The Bearded Collie – The Scottish Dog with the Cool Beard

Quick Overview

Name: Bearded Collie (Beardie to friends)
Size: 20-22 inches tall
Weight: 45-55 pounds
Grooming: Daily brushing (non-negotiable)
Training: Intelligent but independent
Exercise: 2+ hours daily
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, perpetually optimistic
Origins: Scotland
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Typical Cost: £500-1,000 for a puppy, £60-90 monthly for food

History of this hairy Scottish Heartthrob

The Bearded Collie developed in the harsh Scottish Highlands, where they needed to be tough enough to handle the weather and independent enough to make decisions about sheep without constant supervision. They’re basically the canine equivalent of a Highland warrior, but friendlier.

The breed nearly disappeared during WWII but was saved by two dogs named Baillie and Jeannie, who became the foundation of the modern breed. Every Bearded Collie today can trace their lineage back to this power couple.

What’s Daily Life Actually Like?

Living with a Bearded Collie is like sharing your home with a perpetually cheerful, very hairy teenager who never quite grows up. They’re friendly with everyone, including burglars (they’d probably help them carry your TV if asked nicely).

The Hair Reality: You’ll find Beardie hair in places you didn’t know hair could reach. It’s like living with a small, mobile carpet that occasionally eats your shoes.

Training: The Optimistic Student

Bearded Collies are intelligent and eager to please, but they’re also independent thinkers. They’ll learn commands quickly but interpret them creatively. Teaching “sit” might result in “sit, but also bounce excitedly while doing it.”

Training Tips:

• Start socialisation early (they love everyone but need to learn boundaries)
• Use positive reinforcement (they’re sensitive souls)
• Keep sessions short and fun
• Accept that they’ll always be slightly chaotic

Exercise: The Never-Ending Story

These dogs were bred to work all day on Scottish hillsides, so they have energy to spare. A tired Beardie is a good Beardie; a bored one will find creative ways to entertain itself (usually involving chewing your furniture or shoes).

Exercise Requirements:

• 2+ hours of exercise daily
• Mental stimulation through training and puzzles
• Off-leash time in secure areas
• They excel at dog sports like agility and herding

Grooming: Your New Full-Time Job

That beautiful flowing coat requires daily maintenance. Miss a day, and you’ll be dealing with mats that require professional intervention. The good news is that brushing time becomes a lovely bonding experience (or so you’ll tell yourself).

Grooming Schedule:

• Daily brushing (30+ minutes)
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
• Regular trimming around the eyes and feet
• Monthly nail trims and ear cleaning

First-Time Owner Consideration

Good choice for committed first-time owners. They’re forgiving, friendly, and eager to please. The grooming commitment is the biggest hurdle – if you can handle daily brushing, you can handle a Beardie.

Common Behavioural Challenges

• Excessive friendliness – they’ll greet burglars like long-lost friends
• Jumping up – they’re enthusiastic greeters
• Herding instincts – may try to herd children, other pets, or guests
• Sensitivity – they don’t cope well with harsh corrections or shouting

Climate Considerations

Built for Scottish weather, so they thrive in cooler climates. That double coat makes them uncomfortable in hot weather. They’ll need access to shade, water, and possibly air conditioning in summer. They’re happiest when you’re reaching for a jacket.

With Other Pets and Children

Excellent with both. They’re patient with children and generally good with other pets, though they may try to herd them. Their friendly nature makes them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions.

The Bottom Line

These breeds aren’t for everyone, but for the right owners, they’re absolutely magical. Just remember: research thoroughly, buy from reputable breeders, and prepare for a lifetime of adventures with your new four-legged comedian. And maybe invest in a good vacuum cleaner – you’re going to need it.

Still shopping for the perfect breed? Check out our complete dog directory at Five Minutes Spare, where we’ve got more dog breeds than you can shake a stick at (though we don’t recommend shaking sticks at most of them).