Bearded Collie
A grey whirlwind off the Scottish hills — the sheepdog that works by bouncing.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 51–56 cm |
| Weight | 18–27 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — 60–90 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate, seasonal |
| Coat | Long, shaggy double coat · slate, blue, brown, fawn — often with white |
| Group | Herding · FCI №271 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to drive sheep and cattle across sodden Highland ground, the Beardie works with noise, bounce and infectious enthusiasm rather than the Border Collie's silent stare. At home that means a joyful, sociable clown — affectionate, a touch headstrong, and convinced every gathering improves with a wet, bearded face in the middle of it.
Habits & quirks
The Beardie bounce
Joy, impatience and dinner time are all expressed vertically, on springs.
Weather immunity
A coat built for Highland rain means puddles are an invitation, not a deterrent.
The dripping beard
Every drink ends with a generous beard-load of water delivered to your lap.
Vocal commentary
Bred to bark sheep out of cover, it narrates games, doorbells and dinner prep.
Care
| Grooming | Line-brush to the skin several times a week — surface brushing leaves hidden mats. |
| Exercise | An hour or more of real activity daily; a bored Beardie invents loud hobbies. |
| Training | Keep it upbeat and varied — this clever clown switches off under drill-sergeant repetition. |
| Feeding | Watch condition under all that coat; your hands will notice weight gain before your eyes do. |
Common questions
Do Bearded Collies shed a lot?
Less than you'd fear, but the trade is grooming: the long double coat mats readily and needs thorough brushing several times a week. Many pet owners opt for a shorter clip.
Are Bearded Collies good family dogs?
Excellent — playful, gentle and genuinely fond of children. Just channel the bounce and mild herding urges early, and expect enthusiasm rather than calm.
Is a Bearded Collie the same as an Old English Sheepdog?
No — the Beardie is lighter, leggier and has a tail, and the breeds developed separately, though they likely share ancestry. The Beardie is the more athletic of the two.