Bearded Collie
Also known as Beardie
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Scotland
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A medium-sized herding dog with a long, shaggy double coat and a lively expression, known for its exuberant, charismatic personality and its characteristic bouncing gait.
History and origins
An old Scottish herding breed developed to drive sheep and cattle in the harsh conditions of the Highlands, bred for its hardiness, intelligence and ability to work on its own. Almost extinct after World War II, it was saved by devoted breeders.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Pemphigus (autoimmune skin disease)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Moderate shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Bearded Collie FAQ
How big does the Bearded Collie get?
The Bearded Collie stands 51 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Bearded Collie shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a great deal of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Bearded Collie live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Bearded Collie need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Bearded Collie good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bearded Collie live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
