The bearded collie is a medium-sized herding breed from Scotland with a sturdy body, floppy ears, and bearded facial hair that's part of a coarse, shaggy coat. Affectionately referred to as "beardies," these collies are highly energetic, intelligent working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep in Scotland.
Recognizable by their long, thick, shaggy coat that forms a beard at the muzzle, bearded collies can come in a variety of colors. Because of their unique coat and intelligence, they make excellent show dogs. They are also popular family pets for those who can keep up with their grooming and exercise needs.
Learn about the bearded collie, including their temperament, care needs, and history.
Group: Herding
Height: 21 to 22 inches (males); 20 to 21 inches (females)
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Coat: Double coat with straight, coarse, shaggy outercoat and soft undercoat
Coat Color: Black, blue, brown, or fawn; commonly fades to white or silver markings as the dog ages
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Temperament: Intelligent, alert, friendly, energetic, bright
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Scotland
Bearded collies are bright, loyal dogs who love to be part of a family. This breed is known for having a spunky and playful personality that is especially evident through their signature "beardie bounce," as these dogs jump up and down on their front feet when excited.
Their bouncy nature carries over to their temperament with people and other animals, often enthusiastic to make new friends. While they make great family dogs for kids, bearded collies are still a herding breed, and they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day to stay happy. This breed is a great choice for active people who can spend plenty of time with their dog and can tolerate stray fur around the house from their long, shaggy coat.
Although the bearded collie is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, its name has changed over time. These dogs have also been known as the highland collie or mountain collie. Because farmers have bred herding dogs for centuries, the exact origin of bearded collies is unknown, but it's believed that this breed dates back to 1500s Scotland. Shaggy, long-haired working dogs were depicted in two pieces of artwork from the 1700s, which are considered the first visual depictions of the bearded collie.
Today's bearded collies were developed by G.O. Willison, who began breeding them for dog shows after World War II. She's also credited in helping develop the Bearded Collie Club in Britain, which propelled the breed to popularity around Europe.
Bearded collies arrived in the United States sometime during the late 1950s, but the first litter of puppies wasn't born until 1967. In 1969, the Bearded Collie Club of America was formed, and the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1977.
Fun fact: a bearded collie was the star of the movie, The Shaggy Dog, which was released in 2006.
Since they were originally bred to work in cold, harsh climates, the bearded collie's exercise and grooming needs make them fairly high-maintenance in standard homes (especially for first-time dog owners). Also, these dogs will find ways to make their own fun if not entertained regularly, so their families should be prepared for consistent and ongoing training to raise a well-behaved bearded collie.
Bearded collies may appear smaller than some other herding dogs, but don't let their slight stature fool you. Like other working breeds, they are athletic and muscular. Pet parents need to provide one to two hours per day of exercise. Some high-energy activities include:
Although a bearded collie may be comfortable in an apartment with plenty of exercise outside the house, this breed is better suited for a single-family home with a large yard to run around. Additionally, families with busy schedules or those who are away from the house often might not be best for a bearded collie, as they need a lot of attention to thrive.
Because bearded collies have a long, thick, shaggy coat with a softer undercoat, they require a few minutes of brushing with a bristle or pin brush daily. They also require routine grooming weekly to help prevent tangles and mats to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Any tangles should first be sprayed with detangling spray and gently combed out with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, then brushed to smooth the hair. Removing tangles with only a brush can worsen them or harm your dog's coat and skin.
Bearded collies shed heavily for two to four weeks every year, so you'll probably want to increase the frequency of grooming during this time. This can help prevent stray fur around the house.
Examine your bearded collie's ears once a week, gently cleaning them with ear cleaning solution and a cotton pad if dirt and debris are present. Avoid cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner ear structures. If your beardie's ears are excessively dirty, red, inflamed, or smell funny, contact your vet immediately to treat the possible ear infection.
Since bearded collies are extremely intelligent, high-energy dogs, ongoing obedience training is a must. Basic lessons can begin when puppies are 8 weeks old. Bearded collies have minds of their own and can be stubborn—they can even become possessive of their toys—so starting early will help your dog learn appropriate behaviors. These lessons should be interesting to stimulate your dog's mind. Positive reinforcement with treats or playtime as rewards can keep your beardie engaged.
This breed's energy level makes it ideal for active households with large outdoor spaces for running or playing fetch. Bearded collies are excellent with children and can make perfect playmates for high-energy kids, but it's important to teach young kids how to approach and handle the dog. Like any breed, kids shouldn't be left unsupervised with beardies at playtime.
Bearded collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all purebreds, they can be susceptible to inherited health issues. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for genetic conditions before breeding to avoid passing problems down to puppies.
Some conditions that might affect bearded collies include:
Feed your bearded collie a high-quality dog food at least twice a day. These active dogs do best on diets high in protein, but specific nutrient needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and metabolism. Adults might need around 2 cups of food daily, and it’s best to divide the total amount fed per day into multiple feedings.
Like all dog breeds, bearded collies can become overweight or obese if they're overfed and under-exercised. If you're not sure how much to feed your bearded collie or which food is best, talk to your veterinarian to determine a healthy meal plan. Very active dogs can have a few extra treats, but overall, they should be given in moderation.
Bearded collie puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500, but prices may vary based on pedigree and availability.
If you want to adopt a bearded collie, check your local animal shelter or look for a bearded collie rescue organization in your state—if this specific breed isn't available, they may be able to recommend another shelter or rescue organization with similar dogs waiting for their forever homes.
When adopting a puppy from a breeder, it's essential to do your research. Responsible breeders do not produce new litters often and perform the necessary medical tests on both parents. Prospective adopters should be allowed to meet these parents and see that the dogs are kept in a comfortable, safe, indoor location.
To start your search, check out these resources for breed-specific rescues, the national breed club, and the AKC:
The bearded collie is a playful, friendly, and intelligent dog that can make a wonderful family pet. But these dogs have a lot of energy and high exercise needs, along with high grooming requirements. They also need to be trained to prevent bad behaviors. So, before bringing this dog home, consider everything they’ll need to be happy and healthy.
If you love bearded collies, you might also like these similar breeds:
There are plenty of different dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find your next best friend!
Bearded collies are well-known for being great pets in active households. These dogs love spending time with their owners and playing with children or other pets; however, their energy level comes with high exercise needs.
The bearded collie is considered rare, so finding one might require a bit of patience.
Because of their long, shaggy coat, bearded collies shed plenty of fur around the house. Thankfully, pet parents can usually minimize shedding with regular grooming and de-shedding brushes.
As a herding breed with long fur, the bearded collie can be considered a high-maintenance dog. Beardies need extensive exercise for up to two hours each day, and they also require weekly grooming care to prevent mats and tangles in their coat.
Common Injuries in Dogs and How to Treat Them
Learn about the most common injuries in dogs—whether in their legs, spine, tail, or eye—and how you should treat them with this helpful list.How to Calm a Panting Dog
Learn how to calm a dog’s breathing when they’re panting or breathing too fast. Dogs may breathe fast for several reasons. Know when to call the vet and how to determine if it’s an emergency.Common Antibiotics for Dogs
Antibiotics are commonly used in dogs to treat a variety of infections. Learn about some common types of antibiotics for dogs, what conditions they treat, potential side effects, and safety information.Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV for short, is a small, shaggy-coated scent hound from France. Known for their charming personality and cuddly appearance, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are outgoing, confident, and proud dogs.Golden Retriever: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care
Learn about the golden retriever, one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is known for its loyalty, enthusiasm, and sweet, bright eyes.Becoming a Show Dog: Getting Started
Do you have the perfect puppy? Have you considered showing her in a dog show? There's much more to showing than showing up! Here's how to get started.How to Train Your Dog to Go to Its Place
Training your dog to go to its bed or place is a great way to get it to settle down quickly. Learn how to get your dog to follow the place command.Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats
Black cats have played a major role in folklore, superstition, and mythology for centuries. Learn the origins behind these black cat stories.Devon Rex: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
The Devon rex is a unique breed known for their unique appearance, including large ears, big eyes, and a short, wavy coat. They are active and friendly cats who make a great fit for most families. Learn more about the Devon rex cat breed.Birman: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
The Birman is a medium- to large-sized cat breed that has a stocky body and a quiet demeanor. Learn more about this kind-natured cat.Reasons Why Your Cat Acts Crazy and How to Stop It
Cats do some strange things. Learn the reasons why your cat may run around acting crazy and find out if it's something you should be concerned about.Why Cats Eat Litter and How to Stop It
Eating litter is not uncommon in kittens, but it may be a sign of health problems in adult cats.How to Discipline Your Cat the Right Way
Cats are mischievous but sometimes they also misbehave. Learn how to safely and effectively discipline a cat and positively change their behavior.Ringworm in Cats
Ringworm in cats is a fungus similar to athlete's foot in humans. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.Signs of Heat in Cats
A cat in heat will show several physical and behavioral signs. Here's how to tell if your cat is in heat and how to care for her during this time. Learn the signs and how to prevent pregnancy, even if her cycle has begun.What to Do if Your Cat Is Snoring
Cat snoring can happen for several reasons. Find out if your cat's snoring is normal or caused by a medical issue. Know when to call the vet about your cat snoring.Is Lavender Safe for Cats?
Are cats safe around lavender? Find out how lavender affects cats and what to do if your cat is exposed to it.Hyperlipidemia in Cats
Hyperlipidemia is an abnormally high level of fat in a cat's bloodstream. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.275 Best Male Cat Names for Your Handsome Kitty
There are plenty of male cat names to choose from if you’re looking to add a new tomcat to the family. Here are 275 of our favorite choices for male cat names.Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?
What are the potential health benefits of chicken feet for dogs? What are the risks?