Bearded Collie dogs were developed in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle in any terrain or weather. Today, they serve as excellent family companions, show dogs, and working sheepdogs.
Bearded Collies excel at obedience, agility, rally, and other dog sports because of their energy and quickness. In addition to being affectionate, they also make good pets for novice dog parents. While they need a good amount of exercise, they prefer a fenced-in yard to run around. Ensure the fence is secure, as these puppies can be excellent escape artists! Look no further if you’re looking for a sweet, loyal friend who can keep you on your toes!
Famous Bearded Collies:
The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Agent Cody Banks (2003)
Lands End Catalogue (09/2001) – featured a Bearded Collie
The Brady Bunch (1969 – 1974), the family dog, Tiger, was thought to be a Beardie
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Bearded Collie History
One of Britain’s oldest breeds is the Bearded Collie. Known as the Highland Collie, Hairy Mou’ed Collie or Mountain Collie, these shaggy herding dogs have aided farmers for centuries.
Historically, farmers did not keep records, so it is unclear how the Beardie came to be. Still, many believe that a merchant from Poland visiting Scotland in the 1500s traded a pair of
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for other goods. These dogs were likely crossed with local sheepdogs to develop what would become the Bearded Collie.
Bearded Collie-type dogs first appear in Gainsborough’s portrait of 1771 and Reynolds’ 1772 portrait. Livestock Journal published a description of the breed in 1818. At the end of the Victorian era, bearded collies were popular working and show dogs, but they didn’t have a breed club or an official standard (an indication of how a breed should look and act). As working sheepdogs, the breed was kept alive by shepherds who valued their working ability.
After World War II, GO Willison began breeding Beardies for the show ring, and she was instrumental in forming the Bearded Collie Club in Britain in 1955. Challenge Certificates and Championships were first granted by the Kennel Club in 1959. After that, the breed gained popularity.
A few Bearded Collies arrived in the United States during the late 1950s, but none was bred. The first litter of Beardies was born in the U.S. in 1967. In 1969, the Beardie had gained enough popularity that the Bearded Collie Club of America was formed. On February 1, 1977, the breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club’s Working Group and later assigned to the Herding Group. AKC currently ranks the Bearded Collie 104th out of 155 breeds and varieties.
Bearded Collie Traits
The adjective most often used to describe a Bearded Collie is enthusiastic! The words hardy, active, exuberant, energetic, reliable, bright, and trustworthy should give you a clearer picture of this well-loved breed. Known affectionately as the Beardie, the Bearded Collie is the ultimate
shaggy dog. Bearded Collie is named after its beard, which hangs down from the chin.
His bouncy nature displays Beardie’s enthusiasm. Beardies working in thick undergrowth in Scotland are said to bounce up to find sheep and bark in front of stubborn sheep to get them moving. In any case, Bearded Collies bounce through life with a constantly wagging tail and a clownish attitude.
However, they aren’t for everyone. They are highly intelligent, active, and resourceful. To keep up with them, you need to be smart and energetic. Those with Beardies must be willing to brush long hair, deal with mud-stained feet after every outing, and deal with hairy beards drip water when they drink. Whether indoors or outdoors, Bearded Collies are social and will want to participate in all activities with their family. When a Beardie is bored, his intelligence and energy can be misdirected to destructive behaviour.
Their high energy level makes them excellent playmates for children; they will spend hours running and playing with them. However, dogs are rambunctious, and young children should always be supervised when interacting with them.
A bearded collie’s temperament is outgoing and affectionate, but he can have a stubborn streak due to his heritage as a sheepdog. Obedience training is essential if you want to establish order and discipline in your dog’s life. Positive reinforcement methods such as play, food rewards, and
praise can make learning fun. Under abusive or harsh conditions, Bearded Collies do not learn. Get excellent results by starting early.
Due to their herding heritage, Beardies are alert and make excellent watchdogs, barking when someone is approaching. You’ll also hear them bark when they’re happy, excited, bored, or alone. If you don’t teach them to control their barking when they’re young, you’ll end up with a nuisance barker.
When properly introduced to other animals, preferably as puppies, beardies will incorporate them into their “flock.” Beardies are herding dogs, so they are always willing to chase cats, even if the cats don’t want to play. The breed is not aggressive toward other dogs and will play happily with dogs of any size.
When you meet some Beardies and breeders and decide this is the breed for you, you can look forward to having an active, energetic companion for 12 to 14 years. There’s nothing a Bearded Collie can’t do, whether competing in the show ring, in obedience or agility trials, herding sheep for a living or herding trials, chasing Frisbees in the backyard, playing with the kids, or just hanging out.
Health
This Breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
- Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Note: Some Beardies can react to monthly heartworm prevention. Discuss this with your veterinarian to decide whether a daily preventive is better.
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.
