Bearded Collies are a beloved breed known for their distinctive beards and mustaches, which give them a charming and endearing appearance. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming.
Their expressive eyes are a key feature, with a range of colors including blue, brown, and hazel. Their ears are also a notable feature, hanging down to the side of their head.
Bearded Collies are a medium-sized breed, with males weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing 22-24 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 35-55 pounds and standing 20-22 inches tall.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great breed for families and first-time dog owners.
Physical Characteristics
The bearded collie has a distinctive physical appearance. Their medium-length coat follows the body's natural lines, giving the illusion of daylight under the body.
Their bodies are tall and lean, with a strong build that doesn't appear heavy. This lean physique is a key characteristic of the breed.
A bright, interrogative expression is a defining feature of the bearded collie, making them look like they're always curious. This expression is a result of their natural stance, which is essential to showcase their unique features.
They should be shown in a natural stance to truly appreciate their physical characteristics.
Grooming and Care
Bearded Collies require regular grooming to keep their long hair mat-free and looking their best. They shed all year long, but especially in the spring and fall, so be prepared for some extra vacuuming.
Daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles and keep their coat looking shiny. This should take about 10 minutes, depending on the length of their coat. You can use a pin brush to get out tangles and a boar bristle brush to smooth and shine their coat.
Weekly brushing is also a good idea to get out any stubborn tangles and prevent matting. This can take up to 1 hour, depending on the length of their coat. Be sure to check their ears for debris, wax build-up, and signs of infection during this time.
Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind:
- Brushing: Daily brushing (10 minutes) and weekly brushing (30-60 minutes)
- Ear cleaning: Check ears weekly for debris, wax build-up, and signs of infection
- Bathing: Bath every 4-6 weeks, or weekly if your Bearded Collie is a show dog
- Nail trimming: Trim nails every 2-4 weeks, depending on wear
- Dental care: Brush teeth daily and schedule annual professional cleaning
As Pets
A Bearded Collie is best obtained from a reputable breeder or a dog rescue.
They rank 117 out of 175 breeds in popularity in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club's yearly breed ranking.
Bearded Collies have a high energy level and are very enthusiastic, making them excellent pets for those who can keep up with them.
They require regular grooming, with weekly brushing being mandatory to keep their long hair mat-free.
Some owners opt to keep their pets in a "puppy cut" haircut, which reduces the need for brushing.
Bearded Collies were originally bred to work in the Scottish Highlands herding sheep, and they still excel at activities like dog agility and Obedience trials.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of caring for your Bearded Collie. Regular grooming will help prevent matting and tangling of their long hair.
Bearded Collies shed all year round, but they shed more in the spring and fall, so be prepared for extra vacuuming during these seasons. If you keep your Beardie's coat long, you may need to use a barrette to keep their hair out of their eyes.
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Daily brushing is a must to keep tangles at a minimum. A quick daily brush will take about 10 minutes, and it's a great opportunity to bond with your pup. Keep a towel and brush handy inside the door to wipe them off when they come in from playing outside.
Weekly brushing is essential to get rid of tangles and prevent matting. You'll want to use a pin brush to get the tangles out and a boar bristle brush to smooth and shine their coat. This more thorough brushing will take 30-60 minutes.
Ear cleaning is also an essential part of grooming. Check your pup's ears for debris, wax build-up, and signs of infection while you're giving them their weekly brush. If you notice anything unusual, speak to your vet.
Here are some grooming essentials to keep on hand:
- Pin brush
- Boar bristle brush
- Slicker brush
- De-matting comb
- Towel
Some Bearded Collie owners opt to keep their pets in a "puppy cut" haircut, which reduces the need for brushing. But if you do keep their coat long, regular nail trimming and dental care are also essential.
Interesting Facts
Bearded Collies have a unique appearance that's hard to miss. Their distinctive beards and mustaches are a result of their long, feathery coats.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice as herding dogs. They excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Bearded Collies are relatively large dogs, with adults typically weighing between 40-60 pounds. Their height ranges from 22-27 inches at the shoulder.
Their intelligence and trainability also make them great family pets, as they're easy to teach and adapt to new situations.
Sources
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