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Bearded Collie breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Bearded Collie or Bearded Collie, a boisterous and charismatic droving dog from Scotland that enjoys outdoor exercise in all weather.
Under a shaggy double coat, it resembles the Old English Sheepdog but is leaner and more angular.
Temperament
Bred as independent decision-makers, Bearded Collies may be willful but are always friendly. They are rambunctious comics and a handful that is mostly 50 pounds of heart, energy and laughter.
Well-socialized Bearded Collies get on nicely with others and the lavish facial hair does not hide a dreamy, faraway gaze.
Lifespan
The Bearded Collie lives 12 to 14 years. It is a sturdy breed. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, allergies and eye problems.
Care
Grooming has two parts: a daily brushing to remove tangles and debris that takes five or ten minutes and a weekly session with a pin rake, brush, comb and possibly anti-tangle spray.
Bearded Collies are happy to run and play outside whatever the weather. They need some activity every day, whether ball, a long walk, run or hike or play in a large fenced area.
History
Once known as the Highland Collie and Mountain Collie, Bearded Collies earned their feed for centuries on the Scottish Highlands as rugged herding and droving dogs, prized for a hard day's work in raw climate and hilly terrain. They helped control cattle at pasture and drove herds to market.
Origin stories vary and the prevailing theory now makes them descendants of Central European stock.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 5 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |