The Bearded Collie, affectionately known as the “Beardie,” is a shaggy, enthusiastic bundle of joy. With his long, flowing coat, distinctive beard, and mustache, he looks like a four-legged mop that has just been plugged into an electrical socket. But beneath that explosion of hair lies one of the most athletic, agile, and charismatic herding breeds in the world.

He is famous for the “Beardie Bounce”—a springy, pogo-stick-like leap that allows him to see over the backs of sheep or through dense Highland mist. But perhaps his most defining trait is his legendary sense of humor. The Bearded Collie is a clown, a prankster, and a deeply affectionate family member who approaches life with a wagging tail and the firm belief that everyone he meets is his new best friend.

History and Origin: The Highland Herder

The Bearded Collie is one of Britain’s oldest breeds, with roots that reach deep into the rugged hills of Scotland.

• The Polish Legend: Legend has it that in 1514, a Polish merchant visiting Scotland traded three Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (Polski Owczarek Nizinny) to a local shepherd in exchange for a handsome ram and a ewe. These sturdy, shaggy Polish dogs were crossed with local Scottish herding dogs, creating the foundation for the breed we know today.
• The Drover’s Companion: For centuries, Beardies were the ultimate working dogs of the Highlands. They were “drovers,” responsible for moving huge herds of cattle and sheep over vast distances and through treacherous terrain. Unlike the Border Collie, which works with intense “eye” and silent concentration, the Beardie was bred to be an independent thinker. He used his bark and his “bounce” to keep stubborn livestock moving.
• A Dog of the People: Because they were working dogs of the poor shepherds, their history wasn’t well-documented by the upper classes. They were often referred to simply as the “Highland Collie” or the “Mountain Collie.”
• The Great Revival: By the end of World War II, the breed had nearly vanished. A dedicated breeder named Mrs. G. Olive Willison is credited with saving the breed after she accidentally received a Bearded Collie puppy (Jeannie of Bothkennar) instead of a Shetland Sheepdog. She dedicated herself to finding a mate (Bailie of Bothkennar) and reviving the breed. Today, the Beardie is a star of the show ring and a beloved companion, though his working heart remains.

Physical Characteristics: Shaggy and Lean

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with a long, lean, and powerful body. He is built for endurance and agility in rough environments.

• Height: Males 21–22 inches (53-56 cm); Females 20–21 inches (51-53 cm).
• Weight: 45–55 pounds (20-25 kg).

Distinctive Features

• The Coat: His most famous attribute. He has a double coat consisting of a flat, harsh, and shaggy outer coat and a soft, furry undercoat. The hair parts naturally down the center of the back and flows over his eyes and muzzle.
• The “Beard”: Long hair on the chin and muzzle gives him his name. It gives him a thoughtful, human-like expression.
• The Color-Changing Coat: Beardies possess a unique “fading gene.” They are born dark (Black, Blue, Brown, or Fawn). As they grow, their coat color typically lightens significantly (gray, cream, or sand color) until they reach maturity, at which point it may darken again.
• The Eyes: Large, expressive, and set wide apart. In a Beardie, the eye color always matches the base coat color (e.g., a brown Beardie will have amber eyes).
• The Tail: Set low and carried low with a characteristic upward swirl at the tip (“the hook”). When he is excited, he carries his tail like a flag.

Temperament and Personality: The Bouncing Optimist

Bearded Collies are famously happy. They don’t just walk; they bounce.

The Social Butterfly

They love people with an intensity that can be overwhelming. They are not guard dogs; they are “welcome committees.” A Beardie is more likely to show a burglar where the silver is kept in exchange for a belly rub. They are excellent with children, though their “bounce” and exuberant tail-wags can easily knock over a toddler.

The Practical Joker

Beardies have a well-documented sense of mischief. They are problem solvers who use their intelligence to entertain themselves. This often translates to stealing socks, opening cabinets, or “herding” guests from the front door to the couch. They thrive on laughter and will repeat a silly behavior if it gets a reaction from you.

The Sensitive Thinker

While they are independent, they are also highly sensitive. They are very in-tune with their owner’s moods. If you are having a bad day, your Beardie will be there with a cold nose and a shaggy head in your lap. They do not respond well to anger or harshness.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: The “Always On” Internal Battery

The Beardie is an athlete. He needs significant physical and mental exercise to stay sane.

• Daily Activity: One long walk is not enough. He needs a chance to run off-leash in a safe area, play a vigorous game of fetch, or engage in a sport.
• Dog Sports: They are superstars in Agility and Rally. They also love Treibball (herding large fitness balls), which satisfies their herding instinct without needing actual sheep.
• The “Shadow” Factor: They don’t just need exercise; they need your company. A Beardie left alone in a yard will find his own exercise by digging up your rose bushes or barking at the wind.

Training: Negotiation Over Command

He is highly intelligent, but he is not a robot.

• Independence: Since he was bred to work for weeks without human direction, he has a “what’s in it for me?” attitude.
• Positive Reinforcement: Treats, play, and praise are the only ways to train a Beardie. Keep sessions short and full of variety. If you make it feel like a game, he will do anything for you.
• The “Beardie Boredom”: If you ask him to do the same thing five times, he will give you a bored look and go find something more interesting to do.

Health and Lifespan

Bearded Collies are generally a healthy, long-lived breed, typically living 12 to 14 years.

• Addison’s Disease: This is a serious but manageable condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Beardie owners should be aware of the signs (lethargy, vomiting).
• Hip Dysplasia: Common in most medium and large breeds.
• Hypothyroidism: Can cause weight gain and coat changes.
• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): An inherited eye condition.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Some lines are prone to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or pemphigus.
• Bloat: Like all deep-chested dogs, they are at risk.

Grooming and Care: The Shaggy Commitment

Owning a Beardie means becoming a part-time groomer.

• Brushing: He needs a thorough brushing at least 2–3 times a week. You MUST brush all the way down to the skin. If you only brush the surface, mats will form underneath and eventually require the dog to be shaved.
• The “Teenage” Coat: When a Beardie is between 9 and 18 months old, he loses his puppy coat. This is a grooming nightmare where mats form almost overnight. Once this phase is over, the adult coat is easier to manage.
• The Mess Factor: His beard is a sponge. He will drink water and then trail a “beard-water-trail” across your floor. He will also bring half the forest (leaves, sticks, burrs) back into your house in his coat.
• Ears and Feet: Keep the hair between the pads trimmed to prevent slipping and to keep mud from caking.

Is a Bearded Collie Right for You?

The Beardie is a wonderful, messy, and deeply rewarding companion.

Yes, if:

• You want a dog with a massive personality. You love the “clown” energy.
• You are an active outdoorsy person. You want a partner for every hike.
• You have a sense of humor. You can laugh when he steals your shoe.
• You don’t mind a “messy” house. You’ve made peace with mud and hair.

No, if:

• You are a neat freak. The coat and the beard are inherently messy.
• You work long hours away from home. He will become depressed and destructive.
• You want a quiet, serious guard dog. He loves everyone too much.
• You aren’t prepared for the grooming. It’s a lifetime commitment.

For the family who doesn’t mind a little chaos and a lot of shaggy love, the Bearded Collie is a loyal, fun-loving, and endlessly cheerful friend who will literally bounce his way into the center of your heart.