Bearded Collie
AKA: Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou ed Collie, Beardie
Description: The Bearded Collie, or the Beardie, is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog. It is an agile herding dog with a shaggy coat all over its body. The head of the Beardie is broad, and the muzzle short. Its eyes are wide and harmonious with the color of its coat. The ears lie close to head. Its tail is long and is carried low or wagging (if the dog is excited).
Dynamics: The Beardie is an exuberant and playful dog. It can be seen as an affectionate and happy-go-lucky one. It is a great companion to children. Male Beardies tend to more bold and outgoing, while the females are calmer and more submissive. The Beardie has to be with people and shouldn’t be left with nothing to do. The Beardie has a lot of energy and is very lively.
Beardies also tend to think a lot and can be headstrong, so obedience training is a must. The Beardie is a natural herder, but it is not made to be a watch dog.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg)
Height: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Color: The color of the Beardie’s coat changes several times. As a puppy, the Beardie is generally black, brown, fawn or blue. It then fades to light gray or cream as it grows. When it reaches maturity, the coat darkens to their adult coat in any of the four colors black, brown, blue, or fawn.
Country of Origin: The Bearded Collie originated from the Kingdom of Scotland, when the Polish Sheepdog (an ancestor of the Beardie) was introduced in 1514. The Beardie was used for herding sheep and cattle for centuries. It almost disappeared in the early 20th century but was rescued by mating a pair in 1944.
Activities: The Beardie needs a lot of exercise. It enjoys running and playing.
Other Info: The Beardie’s life expectancy is about 14-15 years. It is generally healthy but hip dysplasia is possible and the dense coat may hide external parasite infestation. The Bearded Collie is not suitable for apartment life. It is a very active dog and will grow up best in homes with a yard or big space. The Beardie prefer to be outdoors and should not be confined.
Grooming: Daily grooming is important. Mist the coat lightly before brushing it. Take special care when the Beardie is shedding and tease out the mats before they get bad. Check regularly for ticks, and bathe when necessary. The eyes, ears, and paws should also be checked regularly.
Tags: bearded collie, breed, dog