BEARED COLLIE

Temperament: Hardy, Lively, Smart
Height: 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Bearded Collie dog breed was developed in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle in any weather or terrain. They function today as excellent family companions, show dogs, working sheepdogs, or even all three. The name Bearded Collie comes from the hair that hangs down from the chin and forms a beard.

The Beardie’s enthusiasm is displayed in his bouncy nature. It’s said that Beardies working in thick undergrowth in Scotland would bounce up to see where the sheep were and that when confronted by stubborn sheep they bark and bounce in front of it to get it to move. Whatever the case, Bearded Collies bounce along through life with a constantly wagging tail and an upbeat, clownish attitude.

PERSONALITY

When anyone describes a Bearded Collie, the adjective most often used is enthusiastic! That word, along with hardy, exuberant, active, energetic, bright, reliable, and trustworthy should give you the beginnings of a picture of this well-loved breed. The Bearded Collie, known affectionately as the Beardie, is the ultimate shaggy dog.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food a day, divided into two meals. Puppies eat 3 to 4 cups daily.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Bearded Collies have some health conditions that can be a concern. They include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, autoimmune thyroiditis, a skin condition called pemphigus foliaceous and Addison’s disease. Not every Bearded Collie will get all or even any of these conditions, but knowing about them beforehand will help you in your search for a breeder.

The Bearded Collie Club of America, which is the American Kennel Club parent organization for the breed in the United States, participates in the Canine Health Information Center Program. For a Bearded Collie to achieve CHIC certification, he must have a hip evaluation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), an OFA clearance for autoimmune thyroiditis and an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. An OFA clearance for elbow dysplasia is optional.

CARE

The Beardie is an indoor/outdoor dog. He needs to live inside with his people with access to a yard or fenced acreage where he can run. He’s not suited to apartment life. Beardies enjoy being with their people, whether they’re indoors or outdoors. They’ll be satisfied with a couple of half-hour walks or play sessions with a ball daily.

Obedience training is a must if you are going to establish order and discipline in your dog’s life. Make learning fun, and teach them with positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise. Bearded Collies do not learn under abusive or harsh conditions. Begin training early and you will obtain excellent results. To ensure that he doesn’t accidentally knock over a toddler or older person, teach him to sit for attention.

GROOMING

The Beardie’s long double coat requires weekly brushing with a bristle or pin brush to remove tangles and mats and reduce shedding.

As your Beardie puppy matures from 9 to 18 months of age, his soft puppy coat will start to come out. Brush him two or three times a week to help remove it and prevent mats. Once his adult coat has come in, brushing him weekly will be plenty.

Beardies shed heavily once a year for two to four weeks, and you’ll probably want to brush more frequently during this time to keep the level of loose hair under control.

Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care.

Source: dogtime, vetstreet.