Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie's history is deeply rooted in 16th-century Scotland. They were formed by crossing Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and local sheepdogs as a herding breed.

1. Polish Lowland Sheepdog- Source: AKC
2. Old English Sheepdog- Source: AKC

Despite their popularity among farmers and shepherds, the breed lacked a formal standard until post-World War II. 

G.O. Willison played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Bearded Collie, founding the Bearded Collie Club in Britain in 1955. Recognition in the United States followed in the late 1960s, leading to the establishment of the Bearded Collie Club of America. 

The American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed on February 1, 1977, placing it in the Working Group before reclassifying it into the Herding Group in January 1983. 

1. Bearded Collie history- Source: Bearded Collie Club of America

Presently, these herding dogs rank 104th among the 155 breeds registered by the AKC. This position reflects its enduring popularity and widespread appeal among dog enthusiasts worldwide.

The personality of the Bearded Collie is characterized by intelligence, resourcefulness, and confidence. With their lively and playful demeanor, they are known for keeping their owners entertained with their antics. 

• Bearded Collie Temperament

While they are an intelligent dog breed, they may display a touch of independence during training. Due to their history as working dogs, they are active dogs that require regular mental and physical exercise. They are also quick learners and excel in dog sports.

If their energy is not entertained, they might get destructive so consistent dog training is essential to channel their energy positively.

Despite this, they make excellent playmates for children, thanks to their gentle nature and high energy levels. 

When selecting a Bearded Collie puppy, it's essential to consider factors such as heredity, training, and socialization to ensure a well-rounded companion. 

• Potential challenges

Bearded Collies, while known for their affectionate nature and intelligence, present some challenges prospective owners should consider. Their high energy levels demand regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-induced behavioral issues. 

Their independent streak, stemming from their herding background, may require patient and consistent training to establish boundaries effectively.

Bearded Collies present a charming and lively demeanor. Their medium-sized bodies are well-proportioned and sturdy. 

• Bearded Collie Size

Bearded Collies are medium-sized dogs with a strong and sturdy build. 

On average, males stand about 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 20 to 21 inches. 

• Coat Color

These dogs come in a range of colors, adding to their charm. You might see Bearded Collies with coats in different shades of gray or silver, black, blue, brown or fawn. Some may have white markings on their chest, feet, or tail. 

1. Silver Bearded Collie- Source: AKC
2. Black and white Bearded Collie- Source: Unsplash
3. Brown and white Bearded Collie- Source: AKC

They have long and fluffy double coats that are soft to the touch. Their fur serves a practical purpose, keeping them warm and protected from the elements. 

While both male and female Bearded Collies share many common traits, there are subtle differences between them:

• Size

In terms of physical differences, males tend to be slightly larger in size compared to females. This disparity in size is generally minimal but may be noticeable, especially when comparing fully-grown adults.

• Temperament

Females are often independent and assertive, especially in multi-pet households, yet remain affectionate towards their owners.

Males typically exhibit a gentle and easygoing nature, prioritizing affection and forming strong bonds with their human family members.

Keeping Bearded Collies healthy and happy starts with providing them with the right nutrition. It's important to feed them a balanced diet of high-quality dog food made for medium-sized breeds. 

Monitoring their food portions is key to preventing them from gaining too much weight, as they can be prone to obesity if overfed. Always ensure they have access to fresh water, as staying hydrated is essential for their well-being. 

Consulting your vet can help create a personalized feeding plan for your Bearded Collie, keeping them healthy and energetic.

Bearded Collie dog breed can be susceptible to certain health issues:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disorder that leads to the degeneration of the retina, eventually resulting in vision loss. Early signs may include night blindness and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
• Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition in dogs, hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to joint instability and eventually arthritis. Symptoms may include limping, difficulty rising, or reluctance to exercise. 
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a range of symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Blood tests can diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment typically involves lifelong medication to regulate hormone levels.
• Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM): PPM is a congenital eye defect where remnants of fetal tissue persist in the eye, affecting vision. While many cases are minor and do not require treatment, severe cases may cause visual impairment and require surgical intervention. 

In terms of grooming, this breed is considered to be high maintenance due to its long coat.

Their long, shaggy coats need daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. It's also important their coat can get frizzy and matted when brushed without care. To avoid this, lift their coat to ensure you’re brushing from their skin.

Start with a tooth comb to remove any tangles and then go in with a slicker brush to remove any loose hair.

1. Bearded Collies hairstyle - Source: Pinterest

Bearded Collies have shaggy coats requiring regular grooming. Brush daily to prevent mats and distribute natural oils. Bathe every 6-8 weeks with gentle shampoo. Trim ears, paws, and nails regularly. 

Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks prevents overgrowth. Dental care includes regular brushing and dental chews to prevent plaque. Regular ear checks and gentle cleaning prevent infections.

If you’re interested in adopting Bearded Collie puppies, there are various rescue organizations dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in need. 

BearderCollieClub.US

BeardedCollie.RescueMe.org

The average Bearded Collie's price ranges between $800 to $1500. When buying a Bearded Collie, research reputable breeders prioritizing dog health and well-being.

MarketPlace.AKC.org

AdoptAPet.com

• The breed gained popularity after being featured in the 2006 movie, "Shaggy Dog" where it played Cole, who is sacred.

1. Shaggy Dog - Source: IMDb

• Another Bearded Collie made its appearance in the movie Hotel for Dogs as Ralphie's dog.

1. Hotel for Dogs- Source: Moviebox Wiki

• They appeared in the breed judging show in 2023.

Bearded Collies are versatile companions, thriving in active families, herding enthusiasts, therapy work, active individuals or couples, and households with older children.