Bearded Collie Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

20 to 25 kg

Height

53 to 56 cm

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Jump To

About the Bearded Collie

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

If you are looking for a happy and enthusiastic pooch, then a Beardie is your best bet! What’s not to love about the fluffy Bearded Collie? These highly intelligent but loveable and playful pups make any house a home and fit right into the family!

Our guide will tell you everything you need to know. You’ll want to add a Beardie to the family by the end of this!

What is the history & origin of the Bearded Collie?

Bearded Collies have been around for years and are one of Europe’s oldest breeds. They have been known as a Mountain Collie, a Highland Collie, or a Hairy Mou’ed Collie. They are believed to date back to the 1500s in Scotland.

Bearded Collies were introduced as herding dogs, and shepherds praised them as they continued to work hard in Scotland’s hilly terrain and raw climate. Their job was to control all of the cattle.

In the 1700s, the breed was depicted in paintings, and it looks like they were part of high society for quite some time. They were popular during Victorian times, but World War 1 decimated the Bearded Collie population.

After World War II, G.O. Willison started breeding them for the show ring. In 1955 the Bearded collie club was formed in Britain. And since then, breeders have kept this dog breed going.

What is a Bearded Collie Breed?

The Bearded Collie is a mix of several local herding dogs, including the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. The breed was brought to the Scottish Highlands, and they started herding sheep.

These dogs have a beard and very long hair, so they are incredibly fluffy and cute! They are rare but relatively popular.

Who is a Bearded Collie Best For?

Bearded Collies are best for people that have bigger houses with spacious yards. This dog is extremely active and needs space to run around and play. They also love children and are great playmates, making them wonderful family dogs.

They are also well suited to owners that live an active lifestyle. Collies are very active dogs and need owners who can spend time with them, entertain them, and keep them busy.

You could also engage them in dog sports. They are excellent for competing in agility, rally, and obedience. Beardies are also best for people who don’t mind a wet and muddy mop of hair from time to time and are ready to groom their long hair on a regular basis!

They get along well with other animals. So they are great for people who have other dogs or cats.

Bearded Collie Grooming & Shedding

The coat of a Bearded Collie is shaggy, thick, and long. They need weekly brushing; you can use a pin brush or a bristle brush and do this for about 30 minutes. Grooming your doggo will prevent any matting and tangles.

Bearded Collies shed for two to four weeks every year, so it is best to groom them more often at this stage to prevent having tons of fur lying around the house. You should also brush their teeth 2-3 times each week.

Clean their ears regularly using a cotton pad and ear solution to avoid any infections. You can also give them regular baths, especially if they’ve rolled in the mud or have gotten very dirty. Use a shampoo that is gentle; you don’t want to irritate or damage their skin.

Do Bearded Collies bark a lot?

Bearded Collies love to bark when they’re excited or happy and when they’re alone and feel bored. Due to being so alert, they will always bark when they see strangers or when someone arrives at your house.

They can become uncontrollable barkers, so make sure that you train them when they are little to avoid this. We all love a good chat with our doggo, but not when they get out of hand and we can’t keep them quiet!

What is the average weight & height of a Bearded Collie dog?

Bearded Collies are medium-sized dogs, and they tend to mature relatively slowly. Your pup will be fully grown by the age of three.

Males can be about 53 to 56 cm tall, and females are usually around 50 to 53 cm tall. And Bearded Collies generally weigh approximately 20 to 25 kg.

Are Bearded Collies easy to train?

Bearded Collies have loads of energy and are highly intelligent – so they require obedience training throughout their lives. Send your puppy to some lessons when they’re about eight weeks old; the earlier you start, the better. They need to learn good behaviours when they are young.

Keep them engaged by using positive reinforcement and give them playtime or treats as a reward. They should be socialised early on in life and go for some puppy training. They can start as early as seven weeks.

Puppy training can help you pick up on bad behaviours and stop them from developing. Since they are so independent, you will need to have a fair amount of patience with them as training can be somewhat tricky at times.

How do Bearded Collies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Bearded Collies are playful and spunky. They are very loyal and like to be a part of the family. Their bouncy nature and enthusiasm make it easy for them to bond with people and other animals.

They are always friendly and are very independent dogs. They are made of energy, laughter, and heart – life will be complete with one of these in your home! They love affection and can be very sensitive. They are also trustworthy with a slightly clownish attitude.

These doggos are also very alert and make for good watchdogs; they are confident and resourceful. Their temperament can be heavily affected by training, hereditary, and socialisation.

Does the Bearded Collie have any common health issues?

Bearded Collies are relatively healthy dogs, but they are prone to specific health issues. To ensure that the breeder you get your pooch from is responsible and tests for any underlying conditions.

Bearded Collies can be affected by hip dysplasia; it is hereditary but can also be caused by injury or rapid growth. They can suffer from Hypothyroidism, which can be treated with medication. They can also have eye problems and autoimmune diseases.

And they may have certain allergies, they may be allergic to something in their environment, to their treatments or shampoo, or they may be allergic to certain foods.

What is the lifespan of a Bearded Collie?

On average, Bearded Collies live for 12 to 15 years, and they are pretty healthy dogs. Ensuring that your pooch is active, happy, and eats a good diet will undoubtedly help them live longer.

How much does a Bearded Collie need to be fed?

Your Bearded Collie should eat at least 1.5 to 2 cups of food daily. Only feed them high-quality dog food and make sure that their diet is full of protein. The food and nutrients you feed them should depend on their metabolism, age, and activity level.

Do not overfeed them, as they can become obese if they eat too much.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bearded Collie in Australia?

The cost depends on the breeder, the bloodline of the dog, and how rare the breed is. You can get a puppy for about $550, and if they are trained to be a show dog, they will likely cost about $750.

However, they can also easily cost you around $1500 – $2500. Purebred dogs tend to cost a lot. It all depends on where you live as well. It is best to find a reputable breed club so that you know you are getting a healthy and well-cared for pup!

Bearded Collie FAQs

Are Bearded Collies high maintenance?

Their grooming needs and exercise needs can make them relatively high maintenance, especially if you are a first-time dog owner.

Do Bearded Collies suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they do. They don’t like to be confined or left alone for long periods of time and do start to suffer from separation anxiety. If they do not get enough mental and physical exercise, they start to feel lonely and become mischievous and destructive.

What behaviour problems do Bearded Collies tend to have?

Bearded Collies love to jump, leap, and spring. This can become a problem as they tend to jump on people often, so adequate training here is essential. They also tend to bark and become very destructive if they have not had enough exercise.

Bearded Collies also sometimes nip at other dogs and objects.

Will a Bearded Collie need professional grooming?

Like many dog breeds, Bearded Collies need to be groomed regularly, and their grooming needs are pretty basic. So you can opt for a professional groomer, but it is not totally necessary. You can easily groom this pup yourself.