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Bearded collie

The Bearded Collie is a Scottish herding breed, used for centuries to drove cattle and sheep in the Highlands, and rebuilt in the twentieth century largely from a handful of dogs.

The long shaggy coat and the beard that names it were protection against Scottish weather.

It stands 51 to 56 centimetres, weighs 20 to 25 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years. It is famously exuberant — the breed's nickname is the bouncing Beardie — and it is bright, sociable and noisy in a way that suits an active household and overwhelms a quiet one. The coat is a substantial daily commitment and the reason many Beardies end up clipped short.

Origin
Scotland; a Highland droving and herding breed
Size
51–56 cm; 20–25 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Long, shaggy double coat; near-daily grooming
Temperament
Exuberant, bright, sociable and vocal
Health
Addison's disease, hip dysplasia, autoimmune conditions

Related: Collie · Border collie

2 bearded collie photos, newest first

Bearded collie feed
  • Barnaby III, a bearded collie

    Barnaby III

    Barnaby III was promoted to camping guide assembling a tent much too small; unfortunately, a clockwork train misses the platform.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Barnaby III, a bearded collie

    Barnaby III

    Barnaby III was told to stay. Barnaby III negotiated.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a bearded collie

Addison's disease — hypoadrenocorticism — occurs in this breed far more than in dogs generally. It is called the great pretender because the signs are vague: lethargy, poor appetite, intermittent vomiting, weakness that comes and goes. It is treatable and manageable once diagnosed and fatal if it reaches crisis, so ask a vet to consider it in a Beardie that is repeatedly unwell without explanation.

The coat needs brushing to the skin most days. Mats form under the surface, and once they reach the skin the coat has to be clipped off.

They need real exercise — an hour or more — and mental work.

Ask for hip scores and about autoimmune disease in the lines. Expect a dog that barks when excited, which is often.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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