Origin and History

The Bearded Collie, also known as Beardie, Highland Collie, or Hairy Mountain Dog, is a British breed of herding dog that originated in Scotland. The breed's history is shrouded in legend, with one tale suggesting that the ancestors of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog were abandoned on the shores of Scotland and bred with native herding dogs. Another story involves a Polish merchant named Kazimierz Grabski, who traded grain for sheep in Scotland in 1514 and brought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs back with him. These dogs were then bred with local Scottish dogs to produce the Bearded Collie.

The first written reference to the Bearded Collie appeared in 1891 in D. J. Thomson Gray's book, The Dogs of Scotland. Mrs. G. Olive Willison is credited with founding the modern show Bearded Collie in 1944 with her brown bitch, Jeannie of Bothkennar. Jeannie was initially thought to be a Shetland Sheepdog, but Mrs. Willison received a Bearded Collie by accident and became fascinated with the breed, leading her to search for a suitable mate for Jeannie. This search led her to a man emigrating from Scotland, and she acquired his grey dog, David, who became Bailie of Bothkennar. Bailie and Jeannie of Bothkennar are considered the founders of the modern show breed.

The breed became popular during the latter half of the 20th century, with Potterdale Classic at Moonhill, a Bearded Collie who won Best in Show at Crufts in 1989, contributing to its rise in popularity. The Bearded Collie Club celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2005. In 2004, the breed's registry, the Bearded Collie Club of the United Kingdom, had a membership of 2,500.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with a lean build. Males typically stand at 53-56 cm (21-22 inches) at the withers, while females stand at 51-53 cm (20-22 inches). Healthy adults can weigh between 18-27 kg (40-60 pounds), as per the breed standard. The Bearded Collie is longer than it is tall, with bitches being slightly longer than males. They have a square head, moderate stop, and medium-sized, hanging ears. The pigmentation of the nose, lips, and eyes matches the color of the coat.

The Bearded Collie has a medium-length, double coat with a soft, furry undercoat and a flat, harsh, strong, and shaggy outercoat. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, and fawn, and may include white markings and slight tan markings in certain areas. The breed's gait is supple, smooth, and long-reaching, covering ground with little effort.

Temperament and Personality

The Bearded Collie is known for its intelligent, energetic, playful, affectionate, alert, confident, and outgoing personality. They are excellent herders and have a natural instinct to work, which makes them well-suited for activities such as agility, flyball, and obedience trials. Their high energy levels are balanced by their intelligence, making them eager learners and enjoyable companions in dog sports.

Bearded Collies are also known for their animated expression and distinctive bouncing gait, which adds to their charming and charismatic nature. Despite their high energy levels, they can be affectionate companions and enjoy spending time with their families. Their protective nature often leads them to be loyal and devoted to their owners.

Health and Lifespan

The Bearded Collie has an average lifespan of 12-14 years, which is slightly higher than the average for purebred dogs (12.7 years) and significantly higher than crossbreeds (12 years), according to a 2024 UK study. The leading causes of death among Bearded Collies, as reported in a 2004 Kennel Club survey, include old age (26%), cancer (19%), cerebrovascular disease (9%), and chronic kidney failure (8%).

Bearded Collies are prone to certain health conditions, including dermatological issues such as pemphigus foliaceous and black skin disease, musculoskeletal conditions like congenital elbow luxation, and ocular conditions such as corneal dystrophy, cataract, and generalized progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA). Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison's disease, is an inherited condition that affects approximately 2-3.4% of Bearded Collies in the USA/Canada and causes the death of at least 1% of Bearded Collies in the UK, which is much higher than the general dog population (0.1%).

Breeding and Registration

The Bearded Collie is classified as a Vulnerable Native Breed by The Kennel Club. The breed's registered lines can be traced back to a limited number of bloodlines, with the last non-Kennel Club registered sire whose offspring received registration being Paul Turnbull's Blue, born in 1978. Turnbull's Blue was of pure working stock and was registered to the International Sheep Dog Society on merit in 1984.

While there are many unregistered Bearded Collies in Scotland, some still working as herding dogs, the breed has gained popularity as a family companion. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognizes the Bearded Collie as a separate breed, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists it as a Herding Group breed.

As a Pet

Bearded Collies rank 140 out of 202 breeds in popularity in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club's yearly breed ranking. As herding dogs, Bearded Collies have a high energy level and require vigorous exercise, including daily walks, playtime, and activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

Dogs not being shown can be clipped all over (a "puppy cut") to make grooming easier, though this can alter their appearance. Bearded Collies are intelligent and can excel in obedience trials and other canine sports, such as tracking and herding trials. They also enjoy dog agility and flyball, activities that provide mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Buying a Bearded Collie

• Ensure the breeder is registered with a recognized kennel club, such as The Kennel Club in the UK or the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the USA.
• Ask for health clearances and genetic testing results for potential health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and genetic eye disorders.
• Visit the puppy's environment to assess the living conditions and the care provided, ensuring that the breeder maintains a clean, healthy environment for the dogs.
• Meet the puppy's parents to evaluate their temperament and health, looking for signs of good health and temperament in the parents as a predictor of the puppy's future characteristics.
• Obtain a contract that outlines the terms of the sale, including any guarantees or return policies in case of health issues.

Bearded Collies are a wonderful choice for active families who can provide them with the attention, exercise, and training they need to thrive.