Distinctive Traits of the Bearded Collie Breed

The origins of the bearded collie dog breed can be traced back to dogs introduced to Europe by the Magyars, the people who settled in present-day Hungary from northern Asia. The story goes that in 1514 a Polish trader, Kazimierz Grabski, landed in Scotland bringing with him a few long-haired dogs as herding dogs. Put to work, they proved so good at working with sheep that local farmers wanted to trade a pair for some of their sheep.

These dogs crossed with Scottish shepherds, giving rise to the highland collie, from which in the early 1900s a new selection was started by the first bearded collie protection club. At that time there was no recognised standard and the breed probably saw further cross-breeding over the centuries before reaching the characteristics we know today.

However, in Scotland at the beginning of the 19th century it was considered a valuable working dog, entrusted with driving and leading herds of cattle from one place to another. This breed was seriously threatened with extinction, like others, during World War II, and is still considered a rare breed although breeding has since resumed.

We owe the existence of the bearded collie, as we know it today, to the Scottish dog lover G. Olive Willison, who started breeding these lively dogs after World War II, saving them from extinction.

Character of the bearded collie dog breed

The bearded collie is an alert, lively, active, confident and generous dog. Looking at him, one also realises that he is a very sweet dog, showing no signs of nervousness or aggression.

Always ready to run and play, he is an excellent companion for children, with whom he gets on very well. He is affectionate with the whole family, and today more than a working dog, one can say that he is a companion dog.

It is comfortable in a flat and also has a calm, cuddly and patient side, so it also gets along well with the elderly. This does not negate the need for physical activity, especially given its shepherd origins, but it does mean that this breed is able to adapt to different types of environment, without any problems and without suffering much.

It barks a lot when it hears some unusual noise, but if a stranger enters the house, it greets it with joy, so it is not gone to be a guard dog, although it does alert when needed.

Training a bearded collie is easy, he is a very intelligent dog and just don't adopt aggressive attitudes, in which case he may lose confidence and close in on himself, becoming sad and stubborn. It is also an excellent dog for pet therapy, thanks to its positive inclination towards people. It obeys all family members and accepts other dogs without any problems.

Appearance of the bearded collie dog breed

The bearded collie is a medium-sized dog, with a height at withers of around 55 centimetres and a weight of up to 25 kilograms in the male, the female usually a little less. It has a lean physique and its constitution is strong and robust. It has a longer, lighter, solid body with flexible movements.

The legs are straight, with strong but not heavy bones, and are covered with fur on all sides. The tail is inserted low and is fairly long. Carried low, it curves upwards at the tip both in station and in movement. It is never carried on the back and is covered with abundant fur.

The head is in proportion to the size. It has a brilliant and intelligent expression. The muzzle has strong features and the head box is capable. The muzzle has a very charming and typical expression. The truffle is wide and square, generally black but normally matching the coat colour. The eyes are large, well spaced and with a sweet and affectionate expression; their colour is in harmony with the coat colour. The ears are medium-sized and drooping.

But what distinguishes the bearded collie is its coat; it is double, with soft, dense, fur-like undercoat, and very long even on the muzzle, forming a sort of beard and long whiskers. The colour of the coat ranges from slate grey, black, blue, brown, sand, fawn and reddish, and both spotted and unspotted are allowed in the standard. The bearded collie is undeniably an aesthetically attractive dog, elegant in form and gait, and uniquely friendly.

Care and health of the bearded collie dog breed

No specific diseases are found for this breed. With advancing years, hip dysplasia and osteomuscular and eye diseases may occur. It has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

With regard to coat care, the bearded dog is a little demanding. Its coat must be brushed often to avoid knots, bathed approximately every month and every week inspect its ears, mouth and eyes to ensure both cleanliness and that there are no ongoing infections or parasites. It does not lose any undercoat and does not need to be trimmed, as it does not grow.

It tolerates both cold and hot temperatures quite well, but not extreme and not for long. As far as nutrition is concerned, he has no tendency to obesity; a balanced diet and daily exercise are enough for him to be fit.