| AKC Group: | Herding |
| A.K.A.: | Beardie, Higland Collie, Mariy Mou’ed Collie, Mountain Collie |
| Functions: | Companion, Herding |
| Year of Origin: | 1700s |
| Country of Origin: | England, Scotland |
| Life Span (yr): | 14 - 15 |
| Colors: | Any combination of Black, Brown, Gray, Blue, Fawn, White, Red |
| Height (Inch): | 20 - 22 |
| Weight (lb): | 40 - 60 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
Lean and agile are great words to describe the Bearded Collie. His coat falls naturally along his body and even has a natural part down the middle. He has a warm double coat. The outer coat is rough to the touch and shaggy. The undercoat is much softer. He has large eyes that are gentle and loving; they show his intelligence, as well. His eyebrows have distinct arches, but they intermingle with his coat enough so that they do not overwhelm his face. The ears of the Bearded Collie are moderately sized and hang long. They can prick slightly if he hears a sound that alerts him.
Temperament:
Loyalty and intelligence are a few of the many amazing quality seen in the Bearded Collie. He is very even keeled and quite confident in his demeanor. He is never timid or hostile towards people or even animals. He loves to play and is a great friend to children of all ages. His eyes light up with his enthusiasm. On occasion, especially among the males, he can be quite extroverted – where the females are more reserved. Although the Bearded Collie may try to herd his family or the pets in the household, he will not hurt them – sometimes he can even be quite comedic with his antics.
Health:
Health is not an issue for those who own a Bearded Collie. It goes without saying that hip dysplasia has been reported – but it is becoming a rarity for a breed not to be plagued by the disabling disorder. In the worst cases, he could become unable to stand or walk. He should be checked thoroughly for fleas, ticks, mites, burrs, and thorns. They can easily hide in the Bearded Collie’s long coat and can eventually cause infection, if not found and removed or treated. He should also find a good veterinarian who will make sure he is current in his vaccinations.
Maintenance:
A bit more work than many breeds, but well worth the effort – perfectly describes what it is like to maintain a Bearded Collie. His shaggy coat is quite lengthy and must be brushed every day. First, his coat must be wet with a fine water mist or a spray conditioner. Then, any mats, tangles or knots should be removed. During the time when he is shedding, he should be brushed more frequently. There is a short-cut though: Trim his coat so that it is short and quick to brush. Doing so will save hours, but it will destroy the traditional Bearded Collie appearance. He should be taken on a walk every day and, if possible, he should be given the chance to run off of his leash in a dog park.