Bearded Collie

The history of the Bearded Collie is deeply rooted in the centuries-old shepherding life of the Scottish Highlands. While the exact origins have been lost to time, it’s believed that the Beardie’s ancestors were various European herding dogs, possibly brought to Britain by Romans or traders. Theories suggest a kinship with the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, the Komondor, and other shaggy shepherds.

The first mentions of dogs resembling modern Bearded Collies date back to the 16th century. They were valued for their endurance, their ability to work in Scotland’s harsh weather, and their incredible herding instinct. These dogs were more than just helpers—they were true partners to shepherds, capable of making their own decisions while moving large flocks of sheep and cattle to market. Their thick, shaggy coats protected them from cold, wind, and rain, while their characteristic “beard” shielded their muzzles from prickly plants.

For a long time, the breed developed naturally, with a focus on working qualities. These dogs were known by various names: the Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, or simply Hairy Mou’ed Collie. The name “Bearded Collie” was adopted later, highlighting one of their most distinctive physical traits.

Formal recognition of the breed began in the late 19th century. The first breed standard was written in 1891, and in 1912, the Bearded Collie Club was founded in Edinburgh. One of the key figures in the breed’s development was Mrs. G. O. Willison, who founded the “Bothkennar” kennel in the 1940s. Her dogs played a huge role in the breed’s revival after World War II, when the Beardie population had dwindled significantly. Many modern Bearded Collies trace their lineage back to the dogs of the “Bothkennar” kennel.

The breed gained particular popularity after a Bearded Collie became a favorite of Queen Victoria, which significantly boosted interest in these dogs among the aristocracy and the general public. The breed’s striking qualities—nobility, kindness, ingenuity, and tireless energy—were even celebrated in poetic ballads. Today, the Bearded Collie is a popular breed worldwide, prized as a wonderful companion, a family pet, and a talented athlete in various canine sports.

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy but not heavy build, combining strength, agility, and elegance. Its appearance is harmonious, without exaggerated features, and its most characteristic trait is, of course, its magnificent shaggy coat.

General Appearance: The Beardie gives the impression of an active, alert, and self-assured dog. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall at the withers, with a ratio of approximately 5:4. The bone structure is strong but not massive.

Coat: The main adornment and calling card of the breed. The coat is double-layered:

• Outer coat: Long, straight or slightly wavy, harsh to the touch, shaggy, but not curly or cottony. It provides protection from the elements.
• Undercoat: Soft, dense, and close to the body, providing insulation.

On the face, the hair forms a characteristic “mustache” and “beard,” and above the eyes, long “eyebrows” that should not obscure their vision. The coat on the back naturally parts down the middle. It’s important that the coat is not so profuse that it hides the natural lines of the body, and it should not be artificially trimmed or shaped for shows, other than slight tidying on the feet.

Colors: Bearded Collie puppies are born significantly darker than adult dogs. Typical newborn colors are black, dark brown, dark blue, or fawn. As they age (from about 8 weeks to 3-4 years), their coat gradually lightens, reaching its final shade. Acceptable adult colors include:

• Slate grey
• Reddish-fawn (from cream to rich red)
• Black
• Blue (grey-blue)
• All shades of gray, brown, and sand.

White markings are often present on the muzzle (as a “blaze”), chest, feet, and tip of the tail. A white collar is acceptable, but the white color should not extend behind the shoulder line or onto the body past the hocks. Tan points may appear on the eyebrows, cheeks, inside of the ears, under the tail, and on the limbs where the main color transitions to white.

Head and Muzzle: The head is proportionate to the body size. The skull is broad and flat. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is moderately defined. The muzzle is strong and roughly equal in length to the skull. The nose bridge is straight. The nose is large, square, and usually black, but in blue and brown dogs, it may be a matching shade (blue or brown, respectively). The lips are tight and pigmented to match the nose.

Eyes: Large, expressive, and set wide apart, but not bulging. Eye color harmonizes with the coat’s main color—from hazel to dark brown. In blue dogs, the eyes may be lighter. Their expression is intelligent, curious, and gentle.

Ears: Medium-sized, pendant-shaped, and set fairly low. At rest, they lie close to the cheeks; when the dog is alert, they lift slightly at the base, making the skull appear wider. They are covered with long hair.

Jaws and Teeth: The jaws are strong, with a perfect, regular, and complete scissor bite (the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors tightly and are set perpendicular to the jaws).

Neck: Moderately long, muscular, slightly arched, and blending smoothly into the shoulders.

Body: The back is straight, with a level topline. The loins are strong and short. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-developed ribs, but not barrel-chested.

Tail: Set low, without kinks or bends, and reaching at least to the hock. It is thickly covered with hair. At rest, it hangs with a slight curve at the tip. When moving or excited, the dog carries it low with a slight upward curve, or lifts it to the level of the back, but it is never carried over the back.

Limbs:

• Forelimbs: Straight, vertical, with strong bone structure, well-covered with shaggy hair. The shoulder blades are well laid back. The elbows lie close to the chest.
• Hindlimbs: Muscular, with well-developed thighs and shanks. The hock joints are well-defined. The pasterns are short and perpendicular to the ground.

The paws are oval-shaped, with tightly knit toes and strong pads. The toes are arched. Dense hair grows between the toes and pads.

Movement: Free, fluid, with good drive from the hindquarters and a long reach in the forelimbs. The movement should be efficient and tireless, in line with the breed’s historical purpose.

It’s interesting to note that Bearded Collie puppies are born much darker in color and then gradually lighten, taking on their final adult coat. It’s almost impossible to predict the future color of an adult dog from a puppy younger than four weeks old. The Bearded Collie is rightly considered one of the best “clowns” among dogs. Always cheerful and expressive, playful and endearingly naive, with a fantastic sense of humor and inexhaustible energy.

The Bearded Collie is a true bundle of positive energy, intelligence, and devotion. Its character is multifaceted, combining the traits of a hardworking shepherd with a loving companion. Alfred Ollivant aptly described it as “the noblest knight in rusty armor; a gentleman, reserved as a prince, flexible as a gypsy, graceful as a girl, who carries his head regally high and moves lightly, like a fairy.”

Key Character Traits:

• Cheerfulness and Optimism: A Beardie is almost always in a good mood. They radiate positivity and are ready to share it with everyone around them. Their playful nature lasts well into old age.
• Intelligence and Quick Wit: These are very smart dogs that quickly learn new information and commands. Their intelligence requires constant stimulation through games, training, and new tasks. Sometimes their cleverness can manifest as stubbornness, so consistency in training is crucial.
• High Energy and Activity: Bearded Collies are “perpetual motion machines.” They need significant physical exercise and long walks. Without enough activity, they can get bored and exhibit destructive behavior (such as excessive barking or chewing things).
• Loyalty and Companionship: Beardies are incredibly devoted to their family. They love being the center of attention, participating in all family activities, and don’t handle loneliness well. They are a true friend who will always be by your side.
• Friendliness: They are typically friendly with strangers, children, and other animals, especially if they’ve had early socialization. Their alertness is shown through barking, but aggression is not typical for the breed.
• Sensitivity: Bearded Collies are quite sensitive to their owner’s mood and the atmosphere in the home. They don’t respond well to yelling or harsh training methods. They learn best through positive reinforcement.
• Alertness: As former herding dogs, they have an innate alertness and will always alert their owner to anything unusual with a loud bark.

Relationship with Children and Other Pets: Bearded Collies generally get along wonderfully with children. They are patient, playful, and can become a child’s best friend. However, due to their high energy and size, they might accidentally knock over a small child during play, so it’s important to supervise their interactions, especially with toddlers. Beardies usually live peacefully with other dogs and cats, especially if they were raised together or were properly socialized from an early age. Their herding instinct may sometimes show up as an attempt to “herd” other pets or even children, which can be quite amusing.

Tendency to Bark: Bearded Collies can be quite vocal. They use barking to express a variety of emotions: joy, excitement, warning, or boredom. To minimize excessive barking, it’s important to provide the dog with plenty of physical activity, mental stimulation, and attention.

For people living in rural areas or with a house and a spacious, fenced-in yard, the Bearded Collie will be an ideal companion. They will happily join you on walks, hikes, and participate in any active pastimes. This pet is very smart, and you can easily teach it almost anything in a short time if you find the right approach.

The Bearded Collie is generally considered a relatively healthy breed that, with proper care and attention, can live a long and active life, averaging 12-15 years. However, like many other breeds, Beardies are prone to certain genetic and acquired diseases. It’s important to know about these potential issues so you can recognize them early and seek help.

The Most Common Health Problems in Bearded Collies:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition where the hip joint develops improperly, leading to pain, arthritis, and lameness. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for hip dysplasia before breeding.
• Elbow Dysplasia: A problem similar to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joints. It also has a genetic predisposition.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye disease that causes a gradual loss of vision and eventual blindness. Genetic tests are available to identify carriers of this disease.
• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye lens that can lead to vision loss. It can be hereditary or age-related.
• Corneal Dystrophy: A hereditary condition characterized by a clouding of the cornea.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland that can lead to obesity, skin and coat problems, and lethargy. It is diagnosed with a blood test and treated with hormone therapy.
• Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): A serious disease caused by insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands. Symptoms can be non-specific (lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss).
• Autoimmune Diseases: Beardies may be prone to various autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. An example is pemphigus foliaceus (an autoimmune skin disease).
• Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia: A rare hereditary condition that results in hair loss in black-colored areas.
• Bloat (Gastric Torsion): A life-threatening condition that is more common in large, deep-chested breeds. It’s crucial to know the symptoms (restlessness, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, a swollen abdomen) and seek immediate veterinary care.

Prevention and Health Care:

• Choose a Responsible Breeder: Buy a puppy from breeders who test their breeding dogs for common hereditary diseases.
• Regular Vet Check-ups: Annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite control (fleas, ticks, worms) are mandatory.
• Balanced Diet: High-quality food appropriate for the dog’s age and activity level will help maintain optimal weight and health.
• Sufficient Physical Activity: Regular exercise strengthens muscles and supports the health of joints and the cardiovascular system.
• Dental Care: Regular teeth brushing prevents plaque and tartar buildup.
• Pay Attention to Changes in Behavior: Any sudden changes in appetite, activity, mood, or the appearance of unusual symptoms should be a reason to contact a vet.

Timely consultation with qualified specialists will help with any health issues your dog may face and ensure it lives a long and happy life. A Bearded Collie’s vivacity and mobility last throughout its life with proper care.

The magnificent shaggy coat of the Bearded Collie is its pride, but it also requires regular and meticulous care. Without proper attention, the coat can quickly become matted, which not only ruins the dog’s appearance but can also cause discomfort and skin problems. Therefore, prospective Beardie owners must be prepared to dedicate enough time to grooming.

Coat Care:

• Brushing Frequency: An adult Bearded Collie should be brushed 2-3 times a week, and daily during active shedding periods (spring and fall). A puppy should be accustomed to brushing from an early age, making it a positive experience. Start with short sessions, gradually increasing their duration.
• Grooming Tools: You will need:
  • A wide-toothed metal comb (for detangling mats and checking the quality of brushing).
  • A fine-toothed comb (for areas with shorter hair).
  • A slicker brush (to remove dead undercoat, use gently to avoid scratching the skin).
  • A natural bristle brush or a pin brush (for a final polish and skin massage).
  • A mat splitter or mat rake (for very stubborn mats, use with great care).
  • A detangling spray-conditioner (to ease the process, prevent hair breakage, and reduce static electricity).
• Brushing Technique: Before brushing, lightly mist the coat with a detangling spray or clean water. Brush the dog in layers, starting with the bottom layers and gradually working your way up. Comb from the roots to the tips. Pay special attention to areas where mats form most frequently: behind the ears, on the neck (under the collar), in the armpits, on the inner thighs, and on the belly. If you find a mat, try to gently work it apart with your fingers, and then carefully comb it out. Large and dense mats are better carefully cut with a mat splitter along the direction of hair growth.
• “Line Brushing”: A popular method where the coat is sectioned into layers and each layer is thoroughly brushed from the roots.
• Bangs: The long hair on the forehead (“bangs”) can be secured with a special clip so it doesn’t fall into the dog’s eyes, or braided into a loose plait.

Many owners collect the brushed-out hair of their Bearded Collies and knit amazing things from it, such as sweaters, socks, and mittens. It’s believed that this hair is very warm and even has healing properties.

Bathing: Bathe your Bearded Collie as needed, usually once every 1-3 months, or if the dog gets particularly dirty. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin and coat. Use only special shampoos and conditioners for long-haired dogs. Rinse the products out thoroughly. After bathing, dry the coat well with a towel and then a hairdryer (on a low setting), brushing simultaneously to prevent mats from forming.

Eye and Ear Care:

• Eyes: Check the dog’s eyes daily. Remove natural discharge from the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth or special wipes. If you notice excessive tearing, redness, or pus-like discharge, contact a vet.
• Ears: Check the ear canals regularly (once a week). Due to their pendant shape and dense hair, Beardies’ ears don’t get much ventilation, which can contribute to infections. Clean the ears with a special solution as recommended by your vet. Remove excess hair from the ear canal (this can be done by a groomer or a vet).

Dental and Nail Care:

• Teeth: Start training your puppy to tolerate teeth brushing from a young age. Brush its teeth 2-3 times a week with a special brush and toothpaste for dogs to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
• Nails: Trim the nails as needed, usually every 3-4 weeks, with a special clipper. If the dog walks on hard surfaces often, its nails may wear down naturally. Don’t forget about the fifth (dewclaw) if it’s present.

Can you clip a Bearded Collie? For show dogs, clipping is usually not allowed, except for light tidying of the feet. However, to make grooming easier, especially in hot weather or for older dogs, some owners give their Beardies a hygienic or “puppy cut.” It’s worth remembering that after clipping, the coat’s texture may change.

Below is an example of an approximate care schedule:

The Bearded Collie is not only a beautiful dog but also an incredibly smart and trainable one. Its herding past has endowed it with cleverness, independence, and a desire to work with people. However, these same qualities can sometimes show up as stubbornness, so consistency, patience, and the right approach are key to raising a Beardie.

Basics of Training and Raising:

• Start Early: Begin training and socializing your puppy from the first days it comes home. The earlier a dog learns basic rules of behavior, the easier it will be in the future.
• Positive Reinforcement: Bearded Collies respond best to methods based on praise, treats, and games. Avoid yelling, physical punishment, and harshness—this can cause fear, mistrust, or stubbornness in the dog.
• Short and Engaging Sessions: Beardies can get bored quickly with monotonous repetition. Make training sessions short (10-15 minutes), varied, and fun. Always end a session on a positive note.
• Consistency and Clarity: All family members should follow the same rules and commands to avoid confusing the dog. Commands should be clear and short.
• Patience: Even the smartest dogs don’t always learn everything on the first try. Be patient and persistent.

Socialization: Early and proper socialization is critically important for the Bearded Collie. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people (adults, children), other dogs (after appropriate vaccinations), cats (if you plan to live together), and also to different sounds, smells, places, and situations. A well-socialized Beardie will grow into a confident, calm, and well-behaved dog.

Physical and Mental Exercise: The Bearded Collie is a high-energy breed that needs significant daily exercise.

• Physical Activity: A minimum of 1-2 hours of active walks per day. This can include jogging, playing with a ball or frisbee, swimming (many Beardies love water), or accompanying you on bike rides. If your dog isn’t herding livestock, engage it in any sports you enjoy. Insufficient physical activity can lead to weight gain, boredom, and destructive behavior.
• Mental Stimulation: A Beardie’s intelligence requires constant challenges. Teach new commands, use interactive puzzle toys, and engage in scent work games. The dog has a good nose that can even be used in truffle hunting!

This breed enthusiastically participates in competitions like agility (a sport where a person guides a dog through an obstacle course), obedience, flyball, freestyle (dog dancing), and even in herding trials. These activities not only provide the necessary exercise but also strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.

When going for a walk, you should give them the freedom to play and run on their own in safe places. They need to be able to interact with other dogs to feel as confident as possible and develop their communication skills.

Proper nutrition is the key to your Bearded Collie’s health, energy, and longevity. Since this is an active breed with a dense coat, its diet must be balanced, nutritious, and appropriate for its age, activity level, and individual needs.

Types of Food:

Ready-made Dry Kibble: This is the most convenient option. Choose premium, super-premium, or holistic-grade kibble designed for medium-sized, high-energy dogs. Pay attention to the ingredients: the first one should be meat (chicken, turkey, beef, fish), not grains. The food should contain a sufficient amount of protein (22-28%), fat (12-18%), vitamins, and minerals, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Natural/Raw Diet: This type of feeding requires knowledge and time to create a balanced diet.

• Lean Meat and Offal: beef, turkey, chicken (boneless), tripe, heart, liver (in limited quantities). Approximately 50-70% of the diet.
• Grains: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal (in small amounts).
• Vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, broccoli (raw or lightly cooked).
• Low-fat Dairy Products: kefir, plain yogurt, cottage cheese.
• Eggs: 1-2 times a week (cooked).
• Vegetable oil (flaxseed, olive) – 1 teaspoon per day.

With a natural diet, additional vitamin and mineral supplements are often needed as prescribed by a vet.

Mixed Feeding: Some owners combine dry kibble with elements of a natural diet. It’s important not to mix them in the same meal but to give them at different times.

Feeding Guidelines and Frequency:

• Puppies (up to 6 months): 3-4 times a day.
• Young dogs (6-12 months): 2-3 times a day.
• Adult dogs (after 1 year): 1-2 times a day.

The amount of food depends on its caloric content, the dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging and adjust the portion based on your dog’s body condition. Do not overfeed! Excess weight puts additional strain on joints and the heart.

Important Nutritional Aspects for a Bearded Collie:

• Clean, fresh water should always be available for your pet.
• Don’t give your dog food from your table. Human food often contains spices, salt, sugar, and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
• Avoid sudden changes in food. Transition your dog to a new food gradually over 7-10 days, mixing the new food with the old one.
• Bones: You must not give tubular bird bones! They can splinter into sharp fragments and damage the digestive tract. You can give large beef marrow bones (for chewing and teeth cleaning) under supervision, but not as a main meal.
• Control your dog’s weight. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but they should not be visible.
• And one more unique feature of the breed: for proper digestion, they need to run and have plenty of physical activity. An active lifestyle promotes a better metabolism.

Foods to Avoid for Bearded Collies (and any dog): Chocolate (especially dark), cocoa, coffee, alcohol, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, raw dough, fruit pits, mushrooms, smoked meats, sweets, fatty and fried foods.

Like any breed, the Bearded Collie has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to objectively evaluate them before getting such a dog so that your life together is harmonious and happy. Speaking of which, don’t confuse this breed with other shaggy dogs like the Old English Sheepdog, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or the Briard—each has its own unique traits, as does the Dachshund, which couldn’t be more different!

The Bearded Collie is a breed with a rich history and unique characteristics. Here are a few interesting facts that will help you better understand these amazing dogs:

• The “Chameleon” Color Change: One of the most amazing traits of the Beardie is its coat color change with age. Puppies are born very dark (for example, almost black or dark brown), and then, over the first few years of life, their coat gradually lightens, taking on a final, often much lighter shade. This process can take up to 3-4 years.
• The “Beardie Bounce”: Bearded Collies are known for their characteristic springy leap, which they often perform during play, work, or simply out of joy. This energetic vertical jump allowed them to see over tall grass or over sheep while herding.
• The Herding Intellectual: Historically, Beardies were used to drive large herds of cattle and sheep over long distances. They were famous for their ability to make their own decisions and work far from the shepherd, a testament to their high intelligence and resourcefulness.
• Royal Favorites: Although the breed was not officially “royal,” it is known that Queen Victoria was a fan of Scottish breeds, and interest in Bearded Collies also grew during the Victorian era.
• The Beard is More Than Just an Accessory: The thick hair on the face that forms the “beard” and “mustache” not only gives the breed its characteristic look but also historically served as a shield against thorny plants, bad weather, and bites during work.
• Movie Stars: Thanks to their photogenic appearance and intelligence, Bearded Collies occasionally appear in movies and commercials. For example, a Bearded Collie played a role in the 2006 film The Shaggy Dog (although the main role was played by another breed, a Beardie was among the “actors”).
• The Beardie “Smile”: Many owners note that their Bearded Collies seem to “smile,” showing their teeth in a playful mood. This is not a sign of aggression but rather an expression of joy and friendliness.

Do Bearded Collies shed a lot?

Yes, Bearded Collies shed, especially noticeably during seasonal shedding periods in the spring and fall. Their long coat requires regular brushing (2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding) to prevent mats and reduce the amount of hair in your home.

Is the Bearded Collie suitable for apartment living?

A Bearded Collie can adapt to apartment living provided it gets sufficiently long (at least 1-2 hours a day) and active walks, as well as mental stimulation. However, the ideal option is a house with a safe, fenced-in yard where the dog will have more space to play.

How much does a Bearded Collie puppy cost?

The cost of a puppy can vary significantly depending on its lineage, the parents’ titles, the breeder’s reputation, and the region. It’s important to choose a responsible breeder who cares about the health and proper development of their dogs, rather than just chasing the lowest price.

Is a Bearded Collie easy to train?

Bearded Collies are very smart and highly trainable. They learn new commands quickly, especially when training is done in a positive, game-like manner. However, they can be stubborn, so a consistent, patient, and fair approach is needed.

Do Bearded Collies get along well with children?

Usually, they get along wonderfully. They are playful, patient, and become loyal playmates. Due to their energy, it’s a good idea to supervise their interactions with very young children to avoid accidental bumps.

How much activity does a Bearded Collie need daily?

This is a high-energy breed that needs at least 1-2 hours of active physical exercise daily: long walks, jogging, playing with a ball or frisbee, and canine sports.

Can you leave a Bearded Collie alone for a long time?

No, they don’t do well. Bearded Collies are people-oriented and handle loneliness poorly. Long periods of absence from their owners can cause boredom, stress, and destructive behavior (excessive barking, chewing things).

What kind of coat care does a Bearded Collie need?

The coat requires meticulous care: brush it 2-3 times a week with special combs and brushes to prevent mats; bathe as needed with shampoos for long-haired dogs.