6 fun facts about Bearded Collies – one of Britain's oldest breeds
A herding dog breed once used primarily by Scottish shepherds, we're deep diving into the world of shaggy Bearded Collies. Planning to adopt one in your family? Here's everything you need to know...
"Bearded Collies, affectionately known as 'Beardies', are medium sized dogs with a shaggy double coat which is longer on their cheeks and under their chins, forming the signature beard that earned them their name," Lynne James, PDSA vet, tells Country Living.
"Patience and time is required to maintain their beautiful coat, as it requires daily grooming to prevent matting."
What were Bearded Collies bred for?
The Bearded Collie, also known as the Beardie, is a herding breed of dog once used primarily by Scottish shepherds.
"Traditionally bred to work with sheep, Bearded Collies have a natural herding instinct, and are generally known to be both gentle and loveable," Lynne explains. "As an active breed, they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them entertained, so benefit from plenty of outdoor space, trips to the park, long walks and interactive games."
Are Bearded Collies good pets?
Bearded Collies are happy, energetic and lively dogs that make excellent family pets. They remain a popular family dog thanks to their friendly and loveable nature, although they will need supervising around young children.
Lynne tells us: "As well as being intelligent and easy to train, Bearded Collies are a sociable breed who usually live well with other dogs and children – although as with any dog, these interactions should always be supervised."
Do Bearded Collies have any health issues?
With a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years, the Bearded Collie is susceptible to some minor health problems. "The breed can be prone to potential health problems such as hip dysplasia, Addison's Disease and immune mediated disease such as anaemia," explains Lynne.
"When choosing a puppy, look for a breeder who health tests their dogs, and ask about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents."
Do Bearded Collies bark a lot?
All dogs bark from time to time (although, some breeds are louder than others), but Bearded Collies aren’t known to be especially talkative. Expect them to bark for the same reasons other dogs do, such as for attention or to alert their family.
“The breed is known for being alert, lively and active, however any dog’s behaviour and attitude depends on its training, socialisation and individual personality,” the The Kennel Club team tell Country Living.
Do Bearded Collies shed a lot?
“The Bearded Collie requires daily grooming owing to its shaggy coat and is prone to shedding,” add The Kennel Club team.
They 'blow their coats' twice a year, but shedding is not the only problem; ‘Shaggy dog syndrome’, as dog expert Michele Welton calls it, describes the Bearded Collies’ condition perfectly.
Without frequent brushing, their coats become matted – especially because of all the debris that collects in their fur.
Also, if you think cutting their coat shorter is the solution, it's not necessarily - as this can actually result in more shedding than before. Shedded hair tends to get caught in longer fur whereas, with a shorter coat, there is nothing to stop it from falling straight onto the floor.
But, as Michele says, they are ‘average shedders’, meaning that they won’t create a new layer of carpet for you.
Can Bearded Collies be left alone?
“No dog should be left alone for more than four hours – even less so for puppies.” says Laura.
Without supervision and stimulation, Bearded Collies easily become bored, which, mixed with their boisterous nature, results in destruction. They often turn to digging, barking and chewing when left alone, even for shorter periods of time, if they are not crate trained.
What colour is the fur of a Bearded Collies?
According to the Kennel Club, breed standard colours in Bearded Collies include:
Black
Brown Tricolour
Black & White
Black Tricolour
Blue
Blue & White
Blue Tricolour
Brown
Brown & White
Fawn
Fawn & White
Fawn Tricolour
Grey & White
Grey Tricolour
Slate
Slate & White
Slate Tricolour
"Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour," the Kennel Club explain, explaining the importance of not choosing a dog based on its appearance.
6 fun facts about Bearded Collies, British's oldest breed
The Bearded Collie dog breed was developed in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle in any weather or terrain.
Because of their energy, Bearded Collies are well suited to competing in obedience, rally, agility, and other dog sports.
They are best known for their long fringe
They love being around people and enjoy all aspects of family life
They are one of the oldest British breeds
Bearded Collies have a bouncy, bubbly personality
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