| Height: | 20 – 22 Inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Colors: | Black, blues, browns, and fawns |
| Compatible with: | Experienced owners with active families and large yards |
| Temperament: | Active, alert, intelligent |
The medium-sized Scottish Herding Dogs, Bearded Collies, have long hair which often covers their eyes. The breed is about 2 feet high and weighs 50 pounds. It has a dark nose and floppy ear tips. The modern Bearded Collie was created by Mrs. G. Olive Willison in 1944. It became a breed member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1977. The original Bearded Collies were used by Scottish shepherds to herd sheep in the 1500s. The dog is intelligent, alert, and loyal, but requires a lot of grooming.
Puppies of Bearded Collies
Bearded Collies can be expensive. Breeders with more experience may charge more and have longer waiting lists, but they will give you a healthier puppy. For a show dog that is fit for competition, you’ll need to pay more than for a companion or house pet.
Be prepared to have a dog that is eager to play when you bring one home. To avoid boredom, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Socialize your dog as soon as possible so that they get along with animals and other pets.
Bearded Collie: 3 little-known facts
1. The Bearded Collie Can Be Found in Paintings from the 1800s
2. There are other names for the Bearded Collie, including Highland Collie and Mountain Collie.
3. The Bearded Collies were almost extinct after World War I. But caring breeders increased their numbers.
Temperament and Intelligence of the Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies can be very intelligent and, like other smart breeds of dogs, also stubborn and independent. This dog needs a lot of exercises and will become destructive if it is not taken outside for a couple of hours every day. This dog is loving and affectionate, but it will be better if one of the family members has had experience with dogs with stubborn tendencies.
Bearded Collie can be taught many tricks with patience. For hundreds of years, this breed has participated in agility and herding competitions. It is alert and makes for a good companion and watchdog on long hikes.
What breeds are good for families?
The Bearded Collie is a good family pet. It is affectionate and loyal. It enjoys spending time with family members. It’s affectionate, loyal, and enjoys being around family members. It will stay in its home for several hours on its own and spend a lot of time watching over it, even when you’re there. It is stubborn and can display bad behavior. It also likes to run around the house, so it could accidentally knock over children. It may also try to herd family members by nipping at their heels. This can be very upsetting for children and strangers.
Can this breed get along with other pets?
Bearded Collies are usually good with other pets in the house, especially when they’re socialized at an early age. The dog may try to herd a cat, which could cause issues, but cats can often get away from the dog and it will quickly get used to this. You may also hear it barking at other dogs while you’re out walking in an effort to herd them. This can be avoided if you start your walks with the puppy.
What to know before owning a bearded collie
Food & Diet Requirements
Your Bearded Collie will be very active and needs high-protein food that provides the energy and building blocks needed for strong muscles. Check the list of ingredients to ensure that chicken, fish, or beef is listed first. Avoid foods that substitute meat with meat byproducts, meat meals, or corn products. These ingredients are not as good and can lead to weight gain. Probiotic-rich brands can strengthen your dog’s immune system and regulate its digestive system. Brands that contain omega-3 fats are also recommended to produce a glossy coat and reduce inflammation among other health benefits.
Exercise
Bearded Collie dogs are extremely active and require at least 40 minutes of daily exercise. It will chase a ball for hours, as it loves to run. Frisbee and fetch are great options since it enjoys running. A dog park is another great option, as they have many courses that are designed to burn off energy. Your dog will gain weight if you don’t exercise enough. This will put a strain on your dog’s joints and cause inflammation. If your dog is not sufficiently active, it can become bored and start to bark, dig, or chew.
Training
You can expect to face a challenging training process with this breed. To increase your chances of success, we recommend establishing a routine for training your dog while it is still a pup. You should train your dog for 5-10 minutes every day, at the same time. Repeat your command many times. Consistency will help your dog develop a habit of listening to and following your commands. Keep some treats in your pocket, and while you are pointing at your dog, repeat the command. Give your dog a treat if it gets it right.
You shouldn’t be discouraged or frustrated if your dog does not understand what you’re trying to teach him. Also, you shouldn’t push the dog. If you are trying to teach your dog the sit command, don’t press down on its back. When you hold the treat in one hand and the dog is facing you, slowly move your hand from the top of its head to the tail. This will cause the dog to sit when it follows the treat. Be patient. It may take several tries for your dog to learn a new command.
Grooming
Coat
You will have to groom your Bearded Collie regularly in order to keep it looking healthy and clean. Daily brushing is required to remove dirt, tangles, and mats. You will be surprised at the amount of dirt and debris that can accumulate in long hair. It is therefore important to brush it daily. It may be necessary to use a detangling spray that is safe for pets. A trip to the pet groomer every now and then can also be helpful, especially following the spring and fall shedding season.
Ears
Pay special attention to floppy ears. They can trap dirt and moisture, allowing bacteria to thrive and infect your dog. It is important to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry.
Nails
Your Bearded Collie will wear its nails down as it runs, jumps, and plays outdoors. If your dog spends most of its time indoors and you can hear it clicking on the ground, then you should trim its nails.
Teeth
Early brushing is a good habit to get your dog into. You can slow down the progression of dental decay in dogs by brushing their teeth manually with pet-safe toothpaste.
Health Conditions
Minor Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia – Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint does not form correctly at birth. The malformed joint wears out quickly and can affect the dog’s ability to put weight on its back legs. This condition can cause lameness and may even require surgery. This is a problem that’s more common in large dogs, whose massive weight and size can cause their bones to degenerate quicker. However, it can also affect active breeds such as the Bearded Collie because of their constant running and jumps.
- Due to their high energy levels, Bearded Collies are also susceptible to elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia can be similar to hip dysplasia. However, it affects the elbow bones and may prevent your dog from using its front legs. The treatment is similar to hip dysplasia, which includes medication, surgery, and weight loss.
Serious Conditions
- Cataracts are common in dogs and can be seen at any age. They usually appear as the dog gets older, but they can also occur at other times. The lenses of either one or both of the eyes can become clouded, preventing light from reaching the eye. The cause is usually genetic, but other medical conditions such as diabetes can also be to blame. If you notice your dog’s eyes are cloudy, it is important to take them to the vet. They may need medication or surgery.
Male vs female
They are similar in size, and the male is slightly taller. The sexes are very similar in terms of temperament and behavior.
Final Thoughts
If you have some experience with stubborn dogs, a Bearded Collie can be a great pet. It is very intelligent, can be taught many tricks with patience, and will keep an eye on your home while you’re away or sleeping. This dog needs to be kept busy so that it can burn off its excess energy.
Are Bearded Collies Suitable for first-time dog Owners?
Because the Bearded Collie was raised to work in cold, harsh locations, its activity and grooming requirements make it very high-maintenance in typical households (particularly for first-time dog owners).
Do Bearded Collies enjoy cuddling?
This friendly dog breed is well-known for being gentle with youngsters. They are particularly devoted and loving canines and can be protective of their home members. A bearded collie may be a good choice for your family if you’re seeking a new best friend for your children to grow up with.
What can Bearded Collies do?
In Scotland, the Bearded Collie dog breed was designed to herd sheep and calves in any weather or terrain. Bearded Collies excel at obedience, rally, agility, and other dog sports due to their high energy.
Is it possible for a Bearded Collie to live outside?
They enjoy being outside and can live there, although they have deep bonds with their family members. They get along well with children and other dogs, although they may chase a cat. Beardies dislike being left alone or confined for lengthy periods of time and might develop separation anxiety.
Bearded Collies are they vocal?
Personality. The Bearded Collie is an affectionate, eager-to-learn, and gentle dog who enjoys being around people and participating in all parts of family life. They are generally welcoming of other dogs and household pets and will greet guests with joy, and can be quite noisy in their greeting.
Do Collies only have one best friend?
Border Collies often like to bond with a single person. They have an innate desire to do so since they are built to function as a team with one individual. When the designated leader is missing from a family, this might generate complications.
Why do Collies stick close to their owners?
Working dogs, such as Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, will follow people since they were bred to do so and are looking for indications on what to do next. Other breeds, such as Terriers, are far more independent and are far more prone to walk out and do their own thing.
Are Collies approachable to strangers?
Again, as with children and dogs, they must be thoroughly socialized from the outset or they may become shy, untrusting, apprehensive of strangers, and snappy out of fear. They may be reserved” with people they don’t know if they are raised properly, but they will warm up fairly quickly.”
Collies are they protective of their families?
Border Collies are protective and have been known to utilize herding methods on household pets as well as unknown canines, such as the ‘eye,’ barking, and nipping. While pups used to bossy Borders may be unfazed, stranger dogs are likely to cringe.
What breeds are used to create a Bearded Collie?
A Scottish shepherd was so taken with the dogs’ herding abilities that he swapped many sheep for numerous dogs. The Bearded Collie was created by crossing Polish sheepdogs with indigenous Scottish dogs.