enthusiasm, are easily distracted and often enjoy other dogs. Many keep a herding tendency and may try to gather people or other pets. Some are sound-sensitive, so puppies benefit from calm exposure to household noises.

Activity and training

VCA Animal Hospitals says Beardies like new challenges but can bore easily, so frequent praise and play breaks help keep training interesting. The same source notes that Beardies left to entertain themselves may make their own fun, such as unrolling toilet paper.

Bearded Collie grooming and do Bearded Collies shed?

AKC lists a long, silky coat and rates the breed's shedding at 3 of 5 and its grooming frequency at 4 of 5. VCA Animal Hospitals says brushing properly at least once a week keeps shedding to a minimum. It adds that tangles should be removed promptly because they can cause discomfort and coat damage. The coat fades in puppyhood, then darkens again in adulthood.

Bearded Collie lifespan and health issues

AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-14 years for the breed. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that hypothyroidism appears in the breed, along with some auto-immune disease. It suggests asking whether the parents are certified free of hip and eye problems. A veterinarian can advise on what testing and monitoring suits an individual dog.

Questions to ask when you adopt a Bearded Collie

• Ask how the dog behaves around other dogs and pets, since the breed often enjoys canine company but may herd. Ask about the dog's response to household noise. Ask for a grooming demonstration and what coat upkeep the dog currently needs.