Bearded Collie
Life expectancy
15 years
Age adult
30 months
Height (Shoulder height)
54 cm
Weight
22 kg
Coat texture
long-haired / smooth / undercoat / stiff/rigid / dense / ragged
Coat color
slate-grey, blue&grey, black, brown, with white markings
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia
Food expenses per month in €
about € 50
Suitable for children
Rather yes
Needs a garden
Rather not
Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment
Rather not
First dog suitable
Rather yes
Allergy friendly
Rather not
Athletic
Very atletic
Attention
Needs much attention
Care and grooming
High grooming effort
Eager to learn
High
Exercise
Needs a lot of exercise
Nature
sensitive / quick and eager to learn / happy / active / playful / confident / sensitive
Bred for
herding dog / cattle dog
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia
Dog type according to FCI
sheepdogs and cattledogs (exept swiss cattledogs)
FCI description
Shepherd dogs have the task to defend their herd from bear and wolf attacks. They are usually suspicious of strangers. Especially at dusk, when people go to rest, their instincts of defense and guarding become active. They are often insecure outside their territory. These animals need a task as working dogs. Shepherd dogs are not dependent on humans, because they must react independently and quickly to danger.
Cattledogs drive the cattle of the traders with a lot of barking, sometimes over long distances, to the market. They protect it from thieves and make sure that none escapes. These powerful, robust dogs have great assertiveness, because in certain situations they have to decide for themselves what to do.
Shepherd dogs emerged as agriculture grew and wolves were largely extinct. No longer protecting the independent, but keeping and driving the herd animals together without much barking became their tasks. They work together with the shepherd, have to react to his instructions as quick as lightning, but are also able to make their own decisions. They are fast, intelligent, agile, persevering and want to work.
Undemanded dogs in this group tend to have behavioural problems. Their instinct to keep the herd together is innate. For example, it happens that fast-moving children are tweaked into change. They need a clear, loving education, a task or a substitute task and are to be inspired for sporty activities.
Also, these animals must learn to come to rest. The active part is no problem for them, but if they are overstrained and do not come to rest, this can also lead to behavior problems.
Short description
The Bearded Collie originates from the Scottish highlands where he lookes for lost sheep and drives them back to the flock, not minding wind and rain. He is very sensitive and reacts to his owner's feelings, for example his reaction to fights is rather negative. He is a friendly family-dog, as long as he gets enough exercise and was trained correctly. His coat needs daily grooming and he sheds, therefore, potential owners should not have a problem with hair lying around their house or apartment.
This information is indicative and adheres to the breed standard. Each animal is an individual and has a personal character, as well as its own needs. Thus, a breed is not a guarantee of certain behaviors, etc.