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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is medium-sized, lean, agile, and active. They have a dense,
shaggy, weather-proof outer coat that naturally parts to the sides. Their undercoats
are short, smooth and furry. The Bearded Collie's coat color changes throughout
their lifetime. As puppies they are usually black, brown, fawn or blue. The coat
then fades to light gray or cream. When they are a mature adult their coat color
changes again. This time it is black, brown, blue or fawn. Their coats increase
in length around their cheeks, lower lips and chin and end near their chest giving
them the classic "bearded" look. The skull is broad with a moderate stop and a short
muzzle. The large nose should either be lighter or darker than the coat color. The
teeth should meet in a scissor-like bite. The ears should be level with the large
wide set eyes. The droopy ears lie close to the head and will lift slightly when
alert. The slightly arched neck merges into relaxed shoulders and a deep chest.
The tall back should be level and the legs strong and muscular, with hocks at 90
degree angles. The oval well-padded feet have arched toes. The low set tail is long
and lifts at the tip.
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Temperament
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Bearded Collies are enthusiastic, reliable, self-confident, humorous and energetic.
They are gentle and love to be included in all aspects of family life and activities.
They also generally get along with other household pets. Strangers are greeted enthusiastically
and accepted warmly. Males tend to be more forward and sociable and females tend
to be calmer and more relaxed. Bearded Collies should never be alone for extended
periods of time or they will become bored. They will bark to themselves for a long
time and cause mischief throughout the house. This breed needs continual physical
and mental stimulation. They do have strong herding instinct which may manifest
by them trying to herd children and/or adults into one room. Bearded Collies enjoy
"rough" play so smaller children should be supervised.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 20-22" ; Weight: 40-60 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Although overall Bearded Collies are a healthy breed, they are prone to allergies,
hip dysplasia, eye disease, Addison's Disease, persistent pupillary membrane and
corneal dystrophy. Since they have dense coats, they are susceptible to parasite
infestation.
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Living Conditions
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Beardies love to be outdoors and do well in windy and rugged weather conditions.
They should not live in an apartment as they do not like to be confined.
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Exercise
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This breed needs regular, daily exercise. They need a place where they are able
to run without their lead.
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Life Expectancy
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About 14-15 years
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Grooming
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This breed needs to be brushed daily. A light mist should be used prior to brushing.
Care should be given in order to prevent matting. Check ears, eyes and paws daily.
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Origin
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The name 'Collie' is a general Scottish term for a sheepdog. It was derived from
the word "colley" or "coaley" meaning blacked faced sheep. Bearded Collies were
developed in Scotland from Old English Sheepdogs, Komondor, and Poland Lowland Sheepdogs,
which were imported to Scotland in 1514 by a Polish Sea Captain. The Bearded Collie
received its name from the long hair under their chin that flows down into the chest,
forming a "beard". Originally, there were two types of Bearded Collie. The first
was smaller with a more delicate bone structure and was used to herd flocks in the
Highlands and for Huntaways. (Huntaways involved dogs and shepherds moving in a
pattern behind the flock revealing lost or hidden sheep and bringing them back into
the fold.) The second type was a larger dog with a solid black coat. They had a
heavier boned structure and were used for droving in the Lowlands. The modern Bearded
Collie is a mixture of these two versions. Records have been found stating that
Bearded Collies were used in Scotland for herding sheep and cattle during the 18th
and 19th centuries. They were known by various names including: Highland Sheepdog,
Highland Collie and the Hairy Moved Collie. The Bearded Collie entered the show
ring for the first time in 1897 at Edinburgh. The standards were modified in 1898
by a Mrs. Hall Walker. After WWII, the breed was almost extinct until G. Olive Willison
mated a pair in 1944 and revived it. In 1955, the Bearded Collie Club was formed
after appearing for the first time at Crufts. The breed received championship status
in 1959. The breed was then exported outside of the United Kingdom during the 1960s.
The first litter of Bearded Collies was born in the United States in 1967 and the
breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1976. The breed is also recognized
by the UKC. The Bearded Collie is still rare in the United States.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Herding Dog
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