Bearded Collie
BouncyHardySmart
Scotland · 12–14 years
About the Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie, affectionately called the 'Beardie,' is a charismatic, shaggy herding breed from Scotland that has been working the Scottish Highlands for centuries. Their long, flowing double coat, distinctive beard, and bright, inquisitive eyes give them an irresistibly appealing appearance. Beardies are bouncy, enthusiastic dogs that approach life with infectious joy — they are often described as the 'happy dog.' They are intelligent, independent herders that still retain strong working instincts, but their outgoing, playful personality makes them wonderful family companions for active households.
Breed stats
- Height
- 20–22 in
- Weight
- 45–55 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Herding
- Coat
- Long, flat, harsh outer coat with soft, furry undercoat
- Origin
- Scotland
Coat colors
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Fawn
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison's disease
- Pemphigus foliaceus
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Not every Bearded Collie will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Bearded Collies eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Bearded Collies require extensive grooming. Their long, double coat must be brushed thoroughly at least every other day — ideally daily — to prevent matting. Each grooming session can take 30 minutes or more. The coat collects mud, leaves, and debris during outdoor activities. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks helps maintain coat health. Around 9 to 18 months of age, Beardies go through a particularly heavy coat change that requires extra attention. Many pet owners keep their Beardie in a shorter trim to reduce maintenance, though this changes the breed's iconic shaggy appearance.
- Bearded Collies are excellent family dogs for active households. They are gentle, playful, and exceptionally good with children — their bouncy, enthusiastic personality makes them wonderful playmates. They are sociable with other dogs and generally friendly with everyone. Beardies thrive on family activities and hate being left out. Their main requirements are daily exercise (at least an hour), regular grooming, and consistent training. They can be independent and stubborn during training but respond well to positive methods. For active families who enjoy the outdoors and don't mind grooming, Beardies are outstanding companions.
- Yes, Bearded Collies undergo significant color changes as they mature. Puppies born black may lighten to slate gray or silver; puppies born brown may lighten to chocolate, sandy, or fawn. The color change typically begins around 4-8 months and continues until about 3 years of age. The final adult color can be quite different from the puppy color. Even within the same litter, the degree of fading varies. The darkest areas are usually the ears, and some Beardies darken again in old age. This color evolution is unique to the breed and surprises many new Beardie owners.
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