Bearded Collie Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders

Are you considering adding a furry friend to your family? If you’re looking for a dog that’s bursting with energy, intelligence, and an adorable shaggy coat, a Bearded Collie might be the perfect breed for you. These friendly dogs are known for their loving personalities, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them an ideal companion for families or individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more about the Bearded Collie breed, read on to discover why they make such great pets.

Breed Category: Herding
Country of Origin: Scotland
Average Size:51-56 cm
Average Weight:18-27 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: High
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Bearded Collie, also known as the Beardie, is a herding dog breed that originated in Scotland. The breed’s history can be traced back to the 16th century, where they were used by Scottish shepherds to herd and protect their flocks of sheep. The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with a shaggy coat and a distinctive beard, which gives them their name.

The exact origin of the Bearded Collie is unknown, but it is believed that they are descended from the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, which was brought to Scotland by Polish traders in the 16th century. The breed was then developed by Scottish shepherds, who bred them for their herding and guarding abilities. The Bearded Collie was also used as a hunting dog, as they were skilled at tracking and retrieving game.

The Bearded Collie was first shown in dog shows in the early 20th century, and the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1959. The breed’s popularity grew in the 1960s and 1970s, and they became a popular family pet in the UK and other countries. Today, the Bearded Collie is still used as a working dog, but they are also kept as companion animals.

The Bearded Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic breed, and they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they make excellent family pets. The breed is also highly trainable, and they excel in obedience and agility competitions.

The Bearded Collie’s shaggy coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. The breed’s coat can come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, brown, and fawn. The breed’s distinctive beard is also a hallmark of the breed, and it requires regular trimming to keep it neat and tidy.

In conclusion, the Bearded Collie is a fascinating breed with a rich history and a distinctive appearance. They are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The breed’s friendly and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets, and their trainability makes them ideal for obedience and agility competitions. The Bearded Collie’s shaggy coat and distinctive beard require regular grooming, but their unique appearance

Size and Breed Category

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog breed that typically weighs between 18-27 kg and stands at a height of 51-56 cm at the shoulder. They have a long, shaggy coat that comes in a variety of colours including black, blue, brown, and fawn. The breed is known for their distinctive facial hair, which gives them their name. The Bearded Collie is a herding breed that was originally bred in Scotland to work with sheep and cattle. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and stamina, which makes them excellent working dogs.

The Bearded Collie falls into the pastoral group of dog breeds, which includes other herding breeds such as the Border Collie and the Australian Cattle Dog. They are a highly active breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. The Bearded Collie is a friendly and affectionate breed that makes a great family pet. They are known for their playful and energetic nature, which makes them popular with children. However, they can be quite stubborn at times, so early training and socialisation is important to ensure they grow into well-behaved dogs.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Bearded Collie is one of its most distinctive features. It is long and shaggy, with a soft and woolly texture. The fur covers the entire body of the dog, including its face, giving it a unique and charming appearance. The length of the fur can vary, with some dogs having longer coats than others. However, regardless of the length, the fur always has a natural and effortless look to it.

The colour of the Bearded Collie’s fur can also vary. The most common colours are black, brown, and grey, but there are also dogs with white or cream-coloured fur. Some dogs have a combination of colours, with patches of different shades on their fur. The colour of the fur can also change as the dog ages, with some dogs becoming lighter or darker over time. Overall, the fur of the Bearded Collie is a defining characteristic of the breed, and it adds to the dog’s overall charm and appeal.

Termperament and Trainability

Bearded Collies are known for their lively and affectionate temperament. They are friendly and outgoing dogs that love to be around people. They are also very playful and enjoy spending time with their owners. However, they can be quite stubborn at times and may require firm and consistent training. They are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly, but they can also be easily distracted. Therefore, it is important to keep training sessions short and engaging. With the right approach, Bearded Collies can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, including obedience, agility, and herding.

Bearded Collies are highly trainable dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They are also very intelligent and enjoy learning new things. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as praise and treats. However, they can become bored easily, so it is important to keep training sessions interesting and varied. Bearded Collies are also very social dogs that enjoy being around other dogs and people. They are great family pets that are loyal and affectionate to their owners.

Known Health Conditions

Bearded Collies are a breed of dog that are known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that Bearded Collies face is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. Bearded Collies are also at risk of developing progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Additionally, they may suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and other symptoms.

Another health condition that Bearded Collies may experience is epilepsy. This is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures, which can be mild or severe. Bearded Collies are also at risk of developing allergies, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms. Additionally, they may suffer from a condition called von Willebrand’s disease, which is a bleeding disorder that can cause excessive bleeding from minor injuries or surgeries. It is important for Bearded Collie owners to be aware of these potential health issues and to work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog receives proper care and treatment.

Openness to Strangers

Bearded Collies are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are always eager to meet new people and make new friends. This breed is particularly open to strangers, and they will often approach them with a wagging tail and a happy disposition. Bearded Collies are not shy or reserved when it comes to meeting new people, and they are always up for a good cuddle or a game of fetch. They are also very patient and gentle with children, making them an excellent family pet. Overall, the Bearded Collie is a very outgoing and friendly breed that loves to make new friends.

When it comes to meeting new dogs, Bearded Collies are generally very friendly and accepting. They are not aggressive or territorial, and they will often approach other dogs with a wagging tail and a playful attitude. This breed is known for their love of play, and they will often engage in games of chase or tug-of-war with other dogs. Bearded Collies are also very adaptable and can get along well with dogs of all sizes and breeds. They are not easily intimidated and are always up for a good romp in the park. Overall, the Bearded Collie is a very sociable and friendly breed that loves to play and make new friends, both human and canine.

Playfulness Level

The Bearded Collie is a highly playful breed of dog that loves to have fun. They are known for their energetic and lively nature, and they are always up for a game or a run around the park. This breed is particularly fond of playing with children, and they make great family pets. They are also very social animals and enjoy the company of other dogs, so they are a great choice for households with multiple pets. The Bearded Collie’s playful nature makes them a joy to be around, and they are sure to bring a smile to your face with their silly antics.

The Bearded Collie’s playfulness is not just limited to physical activities, as they also have a great sense of humour. They are known for their mischievous streak and love to play practical jokes on their owners. This breed is highly intelligent and loves to learn new tricks, so they are great candidates for obedience training and agility competitions. Their playful nature also makes them great therapy dogs, as they are able to bring joy and laughter to people of all ages. Overall, the Bearded Collie’s playful personality is one of their most endearing traits, and they are sure to bring a lot of fun and happiness to any household.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Bearded Collies are a friendly and energetic breed that can make great pets for children. They are known for their playful nature and love of outdoor activities, making them a good match for active families. With proper training and socialization, Bearded Collies can be gentle and patient with children, making them a popular choice for families with young kids. Additionally, their long, shaggy coats require regular grooming, which can be a fun activity for children to participate in.

Exercise Needs

Bearded Collies require a moderate amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. As an active breed, they enjoy daily walks and runs, as well as opportunities to play and explore. A minimum of 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended, but they will happily engage in more vigorous activities such as hiking, agility training, and swimming. It is important to note that Bearded Collies have a high prey drive and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure area to prevent them from chasing after small animals.

In addition to physical exercise, Bearded Collies also benefit from mental stimulation. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new tricks and participating in obedience training. Puzzle toys and interactive games can also provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. It is important to provide a variety of activities to keep Bearded Collies engaged and prevent destructive behaviors that may result from boredom. Overall, regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for the health and happiness of Bearded Collies.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Bearded Collies have a reputation for being friendly and sociable with other pets. They are known to get along well with cats and other dogs, as long as they are properly socialized from a young age. It is important to supervise interactions between Bearded Collies and smaller pets, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, as their herding instincts may kick in and they may try to chase or nip at them. Overall, Bearded Collies can make great companions for other pets in the household.

Housing Requirements

Bearded Collies require a spacious and secure living environment that allows them to move around freely. They are an active breed that enjoys playing and running, so a large yard or garden is ideal for them to exercise and burn off energy. The yard should be securely fenced to prevent them from wandering off or chasing after other animals. Bearded Collies are also known for their love of digging, so it’s important to provide them with a designated digging area to satisfy this natural instinct. Indoors, they require a comfortable and cozy space to rest and sleep. A soft bed or cushion in a quiet corner of the house is perfect for them to relax and recharge.

In terms of grooming, Bearded Collies require regular brushing to keep their long and thick coat in good condition. They shed moderately throughout the year, so it’s important to brush them at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. They also need to be bathed occasionally to keep their coat clean and healthy. Bearded Collies are intelligent and social dogs that thrive on human companionship. They enjoy being part of the family and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Regular exercise, playtime, and training sessions are essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Summary

Bearded Collies make great pets for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a good choice for owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions for children and adults alike. Overall, Bearded Collies are a great choice for anyone looking for a loyal and energetic pet.

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