Bearded Collie Overview

With an appearance very unlike other collies, the Bearded Collie is nonetheless very similar. It is highly energetic and intelligent, always ready for a vigorous play session or a long stretch of free-running. This is a good thing, because this is a breed that needs daily exercise very much. 

With high energy and an athletic build, Bearded Collies are not well-suited for apartment life. Their ideal home is on a ranch or any other place with a large plot of land. Even better, this dog is perfect if it can be put to herding or some other form of work. 

Grooming needs are high, requiring thorough brushings once every few days. The Bearded Collie is certainly not ideal for the casual owner. But it is an excellent choice for an active family.

Bearded Collie History

Historical evidence indicates that the ancestors of the Bearded Collie arrived in Scotland in the 16^th century. But it is not until the early 1800s do we get solid proof of their existence. Early texts describe a dog with great herding potential and a high resistance to the often cold and wet Scottish climate. It could drive cattle and herd sheep for miles without tiring, and it was a dependable, long-lived companion. 

With the rise of dog shows, the breed was adopted in England; where preservation of its long coat was primary. Two versions of this breed were created from this cultivation, one having a brown and white coat, the other having a gray and white coat. Named the Border and Highland, respectively, they were eventually combined. Both versions are accepted in dog shows. 

As the whole of Europe was rebuilding after World War I, the Bearded Collie was entirely utilized as a working dog. Because of this, the breed did not arrive in the U.S. until much later. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1977. 

Today the Bearded Collie makes its mark in the show ring or on ranches, though some have adopted it as a household companion.

Bearded Collie Character

The Bearded Collie is always ready for anything. With a seemingly infinite capacity for play and exercise, this breed will always keep its owner busy. It prefers time with the family over anything else, so it is best to include it in as many activities as possible. If it becomes bored, it will become destructive in an attempt to burn off energy. 

But it is a biddable dog as well, preferring to obey and keep its owner happy. Training is moderately easy, but it will take extra work for the dog to succeed in competitions. Although sometimes it prefers to interrupt training sessions with play, so it does best with owners who have a sense of humor. 

The breed is patient and friendly with all manner of creatures, more so with proper socialization. They are great with children, but they may be too energetic and bouncy for toddlers. They also tend to exhibit herding behavior while playing with children. 

The best home for the Bearded Collie is where it can split its day between the home and yard. It will always be happy if it can spend the day exercising, and then come home to a nice, warm bed.

Bearded Collie Care

The Bearded Collie requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The coat must be misted with a conditioning spray prior to brushing. Professional clipping can be done every two months. Dry shampooing or bathing should be done as needed. This breed is prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and auto-immune disease.

Bearded Collie Training

As independent thinkers, the Bearded Collie will occasionally decide that they know best. Some are easier to housetrain than others. This breed is highly trainable for various activities. Obedience training is a must as they have a tendency to be headstrong. They excel in tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks, and competitive obedience. They respond best to firm, fair, consistent, and loving methods of training.

Bearded Collie Health

Common Health Issues for the Bearded Collie:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Bearded Collie:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Bearded Collie Resources