Honest FAQ for Bearded Collies

What kind of temperament and personality does the Bearded Collie have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Bearded Collie temperament and behavior are:

energetic, athletic, hardy, good-natured, independent, sensitive, "The Beardie Bounce" (leap leap leap!)

I give you my honest opinions about Bearded Collie temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, Bearded Collie Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

Where did the Bearded Collie come from?

The Beardie originated in Scotland, the Beardie, herding sheep and driving cattle to market. It's an old breed once known as the Highland Collie.

What were Bearded Collies used for?

Originating in Scotland, the Beardie herded sheep and drove cattle to market. It's an old breed once known as the Highland Collie.

What traits would help Bearded Collies accomplish their work? That's right... high energy, endurance, toughness, athleticism, agility, trainability, and loyalty to their owner.

How big are Bearded Collies? Height and weight?

About 20-22 inches at the shoulder, and 40-60 pounds, which puts them in the MEDIUM SIZE category.

What colors do Bearded Collies come in?

Four colors to choose from: black, blue (gray), brown, and fawn. Curiously, the shade may change and shift throughout the dog's life. In addition to their base color, Beardies always have white markings, and often tan trim like a Doberman.

Do Bearded Collies come in different "types"?

No. More common herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds come in show type  and working type , but this hasn't happened in Bearded Collies. There simply aren't enough of them, plus they're seldom used for serious herding.

How much exercise do Bearded Collies need?

A lot. The athletic Beardie is bred to work and won't sit quietly in the back yard all day. If you don't provide enough exercise and challenging mental stimulation, a Beardie will find his own outlets for his energy... and that's when behavioral consultants (me) receive desperate calls for help.

So provide activities! Herding, carting, agility, hiking, jogging... DO things with your Beardie.

Do Bearded Collies need a fenced yard?

Yes. Why? and best and worst fences.

Are Bearded Collies easy to train?

Moderate, I would say. Like most herding breeds, the Bearded Collie is independent, yet very trainable. It all comes down to whether you can establish the right leader-follower relationship... or not.

Are Bearded Collies easy to housebreak?

Yes. No problems here.

Are Bearded Collies friendly with people?

Most Bearded Collies are friendly, or at least polite, with everyone. Some are a bit submissive or timid. Beardies are not aggressive dogs.

Are Bearded Collies good with children?

They're usually fine if children act respectfully.

Are Bearded Collies good with other dogs?

Bearded Collies are usually peaceful with other dogs.

Are Bearded Collies good with cats?

They're usually fine with cats in their own family. But they have very strong chasing/poking/nipping instincts, so...

How much do Bearded Collies shed?

Bearded Collies are average shedders. Their coat sheds moderately in the spring and fall, and occasionally a tiny bit of hair the rest of the year.

Are Bearded Collies hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to dog dander, no. If you're allergic to canine saliva, no. Bearded Collies are not hypoallergenic dogs.

How much grooming do Bearded Collies need?

If you leave the coat long, Beardies need a great deal of grooming. Every other day, you need to brush and comb out mats and tangles. Every month or so, you need to keep the hair around their private parts trimmed short for sanitary toileting.

Honestly, I recommend clipping the coat short so that brushing and combing needs are minimal and you don't need to worry about painful mats forming. The shorter the coat, the cleaner and neater it remains.

What's a good training schedule for training Bearded Collie puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Bearded Collies: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Bearded Collies tend to have?

The number one behavioral issue in Bearded Collies is jumping on people. Beardies absolutely love to bounce and spring and leap vertically up into people's faces. This excitable behavior needs to be stopped immediately, else they'll end up knocking over a child or an infirm senior.

Other behavior issues in Bearded Collies are destructiveness and barking when left alone too long and/or not exercised enough. Also poking/nipping at other pets or bicycles or running children, which comes from their herding heritage.

During puppyhood and adolescence, you must teach calmness, establish the right leader/follower relationship, and respond properly to behavior problems.

What health problems might Bearded Collies have?

Eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, and itchy skin conditions.

What breeds are similar to the Bearded Collie?

• Rough & Smooth Collie
• English Shepherd
• Australian Shepherd

Where can I buy a Bearded Collie puppy?

From a show breeder is best. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older Bearded Collie?

Rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new Bearded Collie. Which pages should I read first?

• Bearded Collie Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Bearded Collie puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
• Training Bearded Collies, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Bearded Collie puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Bearded Collies have pros and cons, and female Bearded Collies have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Bearded Collie puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Bearded Collie breeder would ever place one of their Bearded Collie puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best Bearded Collie puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for Bearded Collies?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Bearded Collie to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Bearded Collie until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Bearded Collie, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about Bearded Collies that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.