Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Pets Feed
The Bearded Collie, or simply Beardie, is a former shepherd of Great Britain sweet and cheerful. It is a breed of dog often confused with the Old English Sheepdog, but it does not resemble it more than a certain physical resemblance to its coat. The truth is that the Bearded Collie, has a very old and clean history. So much so that it is difficult to determine its specific origin over time.
It is very important to understand that before adopting a bearded collie, all these aspects must be taken into account to avoid abandonment, and the Bearded Collie is not a dog suitable for any family. It needs people who are committed to his lifestyle and needs to be happy with him.
Bearded Collie photos
Physical characteristics
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog that is perfect for its original purpose, and also perfect for being the best pet for any type of family. The average height of a male is usually between 53 and 56 centimeters, and that of a female between 51 and 53 centimeters.
In terms of weight, these dogs typically weigh between 20-30kg, although males tend to be considerably larger in general than females.
Distinctive features
- Head: The cranial part of the square type. Smooth foot line. The length of the muzzle is equal to the length of the skull. The truffle is large black, brown or blue, depending on the general color.
- Jaws: Strong. Scissor bite or straight bite. Big white teeth. Lips matching the nose.
- Ears: Suspended. Do not exceed the level of the skull.
- Eyes: Widely set, large. The piping matches the color of the nose and lips. There are eyebrows, but the eyes are not covered.
- Torso: Strong, elongated. The back is wide. Volumetric chest.
- Legs: Short, strong, muscular, even. The fingers are bulky, with hard vegetation in the intervals between them. Able to jump from tall grass to see a flock of sheep. Move smoothly, not long.
- Coat: Long, hard, straight. A slight wave is acceptable. Soft and dense undercoat. On the muzzle, elongated hair forms a beard, bushy eyebrows and a mustache. Color gray, brown, fawn, black. White collar, plastron and indentations on the body.
Character and behavior
The Bearded Collie’s temperament is generally very calm and balanced, as long as his needs are met and he is offered the possibility of leading an active and stimulating life both physically and mentally.
Due to their origin as shepherds, these dogs are very active and have a large amount of energy contained, so they are only recommended for families who want to spend a lot of time and quality activities. The nature of these animals is very sociable and they tend to get along well with others and with other animals if they receive an adequate education from the young.
They are also dogs very suitable for families with playful children, because they tend to become tireless playmates, who will always be ready to participate in any adventure with the little ones, and who can control their energy with them. whenever children treat them with respect.
On the other hand, the Bearded Collie can be somewhat independent at times, but it is also affectionate and sensitive, so it needs more affection than it seems at first glance. You require a lot of attention and if you don’t provide all of that attention, you can develop destructive behaviors indoors, especially if you are alone for too long.
The bearded collie is an awake breed, eager to learn and who likes to be with people. They are friendly dogs who like to feel involved in all aspects of family life and get along well with other dogs and pets. These dogs welcome strangers with enthusiasm and many barks, in general it will be a warm welcome.
Health
Here is a list of some of the most common diseases in this breed:
- Allergy;
- Hip dysplasia;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Progressive retinal atrophy;
- Persistent pupillary membrane.
Care
You should understand that you will often have to comb long hair, including wiping your dog’s beard, where water drips after drinking and where food gets stuck. In addition, the long hairs are covered in dirt and debris after each outing on the street. During moulting, this will need to be done more often.
Even though the thick coat also covers the eyes, you should check them daily for deposits and clean them, and remember to clean the ears at least twice a week.
Bathe the dog at least once a month, trim the claws three times a month. The Bearded Collie does not tolerate heat well.
Exercise
The bearded collie is an active dog that needs at least an hour of daily exercise. He likes to play with frisbee or football and he is known to be good at agility, obedience and even tracking.
Fun facts
- The characteristic that gives its name to the breed is the length of the hair on its jaw and cheeks, forming a kind of beard very recognizable in these animals which, in its name, are “bearded”. On the other hand, “collie” is the word used in Scotland to refer to all sheepdogs. So, there are several breeds that have it in their name.
- It is difficult to know the adult color of a bearded collie puppy because they are usually born dark and can change the color of their fur considerably as they grow. The greatest change occurs between 18 months and the adult stage, although they do not reach their final color until after about four years.
- These dogs have also appeared in some representations of popular culture, such as television series. In addition, some famous people, like actor Tim Allen, owned or owned a copy of this breed.
- Bearded Collie is the official modern name of the breed, obtained in 1915. Since 1570, it has changed several times. The dogs were named by different names: Traditional, English, Farm and Working Collie.
- Initially, dogs belonged to a shepherd breed. Subsequently, the bearded collie acquired new professions – rescuers, guards, guides.
- The first club for bearded collie lovers appeared in Edinburgh in 1912. The organization developed rapidly and successfully. But during the war, the condition of the breed deteriorated sharply and there were few representatives of the collie left.
History of the breed
The bearded collie, or beardie, was created in Scotland from local sheep dogs, including Bobtail, with a possible influx of genes from the Polish Plains Shepherd and Komondor.
Originally, there were probably two types of bearded collies: a smaller shepherd with lighter bones and a stronger, thicker dog with a totally black Lowland fur.
It is thought that the modern bearded collie is a combination of these two types of sheepdogs. “Collie” is a Scottish term meaning “sheepdog”.
