This is a lively and energetic, somewhat quirky, yet highly intelligent breed of dog. They are known for their immense love for people and their long, shaggy coat, which requires significant time and effort to maintain. Additionally, they can sometimes be quite stubborn, so owning such a dog demands a lot of patience and effort. Among enthusiasts of the breed, this dog is affectionately called the “Beardie,” and they are famous for their characteristic “bouncy gait.” However, beneath that adorable appearance and sweet temperament lies an independent dog with an athletic build, high energy levels, and a curious mind. Like all dogs, Bearded Collies exhibit a range of temperaments—from calm to very lively.

Breed Overview – Physical Characteristics

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with a long, shaggy coat that comes in black, blue, brown, or fawn colors, often with white markings.

 

  • Height: 20–22 inches (50–56 cm) at the withers.
  • Weight: Typically between 44–55 lbs (20–25 kg).
  • Coat: Long and shaggy, available in various colors such as black, blue, brown, and fawn, often with white markings.
  • Lifespan: 12–14 years.

 

Height 20 – 22 inches at the shoulder Weight 44 – 55 pounds
Adaptability 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 Child Friendly 🟢🟢🟢🟢
Apartment Friendly 🟡🟡🟡 Exercise Needs 🟡🟡🟡
Dog Friendly 🟢🟢🟢🟢 Health Issues 🟡🟡🟡
Barking Tendencies 🟢🟢🟢🟢 Intelligence 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Energy Level 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 Grooming 🟢🟢🟢🟢
Trainability 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 Territorial 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Social Needs 🟢🟢🟢🟢 Stranger Friendly 🟢🟢🟢🟢

 

History of the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a breed that originated in Scotland, developed by crossing Highland Collies with Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON). You might wonder how a Scottish and a Polish breed came to be crossed. The story goes that in 1514, a Polish ship transporting sheep to Scotland traded three Polish sheepdogs for a ram and a ewe. These Polish dogs were then bred with local Collies, giving rise to the Bearded Collie. This story seems quite plausible, but the development of the breed also required some selective breeding.

In addition to herding sheep, these dogs assisted in driving flocks to market during the 17th and 18th centuries. They worked quietly, and little was known about them until 1912, when a breed standard was written. It wasn’t until much later that the Bearded Collie was exhibited at dog shows in England, with a female becoming the first breed champion in 1959. Interest in this breed grew after that, and the dogs gained popularity in the United States and Canada.

History of the Bearded Collie - The Bearded Collie is sitting on the grass

The Bearded Collie Club of America was established in 1969, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1976. Today, the Bearded Collie ranks 112th among breeds registered with the AKC.

Temperament and Personality of the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is an active, sociable, and affectionate dog, making it highly ranked among family dogs. They are hardy and energetic, with the intelligence and agility typical of herding breeds. Bearded Collies are usually neither shy nor aggressive, exhibiting a reasonable and stable character—except when acting like clowns, which they often do.

Bearded Collies are friendly toward other pets, especially if raised with them. They are also excellent with older children, though their natural energy can sometimes overwhelm younger kids. Their herding instincts include a love of guarding and chasing, so proper training is essential to ensure these instincts are expressed appropriately.

When selecting a puppy, be sure to talk with the breeder about the type of temperament you’re looking for in a dog. Breeders can help you choose a puppy whose personality best suits your family.

Temperament and Personality of the Bearded Collie - two Bearded Collie are running

What You Need to Know About Bearded Collie Health

Bearded Collies can have certain health issues that require attention. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, autoimmune thyroiditis, a skin condition called pemphigus foliaceus, and Addison’s disease. While not every Bearded Collie will develop any of these problems, being aware of these potential risks beforehand can help you find a reliable breeder.

The Bearded Collie is lying on the grass

The Bearded Collie Club of America, which is the parent organization for this breed in the United States under the American Kennel Club (AKC), participates in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program. To receive a CHIC certificate, a Bearded Collie must undergo hip evaluation by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), OFA testing for autoimmune thyroiditis, and an eye exam by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). OFA testing for elbow dysplasia is optional.

It is essential to choose a responsible breeder who performs health screenings on their breeding dogs to minimize risks. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight are also key factors in ensuring your pet has a long and healthy life.

Remember, once you bring your new puppy home, you have the power to protect it from one of the most common health issues: obesity. Keeping your Bearded Collie at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend its life. Take advantage of all preventive measures to ensure a healthier and longer life for your dog.

Grooming Needs of a Bearded Collie

One of the Bearded Collie’s most iconic features is its coat. However, this is also the most demanding aspect of caring for a Bearded Collie. You should spend 30 minutes to an hour each week grooming their coat. Brushing and combing with a pin brush or detangling brush, along with combing with a stainless steel comb, will help keep their double coat free of tangles. Before brushing, lightly spray the coat with water or a detangling solution to prevent damage to the hair. It’s a good idea to have your breeder show you how to groom an adult dog’s coat properly.

Bathe your Bearded Collie every six to eight weeks, or more often if their furry rear becomes soiled.

In addition to grooming time, be prepared for dirt, mud, and debris that your dog may bring into the house on their shaggy paws. Light trimming can reduce mess and give their paws a neat appearance.

If regularly groomed, a Bearded Collie shouldn’t shed excessively, but they do go through a period of heavier shedding once a year, lasting two to four weeks. They also shed more intensely during the two to three months when their puppy coat transitions to an adult coat. Grooming a puppy requires very little time, but starting early is important to accustom them to sitting still while you care for their coat.

Grooming needs of a Bearded Collie

Other grooming needs are basic. Trim their nails as needed, usually once a month. Brush their teeth regularly to maintain overall health and fresh breath. Check their ears weekly for dirt, redness, or an unpleasant smell, which could indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, clean them with a cotton ball moistened with a gentle ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.

Socialization of the Bearded Collie

Bearded Collies thrive in homes where they can actively participate in family life. They do well in environments with fenced yards but should not be left alone outside for extended periods. The Bearded Collie is a devoted and intelligent family member. As a herding dog, it has a loud bark and is an excellent watchdog, alerting its family to the presence of strangers, though it is not a guard dog. Bearded Collies are wonderful companions for children but can be overly playful for very young kids. They are better suited for families with older children who can handle their bouncy and energetic nature.

Socialization of the Bearded Collie

When purchasing a Bearded Collie puppy, make sure to choose a breeder who raises the puppies in a home environment and ensures they are exposed to various household sights, sounds, and people before they move to their new homes. Continue socializing your Beardie by enrolling in puppy classes, visiting friends and neighbors, and taking trips to local stores and other places. This should be a fun experience for both of you, as Beardies love being the center of attention.

Training and Education of the Bearded Collie

Begin training as soon as you bring your Bearded Collie puppy home while they are still manageable in size since they will soon reach a weight of 44–55 lbs (20–25 kg). Use positive reinforcement training techniques, such as praise, play, and food rewards, and be patient. Although they can be independent and stubborn, Bearded Collies are quick learners and respond well to kind, consistent, and firm training. Intelligent and athletic, they excel in dog sports like agility, herding, obedience, and rally.

Training of the Bearded Collie - The Bearded Collie is running

While you might think of the Beardie as an outdoor dog, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Tying a Bearded Collie in the yard and neglecting them is not only cruel but can also lead to aggressive and destructive behavior. A Beardie certainly needs access to a securely fenced yard, but when the family is home, they should be indoors with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bearded Collie is a wonderful breed that brings joy and energy to any home. With their friendly nature and intelligence, they make excellent pets for active families or individuals ready to invest time in training and socialization. If you’re considering welcoming a Bearded Collie into your family, prepare for an exciting journey filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures!