The Collie Bearded Collie is a beloved breed that's known for its intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature. They were originally bred to herd sheep and other livestock.
Their distinctive bearded appearance is a result of their long, harsh coats that require regular grooming. They have a medium-length coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season.
Collie Bearded Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice as family pets and working dogs. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
General Information
Bearded Collies are quick-witted and lively dogs.
They're happiest when they're doing something with you, whether it's a family activity or a work task.
These dogs are bred to work in harsh conditions, herding sheep and cattle.
Their long, straight outer coats and bright inquiring expression make them a beautiful sight to behold.
Bearded Collies are up to the task of being a family pet, working dog, or show dog.
They'll soon be looking for another task to complete once one is done.
General Appearance
The bearded collie's general appearance is quite distinctive. It has a medium-length coat that follows the body's natural lines, giving plenty of daylight under the body.
The breed is of medium size, with a tall and lean body that's strongly built but doesn't appear heavy.
A bright interrogative expression is a distinguishing feature of the bearded collie, making it a unique and charming breed.
When shown in a natural stance, the bearded collie's overall appearance is truly impressive.
Health and Wellbeing
Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and eye problems are two common concerns to be aware of.
Some Bearded Collies may also be affected by hypothyroidism, or other auto-immune diseases. It's essential to discuss these potential issues with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Bearded Collies have an average life expectancy of 12-14 years, making regular check-ups with your vet crucial to ensuring they live a long and healthy life.
Nutrition and Feeding
A dog's diet is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. The average weight range for Bearded Collies is 40 – 60 pounds.
To ensure your dog stays within this range, feed them high-quality dog food, whether it's commercially manufactured or prepared with your vet's supervision. Any diet should be suitable for your dog's age, whether it's a puppy, adult, or senior.
Some dogs are prone to being overweight, so it's essential to monitor their calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an aid, but overdoing it can lead to obesity.
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups. This includes a constant supply of fresh water.
Health Concerns
Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health concerns. One of these concerns is hip dysplasia, which affects the hip joint and can cause arthritis and mobility issues.
Explore further: Hip Problems in Border Collies
Be sure to ask about the parents' health history, specifically whether they have hip and eye problems. This can give you an idea of whether your Bearded Collie is at risk for these issues.
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can also affect Bearded Collies. This can cause a range of symptoms including weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue.
Food and contact allergies are common in Bearded Collies, and can cause skin problems and digestive issues. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to find a food that works for your dog.
Some Bearded Collies are also at risk for eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and persistent pupillary membrane. These conditions can cause blindness and require ongoing veterinary care.
Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Addison's Disease, is a rare but serious condition that affects 2-3% of Bearded Collies. This condition causes the adrenal glands to produce insufficient hormones, which can cause a range of symptoms including weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Monthly heartworm preventatives can also cause reactions in some Bearded Collies, so be sure to discuss options with your veterinarian.
Additional reading: Best Food for Border Collies
Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Bearded Collie is around 12-14 years. This is a relatively long life expectancy for a breed of dog.
To ensure your Bearded Collie lives up to its full potential, regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
Bearded Collies are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Their average lifespan of 12-14 years is a good indicator of their overall health and wellbeing.
Broaden your view: What Are the 14 Ancient Dog Breeds
Care and Maintenance
Regular grooming sessions are a must for Bearded Collies, with a weekly brushing to remove tangles and mats and to reduce shedding.
Brushing should be done with the dog lying down, starting with the tummy area and working up a few inches at a time, then repeating on the other side.
Daily brushing is necessary to prevent mats and tangles from forming, especially in the heavy double coat.
Beardies don't shed much, but what they do shed can easily form mats, particularly when wet to the skin.
A full wash, brush out, and dry for a Bearded Collie is a whole day's activity and should be done regularly.
Brushing the coat will help it shed mud and dirt, but the drying process takes some time and must be done properly after every wet walk or rainy trip to the garden.
Regular nail trimming and brushing teeth 2-3 times a week are also important to maintain your Bearded Collie's overall health.
Grooming & Care
Regular grooming sessions are a must for Bearded Collies. They should be brushed at least once a week to keep shedding to a minimum.
Tangles should be removed as soon as possible to prevent discomfort and damage to the coat. Brushing out the coat from the tummy area and working up a few inches at a time is the most effective way to remove tangles.
A grooming session is best done with the dog lying down, allowing the groomer to brush to the roots of the hair. This ensures a thorough cleaning and prevents matting.
Bearded Collies have a heavy double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Daily brushing is essential to prevent mats from forming, especially when the coat is wet.
Bath days for Bearded Collies are a big deal and should be done with care. A full wash, brush out, and dry can take a whole day, so it's essential to train your Beardie to enjoy this process from an early age.
A weekly brushing can help reduce shedding, but it's essential to brush the coat thoroughly to prevent tangles and mats.
Nutrition
Bearded collies thrive on high-quality dog food, whether it's commercially manufactured or homemade with your vet's approval.
Choose a diet suitable for your dog's age, whether it's a puppy, adult, or senior.
Some Bearded collies are prone to obesity, so monitor their calorie intake and weight level closely.
Treats can be beneficial, but overindulging can lead to weight issues.
Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water.
Toys Bearded Would Like
Bearded Collies love to play with their people, so interactive toys are a must for daily fun.
Interactive toys are a great way to keep your Beardie entertained and engaged. They're perfect for indoor playtime as well as outdoor fun.
Beardies require indoor excitement, so it's essential to have a variety of toys on hand to keep them stimulated. Frisbees or other fetch toys are always a hit for outdoor playtime.
Frisbees or other fetch toys, such as BARK's "Lady Liberty Ball" or "The Best Balls Ever", are great options for outdoor play. They're perfect for a game of catch or fetch.
Beardies need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Interactive toys can help provide this stimulation and keep them engaged.
Consider reading: Bull Terrier Fun Facts
Exercise
The Bearded Collie is an energetic breed that requires a fair amount of outdoor exercise every day.
They need some kind of activity, whether it's playing ball, going for a long walk, run, or hike, or just playing with a companion in a large, fenced-in yard or other area.
A busy Bearded Collie is a happy Bearded Collie, and they love to participate in athletic events like herding, agility, and obedience competitions.
They'll enjoy at least an hour's exercise per day, ideally much more, and they'll be happy to do it no matter the weather.
Under their glorious coat, the Bearded Collie is an active dog who will happily get wet and muddy if that's what it takes to get some exercise.
They're adaptable and intelligent, so they'll enjoy whatever activity you have in mind, as long as they can come too.
Suggestion: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bearded collies rare?
Yes, bearded collies are a rare breed. Despite efforts to preserve them, their population remains low due to historical factors.
Are bearded collies cuddly?
Bearded collies are known for being extremely cuddly and affectionate, making them a great fit for families who love to snuggle. Their loyal nature only adds to their cuddly charm.
What is the oldest Bearded Collie?
The oldest recorded Bearded Collie was a non-registered individual that lived to be 23 years old, while the oldest registered Bearded Collie was Ch Blumberg Hadriana at Potterdale (Heidi), who lived to be 18 years old.
Is a Bearded Collie a good pet?
Yes, Bearded Collies make excellent family pets due to their high energy levels and playful nature. However, they do require regular exercise and grooming to thrive
Is a Bearded Collie a small dog?
No, Bearded Collies are medium-sized dogs, not small. They typically stand between 20-22 inches tall and weigh 50-60 pounds.
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