Bearded Collie Dog Breed Information
Also known as the Beardie

Snapshot Low     High Size       Trainability     Level of Energy     Exercise Needs     Level of Affection     Climate Tolerance     Good With Children     Tolerance of Animals     Suitable as Watch Dog           Thanks to Philipp Mamat for the great photo.

Bearded Collie Dog – Just The Facts

General Description

The outgoing and affectionate Bearded Collie has long been a servant to man. The “Beardie” comes from Scotland where these dogs were used to herd sheep.

Today, Beardies make wonderful family pets. They are active dogs and can excel in obedience, agility and other dog sports. Like most herding dogs, the Bearded Collie is very intelligent and they are devoted to their families.

Origin and History

It’s believed that the Bearded Collie is descended from the Komondor of Central Europe or perhaps the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. However, the dogs have been in Scotland for so long that they are quite unique now, though they carry out similar work as the Komondor.

They have been known at various times in Scotland as the Highland Collie, the Mountain Collie and the Hairy Mou’ed Collie, the word “collie” being a generic term for dogs that herd in Scotland.

Beardies are first seen in paintings in the 1770s of the Duke of Buccleigh’s family. The dogs remained popular as herding and droving dogs even after they began to be seen at dog shows in the 19th century. They are still used for this purpose today in some places. Their primary purpose today is as a family companion.

Bearded Collie Temperament

The Beardie is a friendly, high energy dog. They are very intelligent and, like many herding breeds, they have keen problem solving skills, so they like figuring things out. This means they do exceptionally well with dog training. If you do not provide training for them they can get into trouble.

They need plenty of exercise and things to keep them busy. Otherwise, they may get into mischief in your home. Beardies are very loving and loyal dogs and they will be devoted to you and your family. They get along very well with children and other pets. They generally make good watchdogs but they are only average guard dogs since they have never been intended to be aggressive dogs.

Care, Grooming, Diet & Exercise

Living Environment – Like most dogs, this breed prefers to be with you and wants to know what you’re doing. They will follow you around. They do enjoy being outdoors when possible.

These dogs have lots of energy and need plenty of daily exercise. A large yard is much appreciated. They are not recommended for apartment living and they are rather active indoors. Beardies who are kept as herding dogs can be kept outdoors though shelter is, of course, necessary.

Grooming – Beardies do require more than average grooming. It’s best if they can have at least some slight grooming on a daily basis and a thorough grooming each week. With their long coat they are prone to matting, so check for mats daily. Brushing is advised instead of combing since combing will tear the hair.

Diet & Exercise – The Bearded Collie has average dietary needs. However, this breed has lots of energy and they do need plenty of daily exercise. A daily run in an area that is secured is recommended.

Health – Beardies are prone to several health problems such as canine hip dysplasia, cancer, cerebral vascular problems, chronic kidney failure and Addison’s Disease. If you are interested in a Beardie you should talk to a breeder about possible health problems in the breed.

Bearded Collie Trainability

Bearded Collies are very intelligent dogs. They can be easily trained to do most anything. They can excel at obedience and agility work. They enjoy training and they have a strong desire to please. They do very well with positive dog training methods (praise, rewards).