Meet The Bearded Collie: The Most Adorable Dog Breed You’ve Never Heard Of

Meet The Bearded Collie: The Most Adorable Dog Breed You’ve Never Heard Of

The bearded collie is one of the most adorable yet rarely seen dog breeds. With their shaggy coats, expressive faces, and playful personalities, bearded collies make wonderful family companions. However, they are not common pets and remain a bit of a mystery to many. If you’re looking for a loyal, fun-loving dog that will turn heads at the park, the bearded collie could be the perfect choice.

A Brief History of the Bearded Collie

The bearded collie breed has its origins in Scotland, where they were bred as herding dogs in the 1600s. Their name comes from the hair on their chins, which resembles a beard. For centuries, bearded collies worked alongside Scottish shepherds, driving sheep and cattle to market. Their weather-resistant coats protected them from the harsh Scottish climate.

The bearded collie remained relatively obscure until the 1940s, when a British breeder named Mrs. G.O. Willison began promoting the breed. She imported new bloodlines from Scotland and established the first bearded collie breeding program. Over the next decades, the breed gained notoriety as an appealing family pet. Bearded collies were imported to the United States starting in the 1960s.

Breed Standard of the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie breed standard describes the ideal features, temperament, and characteristics of the breed as established by the Bearded Collie Club of America. Some key points from the breed standard:

• General Appearance – Active, alert, and intelligent. Shaggy coat with distinct beard. Medium size.
• Size – Ideal height is 21-22 inches for males, 20-21 inches for females. Weight 45-55 pounds.
• Coat – Double coat with soft, furry undercoat and shaggy, medium-length outer coat. Never curly or wiry.
• Color – All colors allowed, including black, blue, brown, fawn, and red. Merles and whites also allowed. No preference for any color.
• Head – Broad, flat skull. Square muzzle covered in hair giving a bearded appearance.
• Gait – Straight, free, and easy movement. Agile and graceful.
• Temperament – Self-confidence balanced by sensitiveness. Even disposition. Alert, intelligent, lively, active, and affectionate.

Physical Characteristics of the Bearded Collie

• Size – 18-22 inches tall at shoulder; 45-55 lbs
• Coat – Double coat with fuzzy, medium-length hair over soft undercoat. Common colors are black, blue, brown, fawn, and red.
• Head – Broad skull with square muzzle. Long hair on cheeks forms a beard.
• Ears – Medium-sized, hanging down alongside the face.
• Tail – Long and hairy. Carried low with an upward swirl at the tip when relaxed.
• Life Span – 12-14 years

Personality and Temperament of the Bearded Collie

The bearded collie is an exceptionally smart, energetic, and affectionate breed. They thrive when given plenty of attention and playtime. Without proper exercise and training, bearded collies can become rambunctious and difficult to handle. However, their intelligence makes them very responsive to positive reinforcement training. Well-trained bearded collies are obedient, polite, and loyal family members.

Bearded collies get along wonderfully with children and form strong bonds with their owners. They are gentle despite their high energy levels. However, bearded collies do require a lot of grooming and interact best with considerate children who will help brush them. Overall, these dogs make excellent playmates for kids.

Grooming Requirements for the Bearded Collie

The bearded collie has a high-maintenance coat that requires daily brushing and grooming. Their long double-coat is prone to matting and tangles if not properly cared for. Many owners choose to trim the hair on the dog’s face and feet for easier upkeep. Show dogs require even more intensive grooming to keep the coat in top condition.

Bathing a bearded collie is also difficult due to the density of their fur. It can take hours to fully dry a bearded collie after a bath. Therefore, it’s recommended to bathe them only every 4-6 weeks, focusing on brushing and combing in between baths. Regular brushing spreads natural oils through the coat for a healthy shine.

Health Problems of the Bearded Collie

• Hip Dysplasia – Malformation of hip socket that leads to arthritis. More prevalent in some bloodlines than others.
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis – Immune system attacks thyroid gland; leads to hormonal issues. Managed with medication.
• Allergies – Common allergies to food or environmental allergens. Typically treated through changes in diet.
• Eye Issues – Prone to conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy later in life. Annual eye exams recommended.

Training the Bearded Collie

Smart and energetic bearded collies need early socialization and training to prevent problem behaviors. Puppies should be introduced to many people, animals, places, and situations to build confidence. Obedience training is also essential to teach good manners and prevent overexuberance.

Bearded collies respond extremely well to positive reinforcement techniques that utilize praise, play, and food rewards. They are sensitive dogs that will shut down if subjected to harsh corrections. Their human family must establish themselves as consistent pack leaders. Interesting activities like agility, tracking, or herding trials provide mental stimulation. Well-exercised bearded collies are calm and affectionate pets.

Diet and Nutrition for the Bearded Collie

• Calories – 900-1200 calories per day
• Protein – 25% of diet
• Fats – 12-15% of diet
• Carbohydrates – Balance of diet
• Calcium – 1.2%-2.2% dry matter intake
• Activity Level – Very active

Bearded collies should eat high-quality commercial dog food formulated for active breeds. Divide daily food into multiple smaller meals. Avoid overfeeding. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories. Provide constant access to fresh water. Discuss optimal diet with your veterinarian.

Exercise Needs for the Bearded Collie

The energetic bearded collie requires 60-90 minutes of exercise every day. They excel at dog sports like agility, flyball, herding trials, and obedience competitions. Long walks, hikes, swimming, or playing fetch are great daily activities. Bearded collies also need mental stimulation through training sessions, puzzle toys, and social interaction. Without adequate exercise, bearded collies easily become bored and destructive. Providing various engaging activities will keep a bearded collie fit and happy.

Where to Buy a Bearded Collie

Reputable bearded collie breeders can be found in these major U.S. cities:

• New York, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Los Angeles, CA
• Houston, TX
• Phoenix, AZ
• Philadelphia, PA
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• Dallas, TX
• San Jose, CA

Contact local breed clubs for referrals. Vet prospective breeders carefully and meet puppies and parents before purchasing. Adoption is also an option through bearded collie rescues.

Cost of Owning a Bearded Collie

Expect to pay $1000-$2000 for a Bearded Collie puppy from a responsible breeder. Adult dogs adopted from rescues or shelters range from $75-$500.

Annual costs of owning a bearded collie average $1500-$2000. Major expenses are food, veterinary care, grooming, training classes, supplies, and boarding. Pet insurance can offset medical costs.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Bearded Collie

Pros

• Affectionate, loyal
• Gentle with children
• Intelligent and trainable
• Excel at dog sports
• Fun-loving personality

Cons

• Require extensive grooming
• Prone to separation anxiety
• Need significant exercise
• Shed moderately year-round
• May try to herd children/pets

Bearded Collie Clubs and Rescues

Connect with other bearded collie lovers through these organizations:

Health Research and Advocacy for Bearded Collies

The Bearded Collie Health Foundation funds research on health issues affecting the breed. The foundation also provides educational resources for owners. Visit www.bchf2.org to learn more.

Adorable Bearded Collies in Pictures and Video

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYiRW419ABU – Bearded collie compilation video
• www.instagram.com/waltergeoffreythebeardedcollie – Popular bearded collie on Instagram
• www.pinterest.com/pin/303500462365782578/ – Bearded collie puppy pictures

Interesting Bearded Collie Blogs and Articles

• rufflyspeaking.net/2015/09/14/so-you-think-you-want-a-bearded-collie – Bearded collie ownership guide
• www.petful.com/breeds/bearded-collie/ – Overview of breed highlights
• pandapaw.com/blogs/panda-paw-dog-blog/bearded-collie – Bearded collie facts and puppy photos

Online Bearded Collie Groups

Connect with fellow bearded collie owners on these active forums:

• Facebook Group: Bearded Collies Rock
• Facebook Group: Bearded Collie Owners Support Group
• Reddit: r/BeardedCollies

The bearded collie is a special breed – both beautiful and full of personality. Their shaggy good looks, trainability, and devotion make them phenomenal family dogs. With ample exercise and grooming, the bearded collie can thrive in an active home. Are you ready to add one of these charismatic dogs to your life?