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 / ear diseases / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / MDR1 gene mutation / deafness / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / myasthenia gravis / heart diseases / Addison's disease / Collie eye anomaly / osteochondritis / cataract / corneal dystrophy / symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy / polyarthritis

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 / ear diseases / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / MDR1 gene mutation / deafness / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / myasthenia gravis / heart diseases / Addison's disease / Collie eye anomaly / osteochondritis / cataract / corneal dystrophy / symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy / polyarthritis

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.