Bearded Collie

In my own words

 

Is that a leash I see in your hand? Yes, yes it is, I know what the means! It’s time to get active! I just love to jump and bounce around. Whether it’s a huge backyard, spacious farm or acres green of parkland, I can run for miles and miles. I often dream of my past as a herding dog in the highlands of Scotland and I can even herd you to safety if need be. So, please don’t box me up inside a little apartment! I need lots of space and lots of exercise and if I’m denied these things I will get very grumpy and upset. Aside from going on long walks, I love to play and get involved in family games and activities. Basically, I just love attention and will never wander too far from you. While I can be a little bit stubborn at the best of times, I’m also rather handy when it comes to training. I just so happen to excel in tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks and competitive obedience amongst other things. All in all, I’m a sweet happy-go-lucky dog who craves love and affection almost as much as I crave exercise.

Information essential about the Bearded Collie

 

Kennel Club Group:

Herding

Size:

Medium: Weight Male 40 – 60 lb (18 – 27 kg) Female 40 – 55 lb (27 – 23 kg)

Height Male 21 – 22” (53 – 56 cm) Female 20 – 21” (51– 53 cm)

 

 

Popularity:

 

The Bearded Collie nearly faced extinction in the post World War II years and is still fairly rare in the United States today. Following extensive breeding programs their popularity is steadily growing in the UK and elsewhere.

Breed History:

 

The Bearded Collie is one of Britain's oldest breeds. It is said that the Bearded Collie’s origins can be traced back to 1514, when a Polish sea caption traded three of his Polish Sheepdogs with a Scottish shepherd in return for a lamb and an ewe. The shepherd then bred the Polish dogs with local herding and flock dogs such as the Old English Sheepdog. They were developed to become independent workers that were capable of making decisions concerning their charges without the need for human guidance. Used as herding dogs for centuries in Scotland, this hardy breed became known alternatively as the Highland Collie, the Highland Sheepdog and the Hairy Moved Collie. Now definitively known as the Bearded Collie, the name is inspired by long bread-like hairs which grow on dog’s chin, while “Collie" is the Scottish word for herding dog.

The Bearded Collie came close to extinction during the Second World War. They were saved in 1944 by Mrs. G. O. Willison from Great Britain, who bred a pair of Bearded Collies and encouraged a dedicated program to continue doing so. They are still to this day considered a rare breed. In 1967 the first litter of Bearded Collies was whelped in the USA, with the breed being officially recognised by the AKC in 1976.

Displaying an array of talents, such as tracking, herding, competitive obedience and performing tricks, the Bearded Collie makes for a beloved and versatile pet.

Character:

 

Your Bearded Collie has a cheerful air, signified by their perpetually wagging tail. They are playful and lively, making them the perfect companion for children. Full of energy, Bearded Collies need lots of space to run around in and are most definitely not suitable for apartment living. They are a highly active breed and resultantly require a significant amount of exercise. Your pet will do best with a large backyard to play in and need to be taken on at least one vigorous walk every day. An unexercised Bearded Collie who is left alone will almost definitely get into mischief so it best to keep them as involved as possible in family games and activities. After all, they just want to feel like they are part of the action. Your Bearded Collie needs lots of attention and interaction to maintain their amiable personality and will thrive on family, fun and being given tasks to perform. Herding dogs by nature, Bearded Collies may attempt to herd everything in sight and will bark to announce visitors to the house. They make excellent farm dogs and are more than happy to sleep outdoors. They are also well suited to windy, rugged or wet areas and will be eager to get outside regardless of weather conditions. Do remember that your Bearded Collie does not like to be confined, and will be happy as long as they have a loving family and the space that they need.

Temperament:

 

The Bearded Collie is a very amiable, happy-go-lucky breed. Their affectionate, playful nature makes them the perfect companion for children and they just love to feel as though they are a part of the family. The Bearded Collie has boundless levels of energy and will make a very willing jogging companion. While generally good-natured, they do tend to get restless and, at worst, destructive when they haven’t had a sufficient amount of exercise. As long as their physical requirements are taken into account, Bearded Collies will remain sweet and playful. A confident dog, the Bearded Collie will never resort to aggression and are rarely shy. While Bearded Collies are generally sweet and gentle, they can also be quite stubborn and rowdy at times. It is integral that owners display a natural authority and are firm, confident and consistent when dealing with this dog. The Bearded Collie is an exuberant and bright breed that is equally suited for being a household pet as well as working in any weather condition on any terrain.

Conformation:

 

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized, sturdy working dog. The body should be long and lean, while the head should large, broad and flat. Their wide, flat heads are draped in long hair and feature strong muzzles and long, hanging ears. The Bearded Collie’s large round eyes have a warm expression that reveals their affable nature. Rather unusually, their eyes are in tone with their coat colour and vary between black, blue, brown and fawn accordingly. The Bearded Collie has a large and square black nose that sits atop the dog’s cascading beard. The ears are similarly covered in long hair and the tail is carried low unless the dog is excited. The teeth should be large and meet in a scissors bite. The Bearded Collie has a shaggy double coat that covers the entire body, including under the chin. While the under coat is soft and thick, the weatherproof outer coat is long and dense and changes several times over their life span. The Bearded Collie is recognisable due to its robust appearance and distinctive beard-like coat.

Colour:

Bearded Collie puppies are generally born black, brown, blue or fawn. Their coat then fades to a light cream or grey and darkens again once they reach maturity to their adult coat of brown, fawn, blue or black. The colour of the coat can change several times before the dog reaches adulthood

Training:

Bearded Collies are independent thinkers and will occasionally decide that they know best. Despite the tendency towards being headstrong, they are easily trainable for a range of activities such as tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks and competitive obedience. Bearded Collies respond have active and intelligent minds and respond best to firm, fair and consistent methods of training. They require an owner who will provides them with consistent training and expose them to new people and situations.

Care:

 

The Bearded Collie’s long, shaggy coat must be coated lightly with water and brushed daily. Brushing should prevent tangles and matting that can prove to be tricky to tame if not attended to regularly, especially when the dog is shedding. Dry shampooing and bathing should be done when necessary and eyes, ears and paws should be checked daily. It is also important to check Border Collies regularly for ticks, as they are difficult to locate in the thick undercoat.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 14 and 15 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. However, if your Bearded Collie does achieve a good old age, the normal complaints that we all suffer from, such as arthritis and failing eyesight may begin to develop. While Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, possible diseases include epilepsy, colonic disease and Addison’s disease. Hip and elbow dysplasia can also occur, and it is a good idea to get your puppy hip and elbow scored if you are thinking of breeding later on. The thick coat of a Bearded Collie may conceal an external parasite infestation so it is integral that they are checked regularly. However, if you are careful who you buy from, your Bearded Collie should give you many years of good health, fun and loving companionship.

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