Bearded Collie: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The bearded collie is a medium-sized herding breed from Scotland with a sturdy body, floppy ears, and bearded facial hair that's part of a coarse, shaggy coat. Affectionately referred to as "beardies," these collies are highly energetic, intelligent working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep in Scotland.

Recognizable by their long, thick, shaggy coat that forms a beard at the muzzle, bearded collies can come in a variety of colors. Because of their unique coat and intelligence, they make excellent show dogs. They are also popular family pets for those who can keep up with their grooming and exercise needs.

Learn about the bearded collie, including their temperament, care needs, and history.

Characteristics of the Bearded Collie

Bearded collies are bright, loyal dogs who love to be part of a family. This breed is known for having a spunky and playful personality that is especially evident through their signature "beardie bounce," as these dogs jump up and down on their front feet when excited.

Their bouncy nature carries over to their temperament with people and other animals, often enthusiastic to make new friends. While they make great family dogs for kids, bearded collies are still a herding breed, and they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day to stay happy. This breed is a great choice for active people who can spend plenty of time with their dog and can tolerate stray fur around the house from their long, shaggy coat.

History of the Bearded Collie

Although the bearded collie is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, its name has changed over time. These dogs have also been known as the highland collie or mountain collie. Because farmers have bred herding dogs for centuries, the exact origin of bearded collies is unknown, but it's believed that this breed dates back to 1500s Scotland. Shaggy, long-haired working dogs were depicted in two pieces of artwork from the 1700s, which are considered the first visual depictions of the bearded collie.

Today's bearded collies were developed by G.O. Willison, who began breeding them for dog shows after World War II. She's also credited in helping develop the Bearded Collie Club in Britain, which propelled the breed to popularity around Europe.

Bearded collies arrived in the United States sometime during the late 1950s, but the first litter of puppies wasn't born until 1967. In 1969, the Bearded Collie Club of America was formed, and the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1977.

Fun fact: a bearded collie was the star of the movie, The Shaggy Dog, which was released in 2006.

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Bearded Collie Care

Since they were originally bred to work in cold, harsh climates, the bearded collie's exercise and grooming needs make them fairly high-maintenance in standard homes (especially for first-time dog owners). Also, these dogs will find ways to make their own fun if not entertained regularly, so their families should be prepared for consistent and ongoing training to raise a well-behaved bearded collie.

Exercise

Bearded collies may appear smaller than some other herding dogs, but don't let their slight stature fool you. Like other working breeds, they are athletic and muscular. Pet parents need to provide one to two hours per day of exercise. Some high-energy activities include:

• Walks
• Runs
• Bike rides
• Hikes
• Agility training
• Dog sports

Although a bearded collie may be comfortable in an apartment with plenty of exercise outside the house, this breed is better suited for a single-family home with a large yard to run around. Additionally, families with busy schedules or those who are away from the house often might not be best for a bearded collie, as they need a lot of attention to thrive.

Grooming

Because bearded collies have a long, thick, shaggy coat with a softer undercoat, they require a few minutes of brushing with a bristle or pin brush daily. They also require routine grooming weekly to help prevent tangles and mats to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Any tangles should first be sprayed with detangling spray and gently combed out with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, then brushed to smooth the hair. Removing tangles with only a brush can worsen them or harm your dog's coat and skin.

Bearded collies shed heavily for two to four weeks every year, so you'll probably want to increase the frequency of grooming during this time. This can help prevent stray fur around the house.

Examine your bearded collie's ears once a week, gently cleaning them with ear cleaning solution and a cotton pad if dirt and debris are present. Avoid cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner ear structures. If your beardie's ears are excessively dirty, red, inflamed, or smell funny, contact your vet immediately to treat the possible ear infection.

Training

Since bearded collies are extremely intelligent, high-energy dogs, ongoing obedience training is a must. Basic lessons can begin when puppies are 8 weeks old. Bearded collies have minds of their own and can be stubborn—they can even become possessive of their toys—so starting early will help your dog learn appropriate behaviors. These lessons should be interesting to stimulate your dog's mind. Positive reinforcement with treats or playtime as rewards can keep your beardie engaged.

This breed's energy level makes it ideal for active households with large outdoor spaces for running or playing fetch. Bearded collies are excellent with children and can make perfect playmates for high-energy kids, but it's important to teach young kids how to approach and handle the dog. Like any breed, kids shouldn't be left unsupervised with beardies at playtime.

Common Health Problems

Bearded collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all purebreds, they can be susceptible to inherited health issues. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for genetic conditions before breeding to avoid passing problems down to puppies.

Some conditions that might affect bearded collies include:

• Hip Dysplasia: This inheritable condition is characterized by joint weakness, stiffness, and pain caused by a malformation in your dog's hips. Although it's largely hereditary, hip dysplasia can also be caused by rapid growth or injury.
• Hypothyroidism: Obesity, lethargy, and irregular heat cycles may signal hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the thyroid gland and its hormone production. Hypothyroidism can be treated with daily medications.
• Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease): This disease occurs at a higher rate than average in bearded collies and appears to be an inherited condition. It causes an under-production of steroid hormones, which can result in lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and an inability to respond appropriately to illness.
• Allergies: Allergies can be triggered by foods, things in the environment, and more. Symptoms can include digestive upset and itchy skin.  
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This disease affects photoreceptor cells in the retina, leading to vision loss over time. It can result in blindness.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your bearded collie a high-quality dog food at least twice a day. These active dogs do best on diets high in protein, but specific nutrient needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and metabolism. Adults might need around 2 cups of food daily, and it’s best to divide the total amount fed per day into multiple feedings.

Like all dog breeds, bearded collies can become overweight or obese if they're overfed and under-exercised. If you're not sure how much to feed your bearded collie or which food is best, talk to your veterinarian to determine a healthy meal plan. Very active dogs can have a few extra treats, but overall, they should be given in moderation.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Bearded Collie

Bearded collie puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500, but prices may vary based on pedigree and availability.

If you want to adopt a bearded collie, check your local animal shelter or look for a bearded collie rescue organization in your state—if this specific breed isn't available, they may be able to recommend another shelter or rescue organization with similar dogs waiting for their forever homes.

When adopting a puppy from a breeder, it's essential to do your research. Responsible breeders do not produce new litters often and perform the necessary medical tests on both parents. Prospective adopters should be allowed to meet these parents and see that the dogs are kept in a comfortable, safe, indoor location.

To start your search, check out these resources for breed-specific rescues, the national breed club, and the AKC:

• Bearded Collie Club of America Rescue Program
• Bearded Collie Club of America Breeder Referral
• AKC Bearded Collie Breeders
  

Bearded Collie Overview

The bearded collie is a playful, friendly, and intelligent dog that can make a wonderful family pet. But these dogs have a lot of energy and high exercise needs, along with high grooming requirements. They also need to be trained to prevent bad behaviors. So, before bringing this dog home, consider everything they’ll need to be happy and healthy.

Pros of Bearded Collies

• Highly intelligent, loyal, and loving
• Kid- and pet-friendly
• Great companion for active owners
  

Cons of Bearded Collies

• High energy and exercise requirements
• Not suitable for apartment living
• Requires frequent grooming
  

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you love bearded collies, you might also like these similar breeds:

• Old English Sheepdog
• Collie
• Shetland Sheepdog

There are plenty of different dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find your next best friend!