Bearded Collie Puppies For Sale. Agile & athletic working dog. High energy. Great hiking dog. Children friendly. Needs large outside open spaces. Bearded Collie information, photos & breeder listings. Needs daily brushing & walks.

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The Bearded Collie made its first reported appearance about 1514, when Kazimierz Grabski, a Scottish shepherd, supposedly traded several of his sheep with a Polish sea captain and got several Polish lowland sheepdogs in exchange. Subsequently, the sheepdogs were bred with Scottish dogs to produce predecessors to the Bearded Collie; these were subsequently called the "Highland collie," Highland sheepdog," or Hairy moved collie." They became excellent working dogs, herding cattle and sheep for local shepherds for centuries, in Britain. However, during the Second World War, the breed almost became extinct.

In 1944, that changed when a Mrs. G. Olive Willison reportedly was to receive a Shetland sheepdog, but received a Bearded Collie instead. This was the impetus for the modern Bearded Collie and the breed's ultimate resurrection; her Bearded Collie Jeannie of Bothkenna (female) was bred with Bailie of Bothkennar (male). These two dogs are the original founders of the breed, with only a couple of other registered bloodlines in the history.

During the last part of the 20^th century, the Bearded Collie became popular. It's a very good-natured dog and makes an excellent pet. It's also a very good working dog and show dog.

The first US Bearded Collies were produced in 1967, with the breed fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1976. They're still considered quite rare, but are relatively popular as pets even so.

Appearance
The Bearded Collie gets its name because it has a "beard" on its chin, or long hairs. The word "collie" is Scottish for "working dog." It is of medium size and stands about 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder, weighing about 40 to 60 pounds in adulthood. The Bearded Collie has a long, lean body and a large, broad flat head. The ears hang close to the head and are covered with long hair, and its shaggy double coat is waterproof and hangs down over the entire body. This makes the Bearded Collie very suitable for outdoor living if necessary, even in temperamental or inclement weather, or in rugged terrain. They're usually born as fawn, brown, blue or black, with or without white markings, and then they'll often lighten to a cream or light gray color as they get older. The coat will change color several times before it reaches its final color. By the time Bearded Collies are about a year old, their coats will have become their final color(s).

Physically, these dogs are very agile and very athletic. They are high energy with lean, long bodies perfect for running about and keeping their footing even on steep, hilly terrain.

Temperament

The Bearded Collie is very high energy but very happy, good-humored, playful, affectionate, and very lively. These dogs are very good with children and want to be with their "people." They don't do well if they're left alone a lot; although they want to behave, their exuberance and natural curiosity simply gets them in trouble. They're very mischievous and although they want to please, they should be exercised quite strenuously and giving something to "do," even if simply to keep them in check. Left to themselves, they'll be bored and without enough mental or physical stimulation.

They must have a firm but gentle hand to guide them, and if you are a very affectionate but stern pet owner, your pet will want nothing more than to please you. However, your pet is also quite intelligent and if you're seen as meek, your pet will try to maintain authority over you. Once you set the rules and are consistent in enforcing them, however, these pets are very happy to follow them and are actually natural workers. They love to "herd" people and animals, and still do very well as working dogs on farms for herding work. A well socialized "beardie" will be stable, confident, and affectionate.

Environment
The Bearded Collie is a very, very affectionate and lively, charming, playful, "bouncy" pet. Their infectious good nature makes these dogs natural pets. They bond easily with human owners, and they are very, very good with children; they do well in large, rambunctious families. They do need a strong but gentle hand, and they love to have an authority figure to depend on. They're very agile in the out-of-doors and actually do very well with lots of outdoor activity even in inclement weather. They don't do well in largely indoor environments like apartments and should have at least a relatively large yard to run and play in. They need a daily walk and someplace to go off leash running on a regular basis. Bearded Collies actually prefer the out-of-doors; while modern life may not make it entirely possible to keep your Bearded Collie out-of-doors all of the time, regular access should be offered.

Again, remember that your Bearded Collie loves company and should not be left alone. This includes tying or otherwise confining or penning your pet out-of-doors alone, too. When your dog is outside, you should be, too. If you must leave your pet alone even for brief periods of time, make sure you take him or her for a long walk or run first to burn off some of that overabundance of energy. Even so, don't be surprised if you come home and find a minor disaster to clean up!

Grooming
Bearded Collies have long, shaggy coats that need daily brushing. They can become matted easily, so careful attention to brushing on a daily basis is necessary, especially when the dog is shedding. If matting becomes particularly bad or daily brushing proves too difficult, it's perfectly fine to machine clip dogs every two months, done professionally, to keep the coat tangle free and comfortable.

Although Bearded Collies don't need to be bathed often, they do need it occasionally; dry shampoo as well as traditional bathing may also be suitable. Because Bearded Collies do love the out-of-doors, they're also prone to picking up ticks and fleas; however, their long thick coats make it difficult to find these pests. Check often to make sure your pet has not become infested.

Health
Bearded Collies are quite hardy, as you might expect, given their natural propensity to want to be out and about in even difficult environmental conditions. They can be susceptible to Addison's disease, which occurs in about 2 to 3% of the population. They're also quite prone to "larger dogs'" diseases like hip dysplasia. However, their longevity is quite good, with an average life span of 14 to 15 years. Regular veterinary checkups should be par for the course, as should regular checking for ticks and fleas whenever the dog has been out. Again, because the Bearded Collie's thick coat can conceal these pests quite easily, they can become a problem.

Are There Any Situations Where You Should Not Have A Bearded Collie As A Pet?
These wonderful, affectionate, loyal and rambunctious dogs are just that – rambunctious. Although they very much want to please their human masters, their high energy and exuberance may make them a bit of a handful for older owners or those who don't have the time or energy to walk and exercise their pets as much as they should. A "quieter" and more sedate breed is recommended for anyone with physical limitations that may make it impossible to keep up with this very physical pet. In addition, if you live in an apartment, a Bearded Collie will not be happy. Again, these lovely, affectionate and very loyal pets do best with plenty to do and with lots of room to run and play.

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