Bearded Collie
Group 5: Working
Height:
Male: 53 – 56 cm
Female: 51 – 53 cm
Energy Level: Moderate – high
Original Function: Herding
Lifespan: 10 – 13 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
About This Breed
These herders have been popular in Scotland for centuries, and were also known as the Highland Colley, Scottish Highland Colley, Drover’s Dog and Scottish Bearded Collie. The shepherds and drovers of Scotland needed a dog that could stand for hours guarding their flocks, but also had to be built for speed and stamina. These dogs love the outdoor life and have a weather resistant coat.
The Beardie is eager to learn and likes being around people. These are gentle dogs who love to be included in all aspects of family life. Beardies also tend to get along with other dogs and household pets. Strangers will be greeted excitedly with lots of barking but are generally given a warm reception. It is inadvisable to leave the Beardie home alone for long periods or it will get bored, bark to itself for company and may cause other mischief. They need a substantial amount of both physical and mental stimulation.
The strong herding instinct can manifest in a home situation where the dog will try to herd children and even adults together into one room. They are a wonderful family dog, but because of their jovial nature, small children should be supervised, when in their presence, so that they don’t get caught in the middle of the fun.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Medium sized, lean active dog. Face has an enquiring expression. Broad head, flat with high set ears. Eyes tone with the colour of the coat. Tail is long & carried low with an upward swirl at its tip.
Temperament: Should be that of a steady intelligent working dog, with no signs of nervousness or aggression.
Characteristics: They should be alert, lively, self-confident and active.
Colour: Slate grey, reddish fawn, black, blue, all shades of grey, brown and sandy, with or without white markings.
Coat: Doublecoat: Undercoat – Soft, Furry & Close. Outercoat – Harsh, Strong & Flat, Free from Wooliness or Tendency to Curl.
Exercise: Very active, so need regular walks and free running activities. They are very responsive to obedience training and agility.
Health: This breed is relatively sound but look out for genetic hip dysplasia and eye problems. The can also react badly to certain heartworm preventatives.
Grooming: This is an extensive operation in the Bearded Collie. It is recommended that the dog be thoroughly groomed at least once a week.
It is essential to lift up the coat and get right down to the skin. Just brushing the topcoat is useless and hideous matts will form unless each layer is meticulously brushed through, preferably with a pin brush.
The hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed regularly. Toenails may also need trimming and it is wise to clean the ears on a regular basis.
Beardies do shed but if groomed properly will not shed excessively. However, during the period when puppy coat is blown, at 9 – 18 months of age, the grooming schedule should be upped to 2 – 3 times per week or there will be a tremendous amount of shedding and matting
The dog tends to look a bit ragged during this period of changing coat.