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Bearded Collie: Characteristics, Exercise, Health
(Beardie)
Group: AKC Herding,
KCGB Pastoral
AKC Ranking: 104
Also Known As:
Beardie
About
Bearded Collie
Origin
and History of the Breed
A Polish sea captain traded
three of his Polski Owczarek Nizinnys, or
PONs, to a Scottish shepherd for a ram and
ewe in 1514. The dogs bred with local herding
stock and their offspring formed the basis
of the Bearded Collie breed, which became
known as the ‘Highland Sheepdog’
or ‘Highland Collie’ or ‘Hairy
Moved Collie.’ Collie is a Scottish
word for sheep-herding dog. The dogs were
(and still are) highly valued for their ability
to do a good herding job in southern Scotland’s
misty, rainy and cold.
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The Bearded Collie nearly disappeared,
but a mating pair revived it in 1944. The Bearded
Collie Club was founded in England in 1955. The
first U.S. litter was born in 1967.
A General Appearance of
the Dog
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized
shaggy herding dog whose face and tail are always
happy. Beardies bounce (a type of trot) everywhere
they go – and they are on the move much of
the time. Its demeanor exudes strength, agility,
and endurance. He appears to have stocky legs and
a square head with a short muzzle, but part of that
appearance is due to his long, flowing coat. He
has a bright, inquiring expression.
Coat Color
All Bearded Collies are born black,
blue, brown or fawn and may or may not have any
white markings. With maturity, the coat lightens
and white markings may appear as a blaze on the
face, on the skull, on the tip of the tail, on the
chest, legs and feet and around the neck. Tan accent
markings can appear on eyebrows, inside of ears,
on the cheeks, and on the legs.
Coat Type
Bearded Collie has a double coat
with the outer coat being water-resistant. The undercoat
is soft, furry, and close. The outercoat is flat,
harsh, and shaggy (not woolly or silky) and has
no curliness. The coat flows down both sides of
the dog’s body.
Height
Male: 21-22”
Female: 20-21”.
Weight
40-60 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The Bearded Collie, or ‘Beardie’,
is known by its happy-go-lucky bounce, which shows
its playful attitude. They can be mischievous.
Beardies are lively and playful
and are very good with children. They need constructive
activities such as herding, hiking, jogging, biking
or watching over other pets to stop them from getting
bored. If these dogs don’t get lots of attention
and exercise, they dig, chew and get into trouble.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
They love to be outside, but can
overheat due to their heavy coat. Because they like
to run and to be outside (in all types of weather),
they are not recommended for apartment life. Even
when they are indoors, they will bounce and play.
They love to run rather than being on a leash, so
a large, securely fenced yard is necessary.
Bearded Collies do not mind being
outdoors most of the time as long as there is a
sheltered place they can sleep and the weather is
not too hot or humid. However, they should not be
left to entertain themselves as they will get into
trouble. They need a job to do such as herding sheep
or goats. They also need interaction with people.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
Beardies are lively and playful
and are very good with children. This is an excellent
family dog.
Activity
Level
How active is the breed?
They are very active all through
their lives. They love to play games with their
owners. Even when they are indoors, they will bounce
and play. They love to run rather than being on
a leash, so a large, securely fenced yard is necessary.
How much exercise is needed
at every stage of life?
Bearded Collies need quite a bit
of exercise at all stages of life. Everything and
everyone excites the Beardie, causing him to start
bouncing.
Grooming
Daily brushing is necessary for
the long, heavy coat. Mats should be teased out
as they are found. In spring and fall, when the
dog is shedding, he may need the use of a shedding
blade.
Professional grooming twice a
year is a real help in coat care. Ears, eyes, and
paws need to checked a couple of times a week.
Check for ticks and fleas and
don’t forget use a monthly flea and tick preventative.
Health
and Care
Genetic Problems
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s
disease, thyroid disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic
Insufficiency) are possible health issues for Beardies.
Breeding the Dog and any
Cautions
Breeding has no known problems.
Litter Size: Litter sizes are
usually 6-8 but can be as few as 4 or as many as
12.
Life Span: They live to be 14-15
years of age.
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National Breed Clubs
US – Bearded Collie Club of America –
www.beardie.net/bcca
British – Bearded Collie Club – www.beardedcollieclub.co.uk
Other Recognition: AKC,
CKC, FCI, UKC, CKGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Rescue Link: http://beardie.net/bcca/rescue.htm
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