Bearded Collie breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Bearded Collies
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Bearded Collie breed
Bearded Collies are a distinctive and ancient breed with a rich history. Originating from Scotland, they were originally bred for herding purposes. Bearded Collies are characterised by their appearance, often having a long shaggy coat and a friendly disposition. Although they look similar to Old English Sheepdogs, unlike Old English Sheepdogs, Beardies have tails, and are also seen in a greater variety of colours than the Old English Sheepdog which are grey and white only.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They tend to be between 50 and 56cm tall, and can weigh between 18 and 27kg.
They have a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years.
What is the temperament of a Bearded Collie like?
Bearded Collies are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are typically good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. These dogs are highly intelligent and excel in activities like obedience training and agility. Bearded Collies have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They may display independent thinking at times, which can make training a bit challenging for inexperienced owners.
Our Bearded Collie Community
"Tofu loves nothing more than chasing balls along the beach and fetching sticks from the water. He’s a complete sucker for belly rubs and cuddles and loves lounging on the sofa being spoilt by his mini humans."
Tofu’s owner, Imogen from Devon
"Charlie is 7yrs old and is a pretty low-maintenance guy. He mostly lazes around until it’s time for his walks and then he will bark his head off and loves running around chasing his frisbee. Dougal is our new addition."
Charlie and Dougal’s owner, Katy from Glasgow
How much exercise does a Bearded Collie need?
Bearded Collies have high exercise needs and typically require around 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. They enjoy walks, playtime in a secure area, and mental stimulation activities such as puzzle toys or obedience training. It's essential to provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom for these intelligent pooches too.
It's important to note that Bearded Collie puppies have different exercise requirements. As puppies, they should engage in shorter play sessions to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing joints and muscles.
Consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Bearded Collie's age and development.
Need an extra hand exercising your Bearded Collie? Find a local borrower today.
Do Bearded Collies need a lot of grooming?
Bearded Collies have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They have a soft undercoat and a dense outer coat that provides insulation.
Regular brushing, ideally a few times a week, helps to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. During shedding seasons, which can occur twice a year, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the increased hair loss.
Bearded Collies have a distinctive ruff around their neck and longer hair on their tail, which may require extra attention. Some people choose to clip their Bearded Collie shorter, a groomer can advise on this.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Bearded Collies easy to train?
Although smart and keen to learn, Bearded Collies have an independent and sometimes stubborn nature, which can make training a bit challenging. Early socialisation and consistent, patient training are crucial for Bearded Collies. Positive reinforcement techniques, including praise, treats, and rewards, work best to motivate them. It's important to be confident and consistent, yet calm. With proper training and early socialisation, Bearded Collies can learn and respond well to commands and be well-behaved companions.
Want to experience spending time with a Bearded Collie to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Bearded Collie near you.
What do Bearded Collies eat?
Bearded Collies, like all dogs, require a balanced and nutritious diet to support their overall health and well-being. Feeding a high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is ideal. It's important to monitor their weight and watch their diet as Beardies can be prone to weight gain. Most adults do well on being fed twice daily.
As puppies, they should be fed a specially formulated puppy diet until they reach approximately 12 months of age, at which point they can slowly move on to adult dog food. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when they can reduce to twice daily. Speak with your vet for specific dietary recommendations for your Bearded Collie.
Are Bearded Collies healthy?
Although often a healthy bread, Bearded Collies, like any breed, can be prone to certain health conditions. Some specific health issues that Bearded Collies may be susceptible to include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Eyes
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) - A hereditary eye condition that can lead to visual impairment or blindness
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Hormonal
Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism) - a condition where your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough of a couple of necessary hormones from their adrenal glands
Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Bearded Collie or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Bearded Collies have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their skin healthy. Establish a grooming routine early to make it an enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your dog.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
