Bearded Collie: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 14 – 15 years
Temperament: Self-confidence, Hardy, Lively, Alert, Intelligent, Active
Weight: Female: 40–60 lbs (18–27 kg), Male: 40–60 lbs (18–27 kg)
Colors: Black, Fawn, Blue, Tri-color, Black & Brown, Brown
Height: Female: 20–21 inches (51–53 cm), Male: 21–22 inches (53–56 cm)

With his cheerful and spirited nature, the Bearded Collie is an ideal family dog that builds a close bond with his people. He is sensitive and attentive, playful and above all very active in movement. The Bearded Collie enjoys traveling extensively with its family and wants to be challenged all the time. As an old herd dog breed, the Bearded Collie has also preserved a great deal of work and a keen understanding and willingness to learn.

The Bearded Collie is native to the Scottish Highlands, where it has been used for many centuries as a herding and breeding dog in sheep farming. His ancestors were probably both Roman shepherd dogs and native herding breeds from northern Britain. In the 19th century, the Russian Borzoi was also crossed, to which the Bearded Collie owes its now slimmer physique. In 1840, the breed was recognized and set the first standard by the British founded in the same year Collie Club. Its name, which means "bearded collie", owes the bearded collie the shaggy hair, which frame its muzzle like a beard.

According to this standard he reaches a withers height of 53-56 cm for males and 51-53 cm for females. 

The Bearded Collie is a slender dog that looks elegant despite its strong physique. He has a thick and shaggy coat, which appears either smooth or slightly wavy and interspersed with furry undercoat. The Bearded Collie is bred in black, blue, slate gray, reddish fallow, brown, sand and all shades of gray. Also white marks in the facial area, on the chest, tail tip, runs and paws are possible,

The Bearded Collie has a square skull, which should be in harmony with body size. The jaw is strong, the stop moderately pronounced. The eyes are big and stand far apart. They show a gentle expression and should be matched in color to the hair color. The ears are hanging and of medium size. They are easy to raise when approached, but not beyond the height of the skull. The neck is moderately long and strong. He makes a slight bow.

The Bearded Collie has a straight back, the loins are strong, the chest is deep and well arched. The tail is set low and reaches at least up to the height of the hocks. It is bent low and slightly, also worn stretched during rapid movement. The forelegs are straight and strong, the hindquarters are well muscled with deep ankle joints.

The Bearded Collie is an attentive and lively dog ​​who always acts friendly and enriches the family with his cheerful nature. He builds a close bond with his people and proves to be very affectionate to children when they are socialized. Despite its spirited nature, the Bearded Collie is also a very sensitive dog, which requires a consistent, but at the same time loving education. He reacts very sensitively to every emotion of his people. To strangers, the Bearded Collie behaves suspiciously and vigilantly.

The Bearded Collie is a very active dog who can be as excited about exuberant games as he is about long hikes and sports activities. He wants to be busy and challenged - both physically and mentally. If this is guaranteed, he shows himself in the house quite calm and balanced. As a working dog, the Bearded Collie shows intelligent behavior and proves to be a reliable helper. The Bearded Collie copes well with all weather conditions and enjoys running and romping in any weather.

The Bearded Collie is now hardly used in its original task as a herding dog, but has rather developed into a popular family dog. However, he is still suitable for use as a working dog, where the driving work is more than the actual herding. Even with motion-intensive dog sports, the intelligent and eager to learn Bearded Collie copes well. He likes to accompany his people for jogging, walking or other sports activities. After intense movement in the forest and field, intensive care of the characteristic Zottelfells is essential - however, the Bearded Collie will enjoy the extra petting in the circle of his family.