Bearded Collies
The Bearded Collie is a worthy member of the AKCs Herding Group. Bred for centuries in the Scottish Highlands as a companion and servant of man, the Bearded Collie is known for its strength and agility as well as a devoted and highly intelligent member of the family. He is stable and self-confident, showing no signs of shyness or aggression. This is a natural and unspoiled breed.
The Bearded Collie is not a "Collie" like Lassie. They aren't even related. The word "collie" is simply a Scottish term for a dog that works at herding. Thus a Border Collie, a Bearded Collie and a Collie are all dogs who herd, but are not related (other than by being dogs). It was developed as an independent worker, able to make decisions concerning the welfare and safety of their charges without depending on the shepherd who might be miles away. Flocks in Scotland intermingled freely, yet one Beardie never brought home a wrong sheep during his many years of work. The Beardie is still used as a shepherd's helpmate in Scotland, and now in the U.S.
They are a medium sized dog with a medium length coat that follows the natural line of the body and allows plenty of daylight under the body. The body is long and lean, and, though strongly made, does not appear heavy. A bright inquiring expression is a distinctive feature of the breed.
To view the Bearded Collie Standard click here.
If you are thinking of allowing a Bearded Collie to own you, there are some important things that you should know:
1. A Beardie is a winsome, funny, loving, sometimes silly, sometimes pouty, adorable, curious, persistent creature, in short, close to human. As puppies, they're much like two-year-old children. They try out their independence, test their "parents," and are so cute they're difficult to correct. If you're not willing to put the time and energy into properly training your dog, Beardies are so smart that they will get away with murder. You have to be smarter than they are! !
2. Don't buy a Beardie if you need it to be a watchdog. Oh, they will bark at anyone at the door, friend or foe, but when they get inside, friend or foe, they are more likely to get licked or greeted with a friendly pounce. Beardies can be noisy, barking during playtime and just to "talk" But they are not a yappy breed.
3. Being bred for it, they are instinctive herders. They will herd each other, other dogs, and even children. Keep that in mind for good or bad if you have a bunch of kids. They will even try, I say try, to herd cats (but with only limited success. We have two cats and I guess I'm being generous by even using the word "limited".)
4. Bearded Collies must be groomed regularly. Even pets need to be groomed at a minimum of 1 hr. per week.
5. You must learn to love and appreciate the "Beardie Bounce", the breed's characteristic bounding at play, bounding to greet you, bounding to look out the window when they hear a noise, . . .bounding. . .ever bounding.
6. Beardies should have a place to run or are at least exercised regularly. On the other hand they should not be left alone outside for long periods of time as, believe me, they will figure out some way to get into mischief. We have a dog door that leads out into a relatively small dog yard for our Beardies to go out and come in as they please. I highly recommend it. We also have a large fenced in yard that we can let them into to run around. And they get a daily walk.
7. The Bearded Collie is not for everyone. They like to be challenged. They require a lot of exercise. There is a lot of grooming and a lot of dog hair around the house (even though much of the dead hair comes out with proper grooming).
But if you can get past these idiosyncrasies, you will be rewarded with a loving happy bundle of joy as well as a wonderful companion and member of the family.
The Bearded Collie Club of America has a pretty good fact and question & answer page. Click here to go to that site.
Although we know of few Beardies here in New England that actually work sheep, the Beardie has transitioned into other areas where it is able to show off its skills, energy, and stamina. They are great in the agility and obedience ring, make wonderful companion dogs, and can be taught to perform many tasks. Click here for the Minuteman Bearded Collie Club (the Beardie club serving New England)
Cuthbert Kennels - c/o Bill & Cindy Volk, 73 West Main, Cummington, MA 01026 Phone: 800-286-5401 or 413-634-2174 or 413-634-5401
E-Mail: billvolk@westmass.com