Herding group
Bearded Collie
A bouncy, shaggy Scottish herder with a sense of humour.
Bearded Collies are exuberant, shaggy herding dogs with a joyful, clownish personality. They are affectionate family dogs that need lots of exercise, a patient trainer and serious coat care.
- Height
- 20–22 in51–56 cm
- Weight
- 45–55 lb20–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- Scotland
Coat: Long, harsh, shaggy double coat with a beard. Colours: Black, Blue, Brown, Fawn, With or without white markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Beardies are cheerful, sociable and full of fun. They tend to love everyone, including children, visitors and other dogs, and they bring a lot of bounce to family life — fans call it the “Beardie bounce”.
They are intelligent but independent thinkers, sometimes described as clownish rather than obedient. Under-exercised Beardies become noisy and mischievous, and some try to herd children.
Living with a Bearded Collie
Exercise
Needs 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily activity. Excellent for herding, agility and long country walks.
Grooming
Brush thoroughly at least weekly to the skin to prevent mats, more during the adolescent coat change. Many pet owners keep a shorter trim.
Training
Bright but independent; keep sessions fun and varied with reward-based methods. Teach a reliable recall and a settle.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and other dogs. Some may try to herd small children or chase cats.
Time alone
Beardies are social and dislike long isolation; boredom leads to barking and chewing.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Bearded Collie right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bearded Collie matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Bearded Collie typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
The main orthopaedic concern; screened parents reduce the risk.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid causing coat and weight problems; managed with medication.
Addison’s disease
An adrenal disorder seen in the breed; symptoms can be vague, so mention the breed risk to your vet.
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune conditions such as pemphigus occur more often than average.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; annual eye exams are recommended.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Bearded Collie; Bearded Collie Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Bearded Collies herded sheep and drove cattle in the Scottish Highlands and Borders for centuries. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs brought to Scotland by traders in the 1500s may be among their ancestors.
The breed nearly disappeared after WWII. In 1944 Mrs G. Olive Willison obtained a Beardie named Jeannie and, with a male called Bailie, rebuilt the breed. The AKC recognised the Bearded Collie in 1977.
Did you know?
- Beardie puppies are born dark and usually lighten considerably before darkening again as adults.
- The breed’s joyful leaping is nicknamed the “Beardie bounce”.
- Almost every Bearded Collie today descends from Jeannie and Bailie, the post-war foundation pair.
Library guides for Bearded Collie owners
Grooming
Brushing
Bearded Collie coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Bearded Collie without drying out the coat.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Bearded Collies good family dogs?
- Yes — they are sociable, playful and great with children, as long as they get enough exercise.
- How much grooming does a Bearded Collie need?
- A lot: thorough weekly brushing to the skin, or a shorter pet trim.
- Do Bearded Collies bark a lot?
- They can be vocal, especially when bored or excited.