The Bearded Collie is a beloved breed known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their facial hair, also known as a "beard", is one of their most distinctive features. This facial hair is actually a characteristic of the breed.
Bearded Collies come in a variety of colors, including blue merle, sable, and white. They are often referred to as "bearded" due to their facial hair.
In addition to their unique appearance, Bearded Collies are also known for their intelligence and trainability.
Characteristics of the
Bearded collies are known for their bright and loyal nature, making them a great addition to any family. They're especially enthusiastic about making new friends, which is evident in their signature "beardie bounce" when they're excited.
Their bouncy nature carries over to their temperament with people and other animals, often jumping up and down on their front feet when they're excited. This breed is a great choice for active people who can spend plenty of time with their dog.
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Bearded collies require plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day to stay happy, which means they need owners who can provide regular exercise and playtime. They're a medium to high energy breed, so they need activities that'll keep them engaged.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bearded Collie breed:
The Bearded Collie breed is known for its unique fading gene, which causes their coat colors to change as they age. Puppies are often born with a solid color, but as they mature, their coats fade to a lighter hue.
Care and Grooming
Bearded collies are active, outgoing, and affectionate dogs that thrive on daily exercise and mental stimulation. They love to be around their family and can make great additions to the right household.
Their long coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A 10- to 15-minute brushing session every day, along with a more thorough brushing weekly, can help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Bearded collies shed heavily for two to four weeks every year, so be prepared to increase the frequency of grooming during this time. Regular ear cleaning with ear cleaning solution and a cotton pad can also help prevent infections.
Daily brushing with a bristle or pin brush can help prevent tangles and mats, and it's essential to gently comb out any tangles with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb before brushing.
Pet Care
A Bearded Collie's daily exercise needs are a must, so make sure to provide at least 30 minutes of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.
Their active nature means they require a lot of mental stimulation, so engage them in interactive play and puzzle toys to keep their minds sharp.
The Bearded Collie's long coat requires a dedicated grooming routine, so be prepared to brush them daily to prevent matting and tangling.
Their affectionate nature makes them great family pets, but be prepared for a lot of attention and snuggles from your new furry friend.
Grooming
A Bearded Collie's long coat requires daily attention to prevent matting, so brush them for 10-15 minutes every day. This will help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Bearded Collies shed heavily for two to four weeks every year, so you'll want to increase the frequency of grooming during this time to prevent stray fur around the house.
Their double coat is prone to matting, so it's essential to brush them daily and do a more thorough brushing weekly to remove any tangles and debris.
Begin grooming your Bearded Collie puppy early to get them used to the process, and make it a positive experience by rewarding them with treats and praise.
Examine your Bearded Collie's ears once a week, gently cleaning them with ear cleaning solution and a cotton pad if dirt and debris are present. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner ear structures.
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Behavior and Temperament
Bearded Collies are friendly dogs that can get along well with other pets at home, from cats and tiny Chihuahuas to giant Irish Wolfhounds, according to the BCCA.
They are naturally curious pups and can thrive as herders, but they don’t need to be on a farm to be happy as long as their needs are met.
Bearded Collies are gentle around children, though all interactions between kids and dogs—no matter the breed—must be supervised.
As a herding breed, Beardies may be tempted to chase and herd other animals, children, and even cars. Consistent training is a must, and keeping your dog on a leash or inside a fenced space when they’re outside is important for their safety.
The typical Bearded Collie is fun-loving and excitable by nature, always wagging their tails either out of happiness or anticipation.
They are outgoing and interactive with their household human companions, and while pleasant with household guests, they can act reserved at first. Once they warm up to someone, though, they feel that they’ve made a life-long best friend.
Bearded Collies don't shy away from exploring and having a good time when they’re outside; they love playing at the dog park, mastering waves at the beach, and going on hikes.
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Origin & History
The Bearded Collie's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to date back to 1500s Scotland. They were likely bred from sheepdogs brought to the area by farmers.
These dogs were known as Highland Collies or Mountain Collies, and were used for centuries as working dogs in the highlands. They were prized for their ability to herd cattle and withstand the harsh climate.
The breed's name has changed over time, but its working-class roots remain. They were often used by rugged Scottish shepherds who relied on them to help control cattle in the pasture.
The first visual depictions of the Bearded Collie were in artwork from the 1700s, which show the breed's distinctive shaggy coat. This was a common sight in Scotland, where the breed was used extensively as a sheep herding dog.
G.O. Willison is credited with developing the modern Bearded Collie breed, which she began breeding for dog shows after World War II. She also helped establish the Bearded Collie Club in Britain, which helped popularize the breed.
The breed arrived in the United States in the late 1950s, but it wasn't until 1967 that the first litter of puppies was born. The Bearded Collie Club of America was formed in 1969, and the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1977.
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Physical Description
The bearded collie's physical description is quite unique and charming. The breed has a medium-length coat that follows the body's natural lines, giving a lean and athletic appearance.
Their coats are rich and dense, providing excellent protection against the elements. The undercoat is soft and furry, while the outer coat is flat, harsh, and shaggy. A slight wave is even permissible, adding to the breed's natural charm.
Their height is also an essential aspect of their physical description. Ideal height for adult males is 21 to 22 inches, while ideal height for adult females is 20 to 21 inches.
General Appearance
The bearded collie is a medium-sized dog with a medium-length coat. They have a tall and lean body that's strongly built, but doesn't appear heavy.
Their coat follows the body's natural lines, giving plenty of daylight under the body. This unique feature makes them quite the sight to behold.
A bright interrogative expression is a distinguishing feature of the breed, giving them a curious and inquisitive look.
Coat
The Bearded Collie's coat is a true standout feature. It's rich and dense, providing excellent protection against wet and cold weather.
The undercoat is soft and furry, while the outer coat is flat, harsh, strong, and shaggy. This unique combination helps keep your Bearded Collie warm and cozy.
A slight wave in the coat is permissible, but it should never be induced artificially. This means you should let your Bearded Collie's natural coat texture shine through.
The bridge of the nose is sparsely covered with hair, while the hair on the sides is slightly longer, covering the upper lips. This helps frame your Bearded Collie's face.
The coat length increases on the lower lips, cheek, and under the chin, forming the characteristic beard. This distinctive feature is a hallmark of the breed.
Severe faults include an excessively long, silky coat or a trimmed or sculptured coat. These types of coats are not true to the breed's natural characteristics.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangles in your Bearded Collie's coat. A daily brushing session of 10-15 minutes, plus a weekly thorough brushing, will help keep their coat in top condition.
Color
The color of this breed is quite striking. Black is a common color, as well as brown and fawn, and some individuals may have blue coats.
White markings can occur with any of these colors, adding a touch of contrast to the overall appearance. Tan trim may also be present on all colors, creating a subtle yet noticeable effect.
The range of colors is quite extensive, making each individual unique and visually appealing.
Size and Weight
When it comes to size, the ideal height for adult males is 21 to 22 inches, and for females, it's 20 to 21 inches. This is crucial for maintaining the medium size of the breed.
Height is a significant factor in determining the overall size of the breed.
A height of over or under the standard is considered a severe fault, so it's essential to get this right.
Forequarters
The forequarters of the animal in question are quite impressive. The shoulders are well laid back, which gives them a sturdy and athletic appearance. This is a testament to their overall strength and agility.
Sources
- Bearded Collie Club of America (BCCA) (beardedcollieclub.us)
- AKC Bearded Collie Breeders (akc.org)
- Bearded Collie Club of America Breeder Referral (beardedcollieclub.us)
- Bearded Collie Club of America Rescue Program (beardedcollieclub.us)
- https://www.akc.org/about/archive/guide-collections/bearded-collie-collection/ (akc.org)
- https://beardedcollieclub.us/about-beardies/history/ (beardedcollieclub.us)
- https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-bearded-collies (webmd.com)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_Collie (wikipedia.org)
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bearded-collie?lightboxfired=true# (hillspet.com)
- Bearded Collie - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Bearded Collie Dog Breed Information, Pictures ... (monkoodog.com)
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