Bearded Collie

Thinking about purchasing a Bearded Collie? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Bearded Collie breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Bearded Collie owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably,
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Bearded Collie and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Bearded Collie Breeder:

When were your Bearded Collies born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Bearded Collie, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Bearded Collie and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Bearded Collie Breed Profile

Description: The Bearded Collie is a hardy active dog, with an aura of strength and agility characteristic of a real working dog. They are stable and self-confident, showing no signs of shyness or aggression. Bearded Collies have a high level of intelligence and resourcefulness and owners must keep them busy or they will invent things to keep themselves occupied. Beardies are large dogs, very floppy and fun, usually white and grey or white and brown. They are one of the oldest breeds of Europe. An early record of these dogs describes them as "A big rough tousy-looking tyke with a coat not unlike a doormat, the texture of the hair hard and fibry and the ears hanging close to the head." Bearded Collies actually contain a fading gene that causes their fur to change color a while after they are born. They are born either brown and white or black and white, and gradually their fur changes to a grayish color. A good family dog, their natural instincts of guarding the flock will translate to guarding their family.

Other Names: Beardie, Hairy Mou'ed Collie, Highland Collie, Loch Collie, Mountain Scotch Collie, Old Welsh Grey Sheepdog

Type: Herding Dog

Height: Males: 21 - 22 inches; Females: 20-21 inches.
Weight: 40 - 60 lbs.

Colors: Slate gray, reddish fawn, black, blue, all shades of gray, brown or sandy with or without white markings. Any shade of grey or chocolate. White may appear as a blaze, or on tail tip, feet and chest.
Coat: Flat, harsh and shaggy; can be slightly wavy but not curly; soft, furry, close undercoat.

Temperament: Bearded Collies are friendly, active, willing to work, willing to please, humorous, but can also be independent.
With Children: Yes, outstanding family companion. Very loving family pets. Good with children. May try to herd children with playing.
With Pets: Medium.
Special Skills: Sheepdog and cattle herder.

Watch-dog: High; reserved with strangers but will come around quickly.
Guard-dog: Low.

Bearded Collie Care and Training: Weekly brushing of the Bearded Collie's long shaggy coat. This will keep it from matting. Mist coat lightly with water before you begin. May be professionally clipped every two months. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. Bearded Collies need plenty of daily exercise and the opportunity to run free. Train puppies from an early age not to bark, as Bearded Collies are known to bark at anything anytime. Does well in competition obedience, agility work and herding.
Special Needs: Attention, exercise and grooming.
Learning Rate: High, responds well to consistent training which is firm but not overbearing. Many trainers find Beardies challenging and pleasurable at the same time to train.

Activity: High, needs running space and a job to do.
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential. An owner of a Bearded Collie needs to be able to take time to groom, train, exercise and socialize them.

Bearded Collie Health Issues: Hip dysplasia. Other possible health concerns include allergies, autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, colonic disease and skin problems.

Life Span: 15 - 16 years
Litter Size: 4 - 8

Country of Origin: Scotland
Bearded Collie History: It is believed that in 1514 a Polish Merchant bought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs in Scotland to herd his sheep, and a man from Scotland was so impressed with the Sheepdogs (also known as Polski Owczarek Nizinny dog from Poland) that he traded some of them for a few of his sheep. The Bearded Collie was developed from the The Polish dogs were mixed with Highland Collies, the native dogs of Scotland, which became known as the Bearded Collie. In the 1940s the breed almost went extinct, but thanks to Mrs. G. Olive Willison and her search for a mate for her female Bearded Collie Jeannie, a litter was produced and thus served to rebuild the Bearded Collie population again. Used as a working companion they would drive cattle and sheep to the market. The first litter to be born in America was in 1967, and in 1977 the breed was recognized by the AKC and CKC. Since then Bearded Collies have served in competitions, as companions, and engaging in their most prominent pastime, herding. These Collies have been well accepted in Canada and the United States.

First Registered by the AKC: 1977
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC

Bearded Collies

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008