Bearded Collie

· Weight: The ideal weight of a Bearded Collie is 18 – 27 kilograms.
· Height: The ideal height is 53 – 56 centimetres at the withers for dogs and 51 – 53 centimetres for bitches.
· Coat: Bearded Collies have a double coat with the undercoat being soft, close, and furry, and the outer coat being flat, harsh, and shaggy. Only four colors, with or without white markings, are recognized as standard – black, brown, blue, and fawn.
· Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Bearded Collie is 13.4 years.

Background

Bearded Collies originated in Scotland for use in the herding of sheep. Their name derives from the long hair on the dog’s face which gives it a bearded look. Collie is the Scotish term for a herding dog. The “Beardies’” ancestors are thought to include herding dogs from the continent, such as the Komondor and Poland Lowland Sheepdog, as well as the herding dogs common to the British Isles. They were bred to work independently so as to be able to make wise decisions regarding the sheep they were responsible for even if the shepherd was miles away. After almost falling into extinction, the breed was resurrected in 1944 by Mrs. G.O. Wilson, of Great Britain. Bearded Collies were first bred in the US in 1967. It is still considered a rare breed today.

Temperament

As working dogs, Beardies were bred for both athleticism and intelligence. These necessities of herding translate well to the agility course or to obedience trials. Beardies are affectionate and playful and generally do well with children. They should always be supervised, though, as they can revert to herding behaviours, such as nipping and chasing, when excited. They love human company and tend to act out if left alone for long periods of time. Like most working breeds, Bearded Collies require daily exercise.

Genetics and health problems

Hip dysplasia is the most commonly seen disease in Bearded Collies. It is important to find a breeder whose animals are certified to be free of hip dysplasia as this disease has a strong genetic component. They are also prone to autoimmune disorders. Their coats must be well cared for as parasites and skin problems can become a problem if they are not groomed on a daily basis or if they are not dried off after becoming wet. Overall, though, Bearded Collies are a sturdy breed and have fewer health problems compared to other breeds.