| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Bearded Collie, also known as Beardie, is a British breed that might be an ideal shepherd dog and an ideal life companion.
A British dog breed, the Bearded Collie was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1976. Initially it was used as a sheep dog: A working dog for handling livestock. Nowadays, it is considered more as a companion dog or a show dog. It is a medium sized dog, robust and with a very distinctive beard that makes this breed unmistakable.
We are talking about a very sweet and affectionate dog. It gets along well with all people and especially with children, as long as they are not too annoying and are educated to deal properly with dogs. Having a pleasant and intelligent expression, the Beardie always knows how to make himself understood by humans.
The Bearded Collie is certainly not a guard dog. Although it barks, if a stranger enters the house, it is very likely to be greeted with a wag of the tail, instead of an aggressive behavior.
It is a dog that does not like aggressive behavior. So, its training should be done with kindness and consistency, making it look more like a game than a real job. If these simple rules are respected, it will be quite easy to train. Besides, it excels in activities such as Agility Dog and Sheepdog.
Bearded Collie: Origins
The Bearded Collie is a British dog breed recognized by the FCI with the standard N° 271. The Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1964 when the FCI approved the standard.
The history of this dog breed dates back to when the dogs were introduced to Europe by the Magyars, who settled in present-day Hungary, and came from northern Asia. It seems that it was a Polish merchant who introduced this dog breed in Great Britain. In 1514, this merchant exported the dogs to receive sheep and rams in exchange. Nowadays the breed is widespread in Scotland and England.
In the early 19th century, it was considered a working dog, entrusted with the complete control and management of livestock to move them from place to place. During the winter season it proved to be of great help to herd owners.
The Bearded Collie, just before World War I, was in danger of extinction, because herders did not care about selection. In 1912, some dog experts drafted the first standard, but with the outbreak of the war, the breed was on the verge of disappearing permanently.
It was Mrs. Willinson who, at the end of the 1940’s, brought the breed back to life. After having acquired a female of this breed of dog and having fallen in love with her, she looked for a male which she found after years of searching. After long negotiations, she managed to buy the male specimen, thus creating the first couple of all the Bearded Collies.
Most of the specimens of this dog breed are used today as show dogs or as pet dogs. However, in the fields of Great Britain and Scandinavia, there are still some dogs working cattle. Its name originates from its famous beard. Today it is commonly called the “cousin” of Lassie.
Bearded Collie: Physical Characteristics
It is a medium sized, lean, and active dog with a robust build. A characteristic of this breed is that its body gives it a bright and curious expression. Its head is proportionate to its size. Its muzzle is also large. The skull is broad, flat, and square. The nose is broad and square. It may be black in color, but it can also match the color of his coat.
Well-spaced and wide, its eyes are in harmony with its coat color. They give the breed a sweet expression. The ears are medium-sized and hang gracefully. The neck is of medium length, muscular and slightly arched. The tail is set low and is quite long. It is carried low but curved upwards. It is never carried over the back and it is covered with abundant hair.
The bearded Collie gait is springy. It can cover a lot of ground with minimum effort. This breed has long hair. The muzzle has a kind of beard and long whiskers. It has a coarse and thick undercoat. The outer coat is flat, rough, strong, and bristly.
A Brie Shepherd may be found in the following coat colors:
- Gray
- Tawny reddish
- Black
- Blue
- Brown or sand with or without white spots
In terms of weight, males Bearded Collie are 21-22 inches (53-56 cm); while females Bearded Collie are 20-21 inches (51-53 cm). Their weight varies between 40 and 60 lbs (18-27 kg).
Bearded Collie: Life Span
Life expectancy of this breed is 10 to 14 years. No specific pathologies are found for this canine breed. As the years go by, they could suffer from some common diseases, such as hip dysplasia, osteomuscular or ocular diseases.
Bearded Collie: Puppies
Bearded collie puppies are sweet fur balls. However, we must resist this tenderness and train them from then on. At first, they will not want to be brushed, but they must get used to it, otherwise when they grow up, we will have a problem from an aesthetic and hygienic point of view.
Bearded Collie: Breeders
It is not clear why this breed is not very popular in Canada, South Africa, or Australia, as it has a wonderful temperament, it is not aggressive, and the physical look is distinctive. Maybe its coat’s grooming can scare you, but it is really a secondary factor compared to all the positive aspects of this beautiful breed.
Bearded Collie: Temperament
The Bearded Collie is a beautiful, lively, active, confident, and generous dog. It is a serious dog that works with intelligence and with no sign of nervousness or aggression. Just by its eyes it shows that it is a very sweet dog.
Suitable for all ages, it is very affectionate with family members and other dogs. This breed is a good playmate, even for children, as long as they are not too young and are educated to deal with dogs. Although it is always ready to play and run, it has a cuddly, calm and patient side. Its expression is pleasant, meaningful and it always finds ways to make itself understood.
Bearded Collie: Training
Working with a Bearded collie is easy but remember that this dog breed is always a bit independent. To work seriously, this dog must have a good reason to do so. The Bearded Collie works for and with its human companion. So, first of all, it is on the relationship we build with our four-legged friend that we have to work.
The puppy has short concentration periods that must be maximized without boring it. We have to transform the training into a play time for it. As the dog grows, the training sessions can be longer.
As we have already specified, the Bearded Collie does not tolerate aggressive behavior. Therefore, training should always be done with kindness and affection, otherwise you will not get any results.
In general, the Bearded Collie is suitable for activities such as Agility Dog and Sheepdog, but is not suitable for Fly Ball, Freestyle, or Obedience.
Bearded Collie: Price, and Puppies for Sale
When buying a Bearded Collie puppy, it is guaranteed that you will not spend less than 800 dollars, about 700 English pounds. It can cost a little less than 1600 dollars (including all documents, pedigrees, etc.). It is not a very “expensive” dog, not even expensive from the point of view of food or grooming.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
