BEARDED COLLIE DOG BREED

Description:

The Bearded Collie, or simply Beardie, is one of the oldest breeds in Britain. Developed in Scotland, this breed was bred to herd sheep and cattle. In the early 20^th century, Collies were almost on the verge of extinction, and although their popularity is increasing today, these extraordinary animals are still quite rare.

Height: 20-22 inches  Weight: 45-60 pounds  Lifespan: 12-14 years

Characteristics:

The Bearded Collie is a hardy and very energetic dog of medium size. Bearded Collies are quite confident, and therefore they do not show any sign of shyness or aggression. The Bearded Collie is always cheerful, very quick-witted and reliable. This versatile dog is equally suitable for companionship and for work in any weather or terrain. Beardies are prompt shepherds. Comparable Breed: Briard and Old English Sheepdog.

Character:

Full of enthusiasm, affectionate and loving, the Bearded Collie gets very attached to his family. Dogs of this breed are extremely pleasant and easy to handle but sometimes can be overly noisy. Bearded Collies get along well with children and other pets. If left alone for a long time, they get bored and lonely. Since the Bearded Collie is a herding dog, he may try to apply these talents to everyone and everything that moves within his reach. These dogs do not bark excessively; nevertheless, they are great watchdogs.

Coat / Care:

The Bearded Collie has a long, fluffy coat that covers the entire body, even under the chin. Long and dense outer layer is great protection from the bad weather. In addition, there is a soft, thick undercoat. During Bearded Collies’ lifetime, the color of their coat changes several times. Collies are usually born black, brown, blue or yellow, and after a while, the color is bleached to cream or light gray color. Once the dog reaches maturity, his hair becomes dark again, and adult dog’s hair becomes brown, fawn, blue or black. Shedding is of medium intensity. To prevent tangling, the Collie must be groomed on a daily basis. Professional grooming is a necessity, at least every two months. Bathe your pet or clean him with a dry shampoo.

Health Problems:

The Bearded Collie is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to Allergies, Hip Dysplasia, Eye Infection, Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Diseases. The Bearded Collie has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Weight / Height

The male Bearded Collie dog breed’s height is around 21 – 22 inches and weighs around 50 and 60 pounds. Female Bearded Collie dogs can reach a size from 20 – 21 inches and weighs between 45 and 55 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.

Training:

Some dogs are easier to tame than others, and representatives of this breed are generally very easy to train. Since the Bearded Collie can be quite self-willed and extremely stubborn, he will try to do things his way. Therefore, early obedience training and socialization are essential. Bearded Collies do well on the trail, they cope perfectly with all tasks that require dexterity, intelligence and agility. The most effective teaching methods are firmness, fairness and consistency.

Activity:

The Bearded Collie is a very active breed so he needs great physical and mental stimulation. These dogs need a lot of space; therefore, they are not suitable for apartment living. Bearded Collies do not like to be locked up, they need open spaces, where they can communicate freely with the rest of the family.

Photo Credit: Arild Andersen/Flickr; Arild Andersen/Flickr