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.
