The Bearded Collie

The coat of this Scottish shepherd dog gives it an endearing and dreamy look.  In its early days, the Bearded Collie was used primarily as a herding dog. Typical family dog, its appearance in various children’s films and its characteristic friendly gaze make the Bearded Collie very popular today.

Origins of the Bearded Collie

This dog has been present in Scotland and the north of England for more than 500 years ; or, at least, specimens with characteristics similar to those we know today. It is believed that it descends from some specimens that were abandoned on the Scottish coasts; and their offspring with native specimens gave rise to the current Bearded Collie.

In Victorian times, it was used not only as a herding dog, but also for dog shows and shows. It was not until 1912, however, when the breed standards of the Bearded Collie were defined,  because although similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, they clearly differed. 

Despite its recognition as a breed, its population was reduced to almost extinction  and,  around 1940, its numbers improved thanks to G. Olive Wilson. This woman was looking for a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, but a farmer gave her a small Bearded Collie. Since he was concerned to find a partner with the same characteristics, the breed prospered again.

Characteristics and morphology

According to the International Cynological Federation, the Bearded Collie belongs to group one of sheepdogs and sheepdogs. Despite its abundant coat, its size is medium and in fact it is advised that it is not overweight and that it shows ‘a lot of light under the body’.

The Bearded Collie is an active and lean dog, and is rather long than tall. The ideal height in males ranges between 53 and 56 centimeters; in females, between 51 and 53 centimeters. Its weight is between 20 and 30 kilos. If you are thinking of acquiring a Bearded Collie for an urban home, keep in mind that it is very expressive and barks frequently.

The most remarkable thing about this breed is, of course, its coat. It has a double coat of hair: the inner one should be woolly and tight; the outer, smooth and strong. It should not present knots or curlers, although it is normal for it to have some undulation. The range of colors varies, but  the most common shades are :

• Slate gray
• Reddish bay
• Black
• Blue
• Different shades of gray, brown and sand

The white color will appear scattered throughout its body, such as the tip of the tail, chest and neck. Breed standards determine that the target should not appear above the tibia-tarsal joints, or behind the shoulders. 

Exercise and care

The Bearded Collie is a lively, alert and confident dog. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. As a working dog, he is stable and intelligent and  is especially friendly and affectionate, so any sign of aggression or nervousness can be a sign that something is wrong.

To keep the Bearded Collie in shape, at least one hour of daily exercise is recommended. We must not forget that the Bearded Collie, despite its appearance as an affectionate and familiar dog, is a sheepdog. As such, and especially if we want you to work with herds, it is advised that you follow some training methods.

As for the more specific care of this breed, we must always take into account its star characteristic: the hair. Point out that  a weekly brushing is the minimum you need  and that, in the presence of any abnormality, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

If our Bearded Collie leads an active life in the country, he will need to wear an antiparasitic collar and be free of mud and other elements. And it is that  its size is due to the density of its double coat, which can be the favorite home for parasites. 

Some of the more common diseases, such as elbow or hip dysplasia, also affect this breed. However, no specifically related or inherited disorders are associated with the Bearded Collie. Physical and mental stimulation is recommended  so that our Bearded Collie, like any other dog, is healthy and happy.