Bearded Collies

Appearance:

Body: Long and lien with a strong, level back, well-sprung ribs, and deep chest.

Coat: Medium length, a soft undercoat and strong, harsh, shaggy outer coat.

Color: Black, brown, fawn, and blue.

Ears: Medium-sized, long drop ears camouflaged with long hair and set high on the head.

Eyes: Large and expressive; wide-set.

Feet: Oval-shaped and well-padded with arched toes.

Head: Broad, flat skull with a moderate stop, strong muzzle and large nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-boned.

Neck: Strong and muscular with a slight arch.

Size:
Weight: 16 - 20 pounds
Height: 10 - 13 inches

Tail: Low set with an upward swirl at the tip and abundant feathering.

Behavior

Not Recommended if You're a Fussy Housekeeper

Beardies make an ideal companion for an owner who has the time and energy to devote to them. They are highly intelligent dogs that need to be challenged constantly to avoid getting bored. Once bored, these mischievous dogs will find their own ways of keeping busy which may include destructive behavior. They are a sociable dog that should not be left alone for extended periods of time.

The Bearded Collie is a boisterous, happy, and highly active breed of dog with a carefree personality and a love of children. They're forgiving, reliable and independent with a love for play and a strong need for both mental stimulation and physical exercise such as herding, hiking, and agility. They will gladly watch over other pets but may take to biting their heels in a herding fashion. They are a non-aggressive dog and will make a devoted family member.

As with most working-type breeds, the Bearded Collie is an independent thinker and can be stubborn. They will do best with a handler who will set and enforce the rules in a positive and rewarding way. The Beardie is sensitive and will respond best when rewarded with praise and treats. If handled poorly, they may become difficult to manage.

If your a fussy housekeeper, this may not be your best choice of dog breed. The Bearded Collie will track in dirt and splash his water around on the floor and on you.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Herding Group
Beardies are working dogs bred to herd sheep and cattle.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Beardies need lots of mind-stimulating exercise and play time. Be sure you are able to devote a great deal of your time and energy to this breed before considering bringing one home. A bored Beardie will likely become destructive.

Grooming: The grooming of the Bearded Collie is challenging and may be more time-consuming than the average dog owner is willing to devote . Line-brushing (separating the coat into sections) is recommended weekly before each bath and again after drying them. Clipping the coat short is an option but not recommended as the coat insulates them from both the hot and cold weather conditions.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Addison's Disease
Allergies
Cataracts
Hip problems
Low Thyroid*
Skin Conditions

*Schmidt's syndrome - a combination of an under-active thyroid and an under-active adrenal gland.

Bearded Collies who have been neutered have a predisposition to incontinence.

Country of Origin

Undetermined: The Bearded Collie is one of Britain's oldest dog breeds. They were said to have been brought to Scotland by Polish traders in the early middle ages and may have descended from the Magyar Komondor in Central Europe.