Mary Allen
The Bearded Collie is a popular family dog from the Scottish Highlands. Their cheerful nature and high intelligence make him a great partner. Find out everything about the history, nature, and attitude of the herding dogs in the profile.
History of the Bearded Collie
The origin of the Bearded Collie is not exactly known. What is certain is that the direct ancestors are old herding dogs from the Scottish highlands. The name “Bearded” (bearded) Collie is derived from the distinctive beard of the animals.
The term “Collie” comes from the Scottish sheep breed of the same name. In contrast to the Border Collie, the Beardie had more complex herding tasks, such as independently driving herds of cattle out of the mountains. The herding dogs seemed to have been extremely reliable. It is said that some even drove the cattle back to Scotland alone from the market in London. They were known as Highland, Hairy Mou’ed, or Mountain Collie at the time.
During the two world wars, the number of dogs decreased drastically. In contrast to the world-famous Rough Collie, the Beardie fell into oblivion. Only in 1944 did the breeder Mrs. G.O. Willison the breed happen again. She had ordered a sheltie puppy but received what was supposed to be a mixed breed dog.
This finally turned out to be a Bearded Collie. Enthusiastic about the lovable nature of her bitch, she began to breed. She saved the long-forgotten breed from extinction. Since then, however, the Beardie has primarily been a companion dog for families. In 1967 the FCI officially recognized the breed. She belongs to Group 1 “Shepherd dogs and cattle dogs” in Section 1 “Shepherd dogs”.
Essence and Character
The Bearded Collie is a spirited and lively family dog. The attentive working dog shows no aggressiveness or nervousness. He is friendly and impresses with unbridled cheerfulness. The affectionate dog forms a close bond with his family. He also has a strong play instinct and gets along well with children. He meets other pets and dogs without any problems. However, the self-confident dogs are suspicious and wary of strangers. The intelligent and sensitive Beardies carefully observe their surroundings and are good at assessing situations. Loud noises frighten sensitive dogs.
The Appearance of the Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a strong and elegant dog with a thick, long coat. He has a straight back ending in a low set tail. The legs of the former herding dogs are straight and strong. The head appears square and the large eyes are wide apart. The pendulous ears are medium-sized and may raise slightly when alert.
The dense and shaggy coat is either smooth or slightly wavy. The top hair is slightly longer on the cheeks and chin and forms the typical beard. Some members of the breed have long fur that hangs over their eyes. The soft undercoat is furry. The colors allowed are black, blue, slate grey, reddish fawn, brown, sand, and all shades of grey. Some dogs have white or light tan markings.
Education of the Puppy
The Beardies are sensitive dogs that need a calm and gentle upbringing. They shy away from aggression and react defiantly. Consistency and patience quickly lead to the desired success with these shaggy four-legged friends. Open-minded dogs like to work together with their people and enjoy learning new commands.
If you want to raise Beardie’s education to a professional level, you can take part in herding training or a working test. The dog has to complete tasks and demonstrate its abilities in everyday life. Anyone who has successfully completed this test with their dog will have a loyal companion in every situation.
Activities with the Bearded Collie
The Beardie is an active dog that gets enthusiastic about any sporting activity. Whether long walks or challenging dog sports – the dogs love to move. While they are not hyperactive working dogs, they do require a varied occupation. They can cope with any weather and want their daily walks even in rain and storms.
The four-legged friend also happily accompanies its owners when jogging, cycling, or hiking. When it comes to agility, many representatives of the breed are in top form. Of course, the dogs can still be used as herding dogs. With enough activity, the collie is a well-balanced and calm roommate. Just as important are daily rest breaks and pats.
Health and Care
The Beardie’s long, shaggy coat requires intensive grooming. You should check it intensively for dirt and ticks, especially after walks in the forest. It is also advisable to brush the dog regularly. If you start this when he’s a puppy, he’ll enjoy the extra cuddles. Some dogs suffer from the excessive length of their coat. Especially the excessive fur in the head area makes it difficult for them to see. You should therefore tie your hair in a ponytail when you go for a walk. In terms of health, the dogs are otherwise very tough. Eye and ear problems occasionally occur. Common hereditary diseases, however, are not known.
Is the Bearded Collie Right for Me?
The Bearded Collie is a happy and affectionate dog that needs lots of exercises. It is therefore particularly important that you have enough time for your four-legged friend. The care of the long coat should not be underestimated either. Your free time with a Beardie consists mainly of walks, activities, visits to the dog park, and cuddling units. The dog is ideally cared for by an active family that involves it in activities that change on a daily basis. With a consistent upbringing, you will get a cheerful and loyal companion for life with the Beardie.