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The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized Scottish herding dog with long hair that often covers their eyes. This breed stands just under 2 feet tall and weighs about 50 pounds, with a small dark-colored nose and floppy ears. Mrs. G. Olive Willison founded the modern Bearded Collie in 1944, and they became a member of the American Kennel Club in 1977.
Breed Overview
Height:
20–22 inches
Weight:
40–60 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Black, blue, brown, fawn
Suitable for:
Active families with large yards, experienced owners
Temperament:
Active, alert, intelligent
The original Bearded Collie dates back to at least the 1500s, when Scottish shepherds used them for herding sheep. This dog has a high activity level and requires plenty of grooming, but they’re intelligent, alert, and loyal to their family members.
Bearded Collie Characteristics
Bearded Collie Puppies
The Bearded Collie is not an affordable breed. While high-quality breeders may have long waiting lists and charge more than inexperienced breeders, you will have a better chance of receiving a healthy puppy that doesn’t come from a puppy mill. You will usually need to pay more for breeding rights and for a show-quality dog that’s fit for competition than you will for a pup classified as a house pet or companion.
When you bring a Bearded Collie home, be ready to have an energetic dog that wants to play with you. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Try to socialize your pup as soon as you can so they can get along with other pets and animals.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are extremely intelligent, and like many other smart breeds, they can also be stubborn and independent. This dog requires plenty of activity and can get destructive by digging or chewing if not allowed outside to play for a few hours each day. They’re loving and affectionate but will do better if at least one member of the home has experience with a dog with stubborn tendencies.
The Bearded Collie is smart and can learn many tricks if you are patient with them. This breed has been participating in herding and agility competitions for hundreds of years. They’re alert and make a great watchdog and/or companion on long hikes.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes, the Bearded Collie can make a great family pet. They’re affectionate and loyal and enjoy being around family members. That said, they’re not so clingy that you can’t go to work without worrying about separation anxiety. They can do quite well on their own for several hours and will spend plenty of time patrolling their living area even when you are there.
They can be stubborn and fussy, which can cause bad behavior. They also like to run while in the house, so they might knock over small children accidentally. They might also nip at the heels of family members in an attempt to herd them, which can be upsetting to children and strangers, so you need an experienced owner who can train your Bearded Collie at an early age to stop this behavior.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, Bearded Collies usually get along with other house pets, especially if they are socialized early. They may try to herd cats, which can cause problems, but the cats can usually get out of reach, and the dog will get used to it quickly. They might also bark at other dogs on walks in an attempt to herd them, but this can usually be avoided by starting your walks when they’re still a puppy.
Things to Know When Owning a Bearded Collie
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Your Bearded Collie is extremely active and will need food high in protein that offers them the energy they need and the building blocks for strong muscles. We recommend checking the ingredients list to make sure chicken, fish, beef, lamb, or other real meat is the first ingredient. Avoid food that replaces it with a meat byproduct, meat meal, or corn product, as these ingredients aren’t as high quality and can even lead to weight gain. Brands that contain probiotics can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and strengthen the immune system. We also recommend brands that contain omega-3 fatty acids to help produce a shiny coat and reduce inflammation, among many other health benefits.
Exercise 🐕
Your Bearded Collie is extremely active and will require a minimum of 40 minutes of exercise each day. Since they like to run, frisbee or fetch are ideal, and they will likely chase after a ball all day long. Dog parks are another smart choice since they often have courses designed to help dogs burn energy. Insufficient exercise will cause your pet to gain weight, which will strain their joints, causing inflammation and pain. Your pup can also become bored if they’re not active enough and will begin barking, digging, and chewing.
Training 🎾
Most owners describe their Bearded Collie as stubborn and independent, so you can expect this breed to give you a challenge when training them. We recommend setting up a routine while your dog is still a puppy to increase your chance of success. Set aside 5–10 minutes each day at the same time for training your pet, and go over your command several times. Consistency is critical to getting your dog into the habit of training and focusing on your commands. Keep a few treats in your pocket, and repeat a command several times as you motion to your pup what you want them to do. If they get it right, give them a treat and try again.
If your dog doesn’t understand what you are trying to teach them, don’t get discouraged or disappointed. You also shouldn’t try to push on them. For instance, if you are trying to teach the sit command, don’t push down on their back. Holding a treat in your hand while the dog is facing you and then slowly moving your hand over their head toward the tail will usually cause them to sit as they follow the treat. It can take many tries before your dog learns a new command and responds on the first try, so be patient and expect to hold your daily sessions for the foreseeable future.
Grooming ✂️
- Coat: Your Bearded Collie will need a considerable amount of grooming to keep their coat looking clean and healthy. Daily brushing will be required to remove dirt and tangles and keep these from becoming mats. The long hair will pick up all kinds of debris, and you will be amazed at what you find in the fur, so it is important to keep up with it. You may also need to use a pet-safe detangling spray, and an occasional trip to the groomer can also help, especially after the shedding seasons of spring and fall.
- Ears: You will need to pay special attention to this breed’s floppy ears, which can hold moisture and dirt, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause an infection. Staying vigilant about cleaning and drying the ears is the best way to reduce the risk of your dog having a problem.
- Nails: Since your Bearded Collie is so active, they will likely wear down their nails as they run and jump outdoors. However, if your pet spends a lot of time inside and you hear them clicking on the floor, you will need to trim them.
- Teeth: We highly recommend getting your dog used to manual brushing early in life. Dental decay is a significant problem for dogs, and you can help slow the progression by manually brushing your pup’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste and offering a dry kibble, which will help scrape away tartar as your dog crunches.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
Minor Conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition that occurs in many breeds and is the result of the hip joint not forming correctly at birth. This malformed joint wears down quickly and affects the dog’s ability to put weight on the back legs. It can even lead to lameness in some dogs, and it will likely require medication and possibly even surgery. It’s especially feared in large breeds, where the massive size and weight of the dog cause the bones to degenerate faster, but it can also advance rapidly in active breeds like the Bearded Collie due to their constant running and jumping.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Unfortunately, due to their high energy level, your Bearded Collie is susceptible to elbow dysplasia. It is similar to hip dysplasia, but it affects the bones in the elbow and can prevent the dog from using one or both of its front legs. Treatment is the same as for hip dysplasia and usually consists of medication, surgery, and weight management.
Serious Conditions
- Cataracts: This condition in dogs is similar to that in humans and usually occurs as the dog reaches old age but can happen at any time. It involves a clouding of the lenses of one or both eyes that can prevent light from entering the eye. It’s usually the result of genetics, but diabetes and other medical conditions can be behind its onset. You should take your dog to the vet if you notice the eyes clouding and know that it may require medication or surgery.
Male vs. Female
The male Bearded Collie is slightly taller than the female, but they are usually similar in weight. They are also the same in temperament and behavior, with few differences between the sexes.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bearded Collie
1. Famous Throughout History
You can find the Bearded Collie in paintings from the 1700s.
2. Multiple Monikers
The Bearded Collie has other names, including Highland Collie and Mountain Collie.
3. Once Endangered
Bearded Collies were almost extinct after World War I, but caring breeders increased their numbers.
Final Thoughts
Bearded Collies make fantastic pets for someone with experience dealing with stubborn dogs. They’re extremely intelligent and can learn several tricks if you are patient. They will also keep a close watch over your house while you sleep or are away. The key to this dog is giving them plenty to do to keep them busy so they burn off excess energy and are ready to focus.
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Featured Image Credit: Zuzule, Shutterstock
