Their carefree attitude and charming disposition make Bearded Collies wonderful pets. They are active, lively and benefit from lots of regular activity.
The ultimate tail-wagger, a Bearded Collie is a happy-go-lucky kind of dog. They are gentle and love to get involved in all aspects of family life. Expect a walking buddy, a swimming buddy and even a snuggle buddy. Your Bearded Collie really loves to be close. They are so loving that strangers will be greeted with big grins, barking and lots of licking. Don’t rely on them as watchdogs. They are friendly wonderful pets for families and great with children. However, little children should be monitored, as Bearded Collies tend to get very excited and may herd your children.
They are intelligent and will quickly learn tricks. If you’ve ever wanted a dog that you could shake hands with, this is your pet. But don’t leave your Bearded Collie alone for too long or it will get up to no good. They bore easily and enjoy being mentally and physically stimulated. Bearded Collies live to 16-17 years of age.
Fun fact: Bearded Collies have a history that dates back
to Scotland, as early as 1514.
Invest in a pair of earmuffs as this breed tends to bark a lot. It’s best if they have a yard to run around in to expend their excess energy. These dogs just go and go and go. Keep your sandshoes by the front door as any time is a good time for a run. Beardies are also partial to a game of frisbee or football. If socialised early they will get on well with other pets, but don’t expect them to make friends with other dogs at the park.
Bearded Collies shed heavily – you will find loose hairs on all clothing items. They are also high-maintenance, their coat should be groomed daily. It is essential to lift up the coat and brush down to the skin or else knots will form. Clean their ears and trim hair between their paws. Bearded Collies are not hypoallergenic.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Bearded Collies are prone to allergies, hip dysplasia and eye diseases. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
They are a large-sized breed weighing between 18-28kgs, with an average height between 51-56cms.
Space
A Bearded Collie is best suited to yard space, due to their energy levels.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.
Difficulty of Training
They are extremely intelligent dogs, although they have a slight independent streak. Consistent training is the key.
Family Suitability
Bearded Collies are great family pets and loyal companions.
Compatibility with other Pets
They love to meet new friends, including cats and dogs if socialised from a young age.
Need for Company
They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
This breed is high-maintenance. They have a medium-long coat in various colours such as black, blue, brown, fawn and grey. Most have white or tan markings on their body. Brush their coat daily and trim occasionally.
Shedding
They shed heavily during moulting season.
Tendency to Bark
They have a high tendency to bark, so expect frequent conversation.