Dog Breed Guide

Bearded Collie

Profile

Size

Medium

Country of origin

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Origin

Around the 16th century

Bred for

Sheep herding, Cattle herding

Height

male 53 - 56cm (21 - 22in), female 51 - 53cm (20 - 21in)

Weight

18 - 27kg (40 - 60lb)

Life span

12 - 14 years

A long, abundant coat and, true to its name, a beard are its hallmarks. The hair around the face sets off a bright, mischievous expression. Colors are black, blue, brown and fawn, with white markings. The color often fades as the dog grows and then darkens again.

Cheerful and friendly, the Beardie loves to play with its family. Because it always seems to be bounding happily about, it is known as "the bouncing Beardie." It is smart but can be a little stubborn and likes to think for itself.

Bred to herd sheep in the Scottish Highlands, it has outstanding stamina and very high exercise needs. The long coat tangles easily, and brushing several times a week is essential.

Good to know

A breed that had nearly vanished was revived thanks to a mix-up. In 1944 Mrs. Olive Willison in Britain ordered a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, but by mistake a brown Bearded Collie puppy arrived instead. She was so charmed by the puppy, whom she named Jeannie, that she searched far and wide for a mate. With Bailie, a male she obtained from a family that was emigrating, Jeannie founded the bloodlines of today's Bearded Collie.

As for its origins, there is a story that in the 16th century Polish merchants who sailed to Scotland to trade grain for sheep brought Polish sheepdogs to drive the flocks, and that these dogs bred with local dogs.

The Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1959, and the American Kennel Club registered it in 1977.